14 June 2025
Behind CHANEL’s instantly recognizable pieces like tweed suits, quilted handbags and pearl accents lies a world of intricate craftsmanship that brings each creation to life. At the heart of this excellence is CHANEL’s Métiers d’Art – a celebration of artisanal savoir-faire that honors the skilled artisans who uphold the house’s legacy.
Each year CHANEL showcases its Métiers d’Art collection – a tribute to the specialist workshops responsible for embroidery, featherwork, pleating, millinery, and more. With the creation of the 19M workshop in Paris, CHANEL has solidified its commitment to preserving and evolving these rare crafts.
Launched in 2002 by Karl Lagerfeld, the Métiers d’Art collection is presented once a year, outside the regular fashion calendar, and spotlights the artisans behind CHANEL’s creations. However, unlike the house’s regular seasonal collections, Métiers d’Art focuses on craftsmanship rather than trends. “It is made in a very artisanal way in the best sense of the word, because in artisanal, there is art. The art of doing it well. An applied art. And it really is astounding. I think the image of this collection is very much down to this refinement which should be seen close up, almost touched, to understand how it is done and to really appreciate the beauty of this work,” explained Karl Lagerfeld to L’Officiel in 2018.
The collection is always presented in a location tied to Gabrielle Chanel’s legacy or inspiration, reinforcing the connection between history, artistry, and fashion.
To ensure the future of these exceptional trades, CHANEL opened 19M in 2021, a state-of-the-art facility located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. This hub unites 11 artisan houses under one roof, preserving métiers that might otherwise disappear. Some of the notable workshops housed at 19M include:
By bringing these specialized workshops together, CHANEL ensures that their skills remain not only preserved but also pushed into the future with innovation and technology.
le 19M, image credit: Dimitry Kostyukov
image credit: CHANEL
Over the years, CHANEL has presented some of the most breathtaking Métiers d’Art collections all over the world, each infused with cultural references and meticulous craftsmanship. Here are a few standout collections:
Presented at the Ritz Paris, a place deeply connected to Gabrielle Chanel’s life, this collection paid homage to the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Karl Lagerfeld envisioned a cosmopolitan Parisian atmosphere, where elegance and sophistication reigned supreme. The designs featured evening dresses reminiscent of the Ritz’s golden era, adorned with intricate embroidery by Lesage, feather accents by Lemarié, and exquisite hats crafted by Maison Michel. This collection celebrated the opulence of Parisian haute couture and the exceptional skills of CHANEL’s artisan partners.
In December 2017, CHANEL transformed Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie concert hall into a maritime-inspired runway. This collection paid tribute to Karl Lagerfeld’s German roots and the city’s port heritage. Nautical themes were prevalent, with models donning sailor caps, navy pea coats, and fisherman knits. The incorporation of rope motifs, anchor buttons, and seafaring stripes showcased the artisans’ ability to reinterpret maritime elements into high fashion. The fusion of Hamburg’s industrial spirit with CHANEL’s refinement resulted in a collection that was both luxuriously modern and deeply rooted in cultural narrative.
Presented at the Château de Chenonceau, also known as the “Ladies’ Castle,” located in the Loire Valley in France, this collection celebrated Renaissance elegance. Intricate lacework, velvet capes, and hand-stitched embroidery referenced the opulence of the 16th century. The designs felt like modern-day interpretations of the regal wardrobes of figures like Catherine de’ Medici. Of the inspiration, Virginie Viard noted: “Showing at the “Château des Dames” was an obvious choice. It was designed and lived in by women, including Catherine de’ Medici. And Catherine de’ Medici’s emblem was a monogram composed of two intertwined Cs, just like that of Chanel. We don’t know if Coco was directly inspired by her, but it is highly likely because she so admired Renaissance women. Her taste for lace ruffs and the aesthetic of certain pieces of her jewellery come from there. Deep down, this place is a part of Chanel’s history.”
For the first time, CHANEL took its Métiers d’Art show to Africa, highlighting the rich artistic culture of Senegal. The collection incorporated vibrant hand-beading, wax-print fabrics, and sculptural silhouettes, blending CHANEL’s craftsmanship with West African influences. This show also underscored the importance of cross-cultural artistic exchanges in fashion.
In December 2024, CHANEL unveiled its Métiers d’Art collection in Hangzhou, China, a city renowned for its silk production and picturesque West Lake. The collection was a harmonious blend of CHANEL’s classic designs and Chinese artistic influences, particularly inspired by the Coromandel screens that Gabrielle Chanel adored. The runway featured tweed sets, quilted handbags, and camellia motifs, infused with vibrant hues reflecting the lacquerware’s jade, amber, pink, and soft blue tones. This collection not only celebrated the meticulous craftsmanship of CHANEL’s artisans but also honored the cultural exchange between the brand and China’s rich artistic traditions.
These collections exemplify CHANEL’s unwavering commitment to preserving and evolving the art of craftsmanship, weaving cultural narratives into each meticulously crafted piece.
Métiers d’Art is more than just a fashion collection – it is a lifeline for endangered craftsmanship. Many of the techniques used by CHANEL’s artisan houses require years, if not decades, to master, and without investment, these skills risk fading away.
Through the 19M building, a gallery, workshops and programs provide employment, apprenticeships and opportunities for these trades to survive. By showcasing the true artistry behind luxury fashion and reminding the world that haute couture is not just about clothes, it’s about craftsmanship, future generations are engaged to carry on these arts and preserve the artisanal heritage.
CHANEL’s Métiers d’Art is a celebration of what makes fashion an art form – the skilled hands, the intricate details, and the stories woven into every stitch. With each collection, CHANEL ensures that the soul of haute couture remains alive, proving that craftsmanship is not just a thing of the past – it is the future of fashion.
With Matthieu Blazy stepping in as CHANEL’s new Creative Director, the brand enters an exciting new era of craftsmanship. Known for his deep appreciation of artisanal techniques and his ability to blend tradition with modernity, Blazy has already demonstrated his commitment to craftsmanship in his previous work at Bottega Veneta. At CHANEL, he is expected to push the boundaries of the Métiers d’Art ateliers, incorporating even more experimental textures, embroidery, and hand-finished details. His approach aligns seamlessly with CHANEL’s – where luxury is not just about exclusivity but about the artistry behind every stitch. With 19M as the foundation, Blazy’s tenure promises to honor CHANEL’s storied heritage while redefining how craftsmanship can evolve in the contemporary world of fashion.
For more information on the aritsan workshops, visit: CHANEL.COM