Chanel has recently established the Chanel and le19M Chair in Fashion Savoir-Faire at the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), solidifying its support for the renowned Paris fashion college. This partnership aims to emphasize the crucial role of craftsmanship within the fashion industry. By creating this initiative, Chanel showcases its commitment to developing a center of research and teaching excellence in savoir-faire at IFM.
The driving force behind this project is 19M, an expansive artisanal center located on the outskirts of northwest Paris. Within this impressive complex, various craft houses owned by Chanel’s holding company, Paraffection, reside. Among them are prominent houses such as Lesage Intérieurs, known for its embroidery arts school; the Montex atelier and MTX, specializing in decoration; shoemaker Massaro; feather and flower expert Lemarié; milliner Maison Michel; pleater Lognon; and the creative department of Eres, the swimwear line of the extended Chanel group.
IFM plays a crucial role in a broader plan by French luxury leaders to establish a fashion college in Paris that can rival renowned institutions in London and New York. Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel’s fashion activities and chairman of the executive committee at IFM, expressed Chanel’s longstanding support for the college, mentioning that Chanel has been offering internships to IFM students for several years. The financial commitment to the new Chair of Savoir-Faire is estimated to be around 150,000 euros per year. Notably, IFM already has two other specific chairs sponsored by Premier Vision, a fabric tradeshow, and luxury group Kering, focusing on sustainability. Furthermore, luxury brands like Chanel consistently make substantial financial contributions to IFM.
Xavier Romatet, the dean of IFM, emphasized the college’s mission to prepare students for multidisciplinary careers in the fashion industry. Approximately one-third of IFM students study fashion and luxury management, and even they are encouraged to gain hands-on experience and understand the language of creation. Romatet acknowledged that Paris’s fashion research and studies have lagged behind international counterparts, despite the city’s status as a fashion capital. However, he expressed confidence that IFM would be able to compete with leading fashion colleges globally in the next five years.
The collaboration with 19M is a significant component of the Chair of Savoir-Faire, granting students the opportunity to study at the extensive complex encompassing 25,000 square meters of space and housing 600 artisans, a gallery, and an embroidery school. Romatet and Pavlovsky underline the importance of merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, such as 3D printing, to preserve unique skills and ensure the future of haute couture.
Emilie Hammen, a teacher, curator, and IFM graduate, has been appointed as the opening professor for the Chair of Savoir-Faire. With her art expertise and experience working with notable brands and designers, Hammen will contribute to the program’s development. The professor’s office will be situated on the IFM campus along the Seine in the 13th arrondissement. Additionally, every student enrolled in the course will have the opportunity to visit 19M and witness the skills and activities taking place there.
The creation of the Chanel Chair of Savoir-Faire at IFM is a significant step towards cultivating excellence in craftsmanship and expanding educational opportunities in the fashion industry. Through this collaboration, Chanel manifests its dedication to preserving and advancing the artistry and skills that define the world of fashion.
Useful links:
1. Institut Français de la Mode (IFM)
2. Chanel
