Launched in 2002, Chanel’s annual Metiers d’Art (it means “Master of Art” in French) collection is a love letter to the artisans and ateliers behind every aspect of the collection. They pay tribute to the embroiderers, jewellery-makers, shoemakers, milliners and more. This year’s edition, which is currently in stores, sees eight ateliers working closely alongside creative director Virginie Viard. The result is a lavish collection that Viard describes as “metropolitan yet sophisticated”.
This year, some of the ateliers involved include Lesage, Montex, Goossens, Maison Michel, Lemarie, Lognon, Desrues and Massaro. These are just a sampling of the 11 that are now housed under one roof at Chanel’s newly-opened Le19M building. Reportedly, there are also 40 artisanal houses and workshops that Chanel has amassed through the years.
And though the clothes often get the spotlight, this year’s accessories department served up some serious savoir faire. Ahead, a selection of accessories from this year’s Metiers d’Art collection showcasing the fine workmanship of each atelier.
(Read more: Chanel: iconic bags, accessories, and clothes to own)
