Maison Michel

Maison Michel possesses a unique know-how in hat making, with an extensive collection of over 3,000 wooden shapes and a stock of antique straws and felts. The house was founded in 1936 by Auguste Michel, and owes its flourishing to two milliners in particular – Pierre and Claudine Debard, whose talent and vision allowed the atelier to become the milliner of choice for the greatest fashion houses. In 1975, the couple notably reintroduced a machine used to assemble straw hats with invisible stitching, the Weissman.

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The year 1983 marked the beginning of Maison Michel and Chanel's collaboration. Newly named artistic director Karl Lagerfeld turned to the exclusive knowledge of the atelier to bring to life his audacious and elegant designs. By revisiting classic models and meeting the artistic challenges presented by the fashion house, Maison Michel has since been able to keep evolving creatively and honed its savoir-faire. The team of skilled milliners and artisans work in harmony, each honouring their role in the rigorous process that underpins the making of hats. Maison Michel joined Chanel’s Métiers d’art in 1997.

©Alix Marnat