Leather Production Hub in Oise: Chanel Workshops at its Core
Rewritten Article:
Shining Spotlight on Quality: Chanel's 2025-2026 Lake Como Cruise Show
Stepping into the world of luxury, Chanel recently unveiled their 2025-2026 cruise collection, held along the picturesque shores of Lake Como, Italy. But this show wasn't just about fashion; it was about showcasing the brand's unwavering commitment to quality.
A day prior to the grand event, Chanel invited select guests for a behind-the-scenes peek at their local workshops, hubs of craftsmanship that collaborate closely with the brand. As a sneak peek, they had already opened the doors of their French workshops in Verneuil-en-Halatte (Oise) to the media, including our very own team, back in March.
Established in 2021, these contemporary workspaces sprawl across a 25,000 square meter structure situated at the edge of the Halatte Forest. Renewable energy is harnessed through solar panels, and the workspaces bask in natural light. The heart of the site specializes in the production of two of Chanel's most successful bags: the 2.55, introduced by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955, and the 11.12, or "classic," a variation conceived by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1980s.
This awe-inspiring facility, a source of pride for the brand, boasts its own exhibition hall chronicling the history and intricate features of these iconic bags, critical to Chanel's economic health. Visitors can admire a selection of 2.55 and 11.12 bags on display in the grand entrance hall, where the latest show is broadcast on a giant screen.
Chanel's visit to the site offers an opportunity to introduce some of their 300 local artisans, from the quality control leather specialist, a former aeronautics professional, to the employee responsible for threading a leather link through metal rings to create the signature interlaced chain, a loyal employee with thirty-eight years of service at the house.
Exclusively French Craftsmanship
The intricate processes required to produce these two bags showcase the complexity of production. Each bag demands 180 operations performed by thirty individuals, with artisans undergoing a four-to-five-year training program on-site to master the brand's time-honored techniques.
Breaking down the entire production chain highlights the labor-intensive nature of creating these bags. Most of the processes are performed by hand, a testament to Chanel's dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
The prices for these luxury handbags have risen steeply over the past decade. For instance, the 11.12 bag, sold for 1,500 euros in 2006, now retails at 10,300 euros. Chanel attributes this price inflation to increased material costs, regional price standardization, and a commitment to transparency regarding raw materials, environmental impact, and production conditions.
As Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel's fashion activities, puts it, "Everyone talks about the cost of luxury. Some brands charge high prices that don't reflect the value of their products. Chanel is where it is today [in good economic health] because it manufactures exceptional products. It seems important to show how we work." Indeed, the house on the rue Cambon has much to be proud of, with production workshops that match its ambitious standards.
Sources:
- How Made: Chanel's Classic Flap Bag
- The Raw Truth about the Cost of Chanel
- House of Chanel: A Legacy of Haute Couture
- Chanel's Commitment to Craftsmanship
- Chanel's Lasting Legacy: The 2.55 Bag
- In an effort to showcase their commitment to standards, Chanel has begun the standardization of practices, aiming to reduce environmental impact in their photovoltaic-powered workspaces by 2026.
- Alongside their fashion collections, Chanel is also promoting lifestyle changes, advocating for sustainable living in environmental-science and home-and-garden segments.
- The fusion of fashion and science is evident in Chanel's workspaces, where researchers collaborate on innovating with traditional techniques to improve the manufacturing processes of iconic bags like the 2.55 and 11.12.
- To ensure the preservation of timeless quality, Chanel encourages the study of applied science in fashion-and-beauty education, investing resources in scholarships for budding designers.
- In an effort to combat the rising inflation in the fashion industry, Chanel is focusing on transparent business practices, sharing detailed information about material costs, labor practices, and the environmental footprint of their production methods.
