Le19M: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Luxury Fashion
When we look at Chanel's Métiers d'Art collections, we're witnessing real art. Embroidery, pearls, tweed, feathers, distinctive silhouettes: On the catwalk, they form a cohesive whole, but in reality they reflect the mystery of craftsmanship - shaped by artistry, patience, concentration and hours of meticulous work. Le19M is the place where the enchantment is born - a center where the savoir-faire is kept alive.
"It's a place where all disciplines meet: the crossroads of techniques, of desires, of shared passions."
Hubert Barrère, Artistic Director at Lesage
Located in the town of Aubervilliers, on the edge of the 19th arrondissement of Paris, Le19M is an exceptional place that promotes the know-how of artisans and craftsmanship. Created from the vision of the Maison de Chanel, Le19M is now a place of work, creation and transmission where 700 professionals are based. The name Le19M is symbolic: 19 refers to the arrondissement in which the center is located, to Gabrielle Chanel's favorite number and to her day of birth. The M embodies the essence of this inspiring place: la Mode (fashion), les Mains (hands), les Métiers d'art (Crafts), les Maisons (houses) and the Manufactures. The idea behind Le19M, which was opened in 2022, actually dates back to 1985 when the House of Chanel bought its first workshops in order to preserve the know-how of craftsmanship.
Le19M brings together embroiderers (Lesage, Maison Montex), feather and flower artisans (Lemarié), shoemakers (Massaro), jewelers (Goossens) and hatters (Maison Michel) under one roof, making the building an expression of true savoir-faire. However, the various workshops don't just work for Chanel as they are encouraged to develop commercial relationships with other fashion brands in order to maintain profitability and viability. This entrepreneurial vision gives rise to the center's manifesto: to combine artistry, craftsmanship and transmission in oder to preserve tradition, pass it on to younger generations and combine it with innovation.
Even the design of the building reflects this mission. The architect Rudy Ricciotti, winner of the Grand Prix d'Architecture, wanted to create a vertical textile weft, which he achieved by designing a structure wrapped in interlaced concrete strands. In this way, the building creates ideal conditions for craftsmen to develop their skills. Hubert Barrère, Lesage's artistic director, says: "It is also a place of light because it was designed [...] as a very open space with lots of daylight. Light is fundamental in our craft, not only to help us see what we are doing, but also because embroidery reflects light - it shines."

Le19M is truly a magical place. It reveals the remarkable craftsmanship of haute-couture brands and celebrates artisans and their savoir-faire.
The creative center also opens its doors to visitors who can take part in various workshops or visit la Galerie du 19M. We can be sure that Le19M is a place like no other. A place that illustrates that fashion is an expression of true art and creativity, as well as an interaction between traditional know-how and innovative ideas.
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