End of an Era: Chanel Acquires Historic Paris Shirtmaker Charvet After 188 Years of Family Ownership

Chanel has acquired French shirtmaker Charvet, bringing one of Paris' oldest luxury houses under its ownership for the first time. Announced on 2 July, the deal gives Chanel full control of the historic brand, though financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition comes after a growing partnership between the two companies under Chanel artistic director Matthieu Blazy.

That relationship gained attention when Charvet produced oversized cotton shirts for Blazy's debut Chanel collection in October 2025. The designs became standout pieces of the Spring 2026 season and were worn by celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Jessie Buckley and Jacob Elordi. Chanel fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky said the close collaboration helped pave the way for the acquisition.

A Historic Paris Institution

Founded in 1838, Charvet is widely regarded as France's oldest shirtmaker and has long been known for its custom tailoring and luxury fabrics. Over the years, it has dressed figures including Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. Its Place Vendôme boutique is famous for offering thousands of fabric options and highly personalised shirtmaking services.

The company has been run for decades by siblings Anne-Marie and Jean-Claude Colban, whose father purchased the business in the 1960s. According to Chanel, the pair wanted to secure the long-term future of the brand and its workforce. Charvet currently employs around 40 people at its Paris boutique and another 60 at its workshop in Saint-Gaultier, central France.

Chanel Plans to Protect Charvet's Heritage

Chanel said it intends to preserve Charvet's identity rather than expand it. Pavlovsky stressed that the company has no plans to open stores around the world or significantly increase production. Instead, the focus will be on protecting the craftsmanship and expertise that have defined Charvet for nearly two centuries.

The acquisition also includes Charvet's six-storey building on Place Vendôme, one of Paris' most prestigious luxury addresses. Charvet now joins a group of specialist brands owned by Chanel, including Eres, Orlebar Brown, Barrie and Maison Michel.

For Chanel, the deal secures a renowned centre of shirtmaking expertise, while Charvet gains long-term support without changing the character that made it famous.

Matthieu Blazy Rekindled a Historic Relationship

The relationship between Chanel and Charvet gained new momentum after Matthieu Blazy enlisted the shirtmaker to create three oversized cotton shirts for his debut Chanel collection in October 2025. The pieces became standout looks from the Spring 2026 collection and reflected a connection between the two houses that dates back to founder Coco Chanel.

The shirts were later worn by celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Jessie Buckley and Jacob Elordi. According to Chanel fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky, Blazy quickly developed a strong working relationship with Anne-Marie and Jean-Claude Colban, helping lay the groundwork for the acquisition.

What the Acquisition Means for Charvet's Future

While ownership is changing, Chanel has made clear that Charvet's identity will remain intact. The luxury house said it has no plans to expand the brand through a global store network or significantly increase production. Instead, the focus will be on protecting the craftsmanship, expertise and heritage that have defined Charvet since 1838.

For the Colban family, the agreement secures a long-term future for the business and its employees. For Chanel, it adds one of France's most respected shirtmakers to a growing portfolio of specialist luxury brands. The deal ensures that Charvet's centuries-old savoir-faire will continue under the backing of one of fashion's most powerful companies.

Read more

CANCELED COUTURE': Schiaparelli Unveils the SS26 Creations Cut from the Final Collection

Jaden Smith Takes Over as Christian Louboutin Creative Director in Bold Fashion Move

This Day in Fashion: How Calvin Klein Helped Turn Designer Denim Into a Global Obsession

When Is Paris Men's Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027? Dates, Schedule and Show Highlights