2023.05.18

The 11 Workshops Supporting CHANEL Gathered at "Le 19M": The Rapidly Changing Northeast of Paris Is Fascinating

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New lights are starting to flicker in the once-dim north-eastern Paris. One notable example is Le 19M, where CHANEL has relocated 11 of the approximately 40 ateliers under its umbrella to the 19th arrondissement of Paris.

For Parisians, areas like the 19th arrondissement in north-eastern Paris and the neighboring Aubervilliers often have a gritty reputation. It’s not a place people frequently visit by choice, and it isn’t known for its safety. However, as the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, new facilities are rising, transforming the area into a completely different landscape from before.

Simultaneously, Aubervilliers is also known for its large textile wholesale district. Since around 2000, Chinese immigrant wholesalers have gathered in the area, forming the largest textile market in Europe. The area is filled with large housing complexes for the working class and shops covered with signs like "bulk purchases only." Additionally, many people of African descent reside in the area, contributing to a powerful sense of cultural diversity.

Le 19M is located at the city boundary between the bustling and mixed 19th arrondissement and Aubervilliers. Designed by Italian architect Rudy Ricciotti, who also worked on the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations in Marseille, the structure stands 24 meters high, composed of 231 exoskeleton modules, and is designed to look like it’s covered with white fabric. It overlooks the Paris ring road, heavily marked with spray-painted graffiti.

CHANEL's Artisan Community Gathered Under One Roof

Le 19M is a collective of ateliers where the skilled artisans supporting CHANEL, known as "Maisons d’art," work. About 600 artisans gather daily under the 25,500 square-meter roof, supporting CHANEL, the greatest brand in the fashion and luxury industry.

The "19" in Le 19M represents both the birthday of CHANEL’s founder, Gabrielle CHANEL, on August 19, and the brand’s lucky number, as well as the location in the 19th arrondissement. "M" stands for "Métiers" (Craftsmanship), "Mode" (Fashion), and "Main" (Hand).

In addition to being the workplace of artisans, the ground floor houses "La Galerie du 19M," an exhibition space where visitors can experience the craftsmanship that supports CHANEL, known as "Métiers d’art." Special exhibitions displaying works of artisans and workshops are held here, open to the public by reservation, offering a chance to feel the artisans' spirit firsthand.

Sofas and other items utilize recycled materials from CHANEL's warehouse (C) Le 19M

Additionally, there’s a dining space called "Le Café du 19M," created in partnership with the French agency "Grand Cuisine," specializing in cultural facility creations. Patricia Meunier and Mat Gallet, the founders of Grand Cuisine, are also known for running the international think tank "Jérinas!" focused on art and gastronomy.