Chanel has acquired French heritage shirtmaker Charvet in a move aimed at supporting the long-term preservation of its unique savoir-faire while maintaining the historic house’s creative independence
Chanel announced that it has acquired Charvet, the Parisian shirtmaker founded in 1838, as part of its ongoing strategy to preserve exceptional artisanal craftsmanship and ensure the long-term future of French heritage maisons. The luxury group said Charvet will continue to operate with full creative independence while benefiting from long-term support designed to safeguard its expertise for future generations.
The acquisition followed a creative collaboration between Charvet and Chanel Artistic Director Matthieu Blazy on his Spring/Summer 2026 ready-to-wear debut, a partnership that led both companies to explore a broader long-term relationship. Chanel said the dialogue between the two houses naturally evolved into a project focused on preserving Charvet’s craftsmanship within a sustainable framework.
Bruno Pavlovsky, President of Fashion Activities at Chanel and Chanel SAS, said: “We are delighted by this association with Charvet, which holds a special resonance for Chanel. We share the same approach to savoir-faire: with exacting standards, respect, and the conviction that such skills only truly flourish when rooted in longevity. At Chanel, we have always considered it our responsibility to support, preserve, and perpetuate these rare artisanal skills, which embody both exceptional craftsmanship and an essential part of our cultural heritage. With Charvet, this resonance is even stronger, as it forms part of a shared story : Boy Capel, who played such an important role in Gabrielle Chanel’s life, was a regular client of Charvet. This connection thus extends a symbolic link, while affirming a shared commitment to the passing down of skills, the precision of craftsmanship, and the unique ability of great houses to bring heritage into dialogue with contemporary creation.”
The relationship also carries historical significance. Chanel noted that Boy Capel, who played a pivotal role in Gabrielle Chanel’s life, was a regular Charvet client, creating a longstanding connection between the two Parisian houses. The acquisition reinforces Chanel’s broader commitment to supporting specialist manufacturers and preserving traditional craftsmanship across the luxury sector.
Jean-Claude Colban, Managing Director of Charvet, said: “This project represents the coming together of two historic Parisian companies who have chosen to join forces, united by the same standards and a shared commitment to excellence. This relationship has developed quite naturally, marked by open and collaborative exchanges, and rooted in common values: the passing down of savoir-faire, the respect for craftsmanship, and the meticulous attention to quality down to the very last detail. My sister Anne-Marie and I are delighted by this new chapter in Charvet’s history, which is perfectly in keeping with the spirit and identity that have always defined our company.”
The acquisition adds to Chanel’s long-standing investment in preserving specialist craftsmanship and reinforces a wider industry trend of luxury groups securing heritage suppliers and artisanal expertise to protect traditional skills while ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary fashion.
