Chanel, the renowned luxury house, is making a bold move into the world of denim by acquiring FashionArt SpA, a specialist in high-end denim craftsmanship. This partnership not only marks Chanel’s first venture into the denim sector, but it also strengthens its longstanding relationship with FashionArt, which has been a supplier of denim garments to Chanel for the past fifteen years. Although the exact financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, Chanel will hold a majority stake of 60% in the company.
Based in Limena, Italy’s Veneto region, FashionArt is known for its expertise in producing jeans, high-end denim clothing, and fabrics for bags and shoes. The company has not only served Chanel but has also been a trusted partner for other luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton and Burberry, as well as various emerging designers. Founder Andrea Rambaldi has a close connection with Chanel, as he started FashionArt while working for the fashion house on Rue Cambon. The collaboration between FashionArt and Chanel began when Rambaldi impressed Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s legendary creative director, with denim samples he had created through personal experimentation. Lagerfeld, impressed by Rambaldi’s innovation, challenged him to design a pair of denim pants for the 2007/08 Paris-London Métiers d’art collection. This collaboration ultimately led to the birth of FashionArt and its unique style of washed-out denim featuring hand-painted brushstrokes.
Since its establishment in 2008, FashionArt has experienced significant growth, now employing 38 people and collaborating with 15 highly skilled partners for production, while also managing the entire development cycle in-house. The company’s expertise in denim has garnered recognition, and it has made substantial investments in technological research and sustainable development. FashionArt is even GOTS certified, adhering to the highest standards of organic textile production, and ensures that its external production chain also meets these stringent standards.
What sets FashionArt apart from other denim manufacturers is its unconventional approach to crafting denim garments. Instead of printing the fabric first, the company’s artisans first create the garment using various techniques such as powder-based abrasion, laser cutting, 3D printing of patterns, jacquard work, embroidery, and tweed accents. Afterward, the garment is carefully disassembled and reassembled to its original form, resulting in a truly artisanal and distinctive product.
With the addition of FashionArt, Chanel’s conglomerate now includes a total of 42 houses, consisting of twelve art houses and thirty manufacturers. FashionArt is the tenth Italian company to join the group, alongside shoe manufacturers Roveda, Gensi, and Nillab Manifatture (Calzaturificio Ballin), yarn and fancy fabric manufacturer Vimar 1991, leather goods manufacturers Mabi International and Renato Corti, as well as tanneries Samanta and Conceria Gaiera Giovanni, and hosiery manufacturer Paima. Chanel’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship is evident in its strategic investments in these established luxury manufacturing companies.
Chanel’s acquisition of FashionArt further demonstrates its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. By investing in Italian expertise in high-end denim, Chanel continues to expand its portfolio and solidify its position as an industry leader in luxury fashion. As the fashion world evolves, Chanel remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Useful Links:
– Chanel Official Website
– FashionArt Website
