The Chanel Company

[Erzébeth]

just wondering, what happened to it after mlle. chanel's death? who inherited it, and how did it come into the hands of german people (alain wertheimer) B)

 

[kit]

Originally posted by Erzébeth@Jun 7th, 2004 - 5:15 am
just wondering, what happened to it after mlle. chanel's death? who inherited it, and how did it come into the hands of german people (alain wertheimer)  B)

The Werthhemers are actually a French family ( Jewish ? Northern French / German border - eg Alsace-Lorraine ??? etc etc ) .

They are the sole owners and hold the rights of the perfumes OUTRIGHT , and were the backers of Coco Chanel since her beginning as a designer .

They have INORDINATE faith in the talents of the infamous KARL LAGERFELD , who they tempted away from the CHLOE company in the early 80's .

They also own many couture sbsidiary companies , who make shoes ( Mossimo ? ) , buttons , embroidery ateliers , etc etc .

I did read that during the last economic recession , a possible link was discussed with the house of HERMES , which is practically completely owned by the DAUMAS family , although there are SOME japanese holders of the stock .

Chanel is actually VERY profitable , due to the perfume revenue , and they have launched new concept stores to attract a younger clientele ( less ' ladylike ' - 30s to 60s Chanel suit buyers - to bring in the ' funky ' youth set - albeit utterly loaded ) , and jewellery stores to rival those of LVMH.

I DO feel the self indulgent launch of Chanel ' menswear ' is something of a mistake on the part of Kaiser Karl , under the influence of his obsession with Hedi Slimane's success with HIS men's DIOR HOMME collection with the ladies , but that's love or infatuation for you !!!!!

I know that Sean will disagree with me on this , but surely the men's Lagerfeld Gallery collection is the place for Karla's menswear ?

But I digress .

Hope your original question has been answered here . B)

KIT

 

[maarit]

Just adding this little tidbit from http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio...chanel_coco.htm

Pierre Wertheimer became her partner in the perfume business in 1924, and perhaps also her lover. Wertheimer owned 70% of the company; Coco Chanel received 10% and her friend Bader 20%. The Wertheimers continue to control the perfume company today.

 

[maarit]

Some more http://www.forbes.com/finance/lists/10/200...datatype=Person

The privately held House of Chanel is jointly owned by the Wertheimer brothers--grandsons of Chanel founder Pierre Wertheimer. But it's Alain who runs the company and has presided over the acquisition of several non-Chanel brands, including Eres lingerie, Tanner Krolle saddles and leather goods, and Holland & Holland, a British gunsmith. Designer Karl Lagerfeld was also hired on his watch to keep the Chanel name synonymous with classic chic. The brothers also dabble in wine, owning Chateau Canon and Chateau Rausan Segla.

 

[Erzébeth]

thanks kit and maarit , i had no idea the wertheimers were there from the start

 

[kit]

PS

HERMES also owns the Jean Paul Gaultier house , which is why they got their money's worth in having him design the women's collection for HERMES . ( to greater or lesser success than Martin Margiela , accordig to the many fashion pundits ) .

CHANEL recently sold TANNER KROLLER and this UK company has recently been relaunched with some exciting NEW handbags etc .

KIT

 

[softgrey]

i actually did not know that...thanks guys...

good question...