Discovering Chanel's Métiers d'Art: A Journey Through Parisian Craftsmanship

Salut! It's been a while since I've shared a pure shopping post, but even in Paris, there's always something new to discover if you take the time to ask. Recently, I set out to visit the Delvaux flagship store—a Belgian handbag maker renowned as the oldest in the world, holding the first patent on handbags.
Stepping off the train, however, I was immediately drawn to a pop-up store for Barrie, a Scottish cashmere specialist.
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Barrie: Cashmere Reimagined
Barrie, one of Scotland's oldest cashmere knitwear manufacturers, joined Chanel's Métiers d'Art in 2012. Chanel strategically acquires heritage companies like Barrie to preserve and support traditional craftsmanship. By bringing these artisans into their Métiers d'Art family, Chanel ensures their exceptional savoir-faire is protected and elevated to align with the highest standards of luxury.
The pop-up showcased their "Denim but Make It Cashmere" collection—soft, elegant, and versatile pieces that feel like a second skin. Each garment embodied a unique touch of luxury, and I couldn't resist the allure of their personalization options. Imagine a patch on the back of your jeans with just your initials instead of a brand's logo—a subtle, sophisticated way to make your wardrobe truly yours.
Engaging with the Barrie team, they suggested I visit Causse, the esteemed French glove maker, for another deep dive into Chanel's Métiers d'Art.

Causse: The Art of Glove-Making
Founded in 1892 and acquired by Chanel in 2012, Causse represents another example of Chanel's commitment to preserving exceptional craftsmanship. Chanel's acquisition of Causse, located at 24 Rue Cambon, was rooted in the desire to maintain the artistry of glove-making—ensuring that this skill remains alive in an era where fast fashion often threatens such traditions.
At Causse, I learned about their meticulous approach to crafting gloves, which were made entirely in their workshop in Millau, France—the historic glove-making capital. One pair caught my eye: red mesh gloves famously worn by Emily in Emily in Paris. It's incredible how a small accessory can evoke such elegance and charm. Their soft driving gloves seemed to mold to my hands instantly, making me long for the open road. They're the pieces you cherish simply because they carry the weight of French history and craftsmanship.

Maison Michel: Hats That Define Parisian Elegance
Our final stop was Maison Michel, the legendary Parisian milliner acquired by Chanel in 1997. Maison Michel has been crafting hats since 1936, and like Barrie and Causse, its addition to Chanel's Métiers d'Art helps preserve a dying art form while allowing the brand to continue creating timeless, artisan-made accessories.
Coco Chanel loved the Capeline, the iconic wide-brimmed hat for which Maison Michel is known. During her early years, Chanel revolutionized women's fashion by rejecting the rigid corsets and heavily adorned hats of the Edwardian era, favoring sleek silhouettes and simple, elegant accessories. With its wide brim and understated elegance, the Capeline became synonymous with Chanel's vision of modern femininity.
Inspired by a recent photo of Angelina Jolie in Paris wearing a stunning wide-brimmed hat, I couldn't resist trying Maison Michel's Capeline. Sliding it on felt like channeling Coco's timeless style and Jolie's modern sophistication. Earlier, at Samaritaine, I had tried their "New Bonnie Veil" hat—a delicate piece that seamlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary flair—at Samaritaine.

Why Chanel’s Métiers d'Art Matters
​This day of shopping reminded me why Chanel's approach to luxury is so unique. Chanel safeguards their craftsmanship by acquiring companies like Barrie, Causse, and Maison Michel, ensuring future generations can appreciate the savoir-faire and heritage. It's not just about the pieces themselves; it's about the stories they carry, the heritage they preserve, and the timeless elegance they bring to our lives.
À bientôt,
Tsahia