Chanel Acquires French Heritage Shirtmaker Charvet to Boost Menswear
On Thursday, Chanel announced its acquisition of Charvet, the renowned French heritage shirtmaker, for an undisclosed amount. This move bolsters Chanel's aspirations in menswear, incorporating a historic label celebrated for its bespoke shirts and suits. Established in 1838 by Joseph-Christophe Charvet, who was the son of Napoleon Bonaparte's personal dresser, Charvet has catered to notable figures like Marcel Proust, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Coco Chanel. The deal follows a collaboration between Chanel's creative director Matthieu Blazy and Charvet for Blazy's inaugural spring 2026 collection, featuring shirts priced at $4,350 and $3,900. Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion activities at Chanel, expressed enthusiasm about the shared values of craftsmanship.
Key facts
- Chanel acquired Charvet for an undisclosed sum.
- Charvet is the oldest French shirtmaker, founded in 1838.
- Charvet was founded by Joseph-Christophe Charvet on Place Vendôme, Paris.
- Charvet's clients include Marcel Proust, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Coco Chanel.
- Chanel creative director Matthieu Blazy collaborated with Charvet for his spring 2026 collection.
- Shirts from the collaboration retailed for $4,350 and $3,900.
- Bruno Pavlovsky is president of fashion activities at Chanel.
- Chanel previously acquired Orlebar Brown (2018), Barrie (2012), and Causse (2012).
- Chanel holds a minority stake in The Row.
- Pavlovsky said Chanel is for women and Charvet for men.
Entities
Artists
- Matthieu Blazy
- Joseph-Christophe Charvet
- Coco Chanel
- Marcel Proust
- John F. Kennedy
- Winston Churchill
- Mary Kate Olsen
- Ashley Olsen
Institutions
- Chanel
- Charvet
- Audemars Piguet
- Orlebar Brown
- Barrie
- Causse
- The Row
- Robb Report
- The New York Times
- Boston University
- The Boston Globe
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Place Vendôme
- Botswana
- California