Chanel has acquired luxury Parisian shirtmaker Charvet, ending 188 years of independent ownership for one of France’s most storied fashion houses.
The deal includes Charvet’s headquarters and store on Place Vendôme in Paris. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1838 by Joseph-Christophe Charvet, the business is regarded as the world’s first specialist shirtmaker and is known for its bespoke shirts, suits and accessories.
The acquisition follows a recent collaboration between Charvet and Chanel artistic director Matthieu Blazy, who worked with the shirtmaker on pieces for his debut collection for the luxury house.
Chanel said the deal was designed to protect Charvet’s craft and heritage over the long term, while respecting its creative independence.
Chanel president of fashion activities Bruno Pavlovsky said the group had “always considered it our responsibility to support, preserve, and perpetuate these rare artisanal skills”.
He added that the connection with Charvet was particularly strong because of the historic link between the two houses, with Boy Capel, who played an important role in Gabrielle Chanel’s life, among Charvet’s former clients.
Charvet managing director Jean-Claude Colban said he and his sister Anne-Marie were “delighted” by the new chapter, which he said was in keeping with the spirit and identity of the company.
The acquisition is expected to fuel further speculation that Chanel could move deeper into menswear, although the luxury group has previously played down the prospect of launching a dedicated men’s line.
Chanel global chief executive Leena Nair told Vogue Business in May that a men’s collection was “not on the agenda”, but said inspiration from men’s wardrobes had always been part of the brand’s DNA.
The deal also underlines Chanel’s wider push to safeguard specialist craft businesses and strengthen its control over rare luxury expertise.
Charvet will continue to operate as an independent company, with the Colban family staying on during the ownership transition.
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