Chanel Acquires Charvet, France’s Oldest Shirtmaker

On 2 July 2026 Chanel announced ownership of Charvet, the Parisian shirtmaker founded in 1838. The purchase includes Charvet’s Place Vendôme boutique and its Saint-Gaultier workshop, employing about 100 staff. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Chanel Acquires the French Shirt Brand Charvet

Charvet supplied shirts to Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s lover Arthur “Boy” Capel, establishing a bond. Artistic director Matthieu Blazy revived the connection by commissioning three oversized shirts for his Chanel debut in October 2025; the pieces sold out at €3,900 and reappeared in his cruise 2027 collection.

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Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion activities at Chanel and president of Chanel SAS, will also serve as president of Charvet. The Colban siblings—Jean-Claude (managing director) and Anne-Marie—have led Charvet since the 1960s and will stay on during the transition. Matthieu Blazy continues to design with Charvet.

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Charvet’s annual revenue is €10-15 million, with a single boutique and a workshop of 60 artisans. Chanel reported 2025 revenue of $19.3 billion, operating profit $4.7 billion, and spent over $700 million on specialist acquisitions that year.

Chanel acquires France's oldest shirtmaker Charvet after Blazy runway collaboration

Chanel says the acquisition safeguards French savoir-faire, preserves Charvet’s independence, and adds bespoke tailoring capacity to its supply chain. The move mirrors a luxury trend of securing heritage ateliers to protect craftsmanship and strengthen menswear offerings.

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Pavlovsky said the deal “supports the passing down of unique savoir-faire and the continued existence of an iconic French heritage house.” Jean-Claude Colban called the transaction “perfectly in keeping with the spirit and identity that have always defined our company.”

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Critics argue the purchase ends Charvet’s centuries-long independence. Elite Traveler called it “bittersweet,” warning that the house may lose its “quiet, hyper-exclusive approach.” Lavender Hotels described the deal as a “defensive maneuver” in a competitive fight for independent suppliers.

Why Chanel Bought the World Oldest Shirtmaker and What It Me — Weddings

All sources note that the purchase price was not disclosed. Charvet’s revenue estimate ranges from €10 million to €15 million. Chanel affirms Charvet will remain independent, yet no timeline for product expansion or integration into Chanel boutiques.

Chanel buys Charvet, the oldest shirtmaker in the world.

• “We decided to get married,” — Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion and president of Chanel SAS

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• “It’s a treasure,” — Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion activities at Chanel

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• “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,” — Jean-Claude Colban, managing director of Charvet

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• “Charvet is a beautiful jewel. Now there's work to be done to set it up for its next steps.” — Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion activities at Chanel

Chanel acquires France's oldest shirtmaker Charvet after Blazy runway collaboration

Chanel will showcase Charvet-crafted pieces in its July 2026 haute couture show and plans to keep Charvet as an independent brand within its “Paraffection” network, with integration of the workshop over the next year.

Chanel Acquires Charvet