Chanel has officially unveiled its plans for the innovative 19M building located in the heart of Paris. This cutting-edge building is set to become the new home for all of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art businesses, showcasing the exceptional French craftsmanship that the fashion house is renowned for. The highly-anticipated unveiling ceremony took place on a rainy and windy Monday evening, attracting a diverse crowd of around 100 guests including editors, local politicians, artisans, and artists.
Spanning an impressive 25,000 square meters, the triangular-shaped 19M building will serve as a hub for a variety of specialist companies that have been providing exquisite materials such as embroidery, feathers, pleated fabrics, pearls, boots, gloves, and more to couture and luxury ready-to-wear fashion houses since the mid-19th century.
The name “19M” is a nod to the 19th arrondissement of Paris where the building is situated, and also honors the birth date of Chanel’s founder, Gabrielle Chanel. Once completed, 19M will accommodate around 600 employees from 10 different specialist houses within Chanel’s Paraffection division, encompassing a total of 25 companies. Notable brands such as Lesage Intérieurs, Montex, Massaro, Lemarié, Maison Michel, Lognon, and Eres will be among those relocating to this state-of-the-art facility.
Bruno Pavlovsky, Chanel’s President, emphasized that 19M aims to be an inclusive space where artisans, students, and art enthusiasts can converge. The building will also feature a generous 1,200-square-meter exhibition space designed to host a variety of events and activities.
Architected by the talented French architect, Rudy Ricciotti, the design of 19M boasts striking 24-meter-high concrete threads that pay homage to the world of luxury textiles, symbolizing the very essence of fashion. Ricciotti’s unwavering commitment to using French companies, materials, and labor for the project highlights Chanel’s dedication to preserving and promoting French savoir-faire.
For Chanel, this initiative is not just about constructing a new building; it is a continuation of the fashion house’s rich history of collaborating with artisans and safeguarding traditional skills. The creation of the Paraffection company in 1997 further underscores Chanel’s unwavering support for these Métiers d’Art brands.
Although the completion of 19M is still a year away, glimpses of the ongoing construction can be seen on Google Maps. Through this groundbreaking project, Chanel is reaffirming its commitment to championing French craftsmanship in the artistic capital of Paris, signaling a bright future for the esteemed fashion house and its legacy of excellence.
To stay updated on Chanel’s latest developments and projects, visit Chanel’s official website. For a deeper dive into the world of French fashion and craftsmanship, explore the resources available on FrenchFashion.com.
