Chanel has officially acquired Charvet, France's oldest and most prestigious shirtmaker, adding another historic fashion house to its portfolio. The announcement comes just days before Chanel's Haute Couture runway show in Paris, marking an important step in the brand's continued investment in traditional craftsmanship.
Founded in 1838, Charvet has spent nearly two centuries building a reputation for creating some of the world's finest custom-made shirts. Over the years, the Paris-based company has dressed politicians, royalty, business leaders, and other influential figures, earning recognition as one of the most respected names in luxury tailoring.
Although Charvet is best known for its men's shirts, its elegant designs have also attracted female customers for decades. Even Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the founder of Chanel, was known to wear Charvet shirts, highlighting a long-standing connection between the two iconic French fashion houses.
The relationship became even stronger in Fall 2025, when Chanel's creative director Matthieu Blazy worked with Charvet on his debut Spring/Summer 2026 collection for the brand. Several of the collection's tailored shirts were handcrafted by Charvet, showcasing the shirtmaker's expertise on Chanel's runway.
According to Chanel, the acquisition reflects changing customer trends. While the luxury house has traditionally focused on women's fashion, it says it has seen steady growth in male customers purchasing its products. At the same time, Charvet, which has historically specialized in menswear, has also welcomed a growing number of women looking for high-quality tailored shirts.
The purchase has also fueled speculation that Chanel could be preparing to expand its presence in men's fashion.
In recent years, the brand has increased its focus on male audiences by signing several high-profile ambassadors, including actor Jacob Elordi and musicians A$AP Rocky and G-Dragon. These partnerships, combined with the acquisition of one of France's most respected menswear specialists, have led many industry observers to believe Chanel may eventually launch a dedicated menswear collection.
While Chanel has not officially announced plans to enter the men's fashion market, the acquisition of Charvet gives the luxury brand access to nearly 200 years of tailoring expertise and reinforces its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
The move also highlights Chanel's broader strategy of investing in renowned artisan workshops and heritage manufacturers, ensuring that some of France's most celebrated fashion skills continue to thrive while supporting the house's future collections.
