A paragon of discretion and a specialist in men’s shirts, Maison Charvet made headlines in early July following its surprise acquisition by the fashion giant Chanel. Founded in 1838 and based on Place Vendôme (Paris) since 1877, the company crafts bespoke garments highly prized by politicians and celebrities around the world.
No advertisements, no online store, and no logo—yet a reputation that stands the test of time. This is what defines Maison Charvet, in addition to its unparalleled expertise in crafting men’s shirts. Early July, the fashion world was taken by surprise to learn of its acquisition by Chanel—especially since the company had always refused to be absorbed by other groups.
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Founded in 1838, Charvet was, until July 2, owned by the Colban family. In fact, it is Jean-Claude Colban and his sister Anne-Marie who welcome customers to the boutique at 28 Place Vendôme in Paris, offering them thousands of fabrics for their custom-made garments. Before the siblings took the reins of this historic address, it was their father, Denis Colban—then a fabric supplier to the house—who bought the company from the Charvet descendants in the 1960s.
Before the Colban era came the Charvet era. Before Place Vendôme, there was Rue de Richelieu, in the capital’s 2nd arrondissement. In 1838, Joseph-Christophe Charvet—whose father was in charge of curating Napoleon I’s wardrobe—opened his boutique, where he gained recognition for innovations such as the “shoulder piece,” which provided better support for the shirt, and for his turned-back, pleated collar.
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The following year, the house became the official shirtmaker for the Jockey Club, one of the world’s most exclusive clubs. Little by little, Charvet established itself in the wardrobes of royalty, including those at Buckingham Palace and that of Edward VII. From Charles Baudelaire to Robert de Montesquiou, including Marcel Proust and Winston Churchill, the cream of 19th- and 20th-century society flocked to Place Vendôme, where the company had set up shop in 1877. Since 1982, at number 28 in the Hôtel Gaillard de la Bouëxière, the Charvet boutique has been the oldest luxury retailer operating at this iconic Parisian location.
Craftsmanship above all
Even today, it attracts celebrities from around the world within its walls, including Nicolas Sarkozy, Kate Moss, Sofia Coppola, David Beckham, and Chloë Sevigny. This is why Charvet stands out as something of an anomaly in an increasingly connected and commercialized world. To date, the brand has no other boutiques in France or anywhere else in the world, no website, and certainly no brand ambassadors or logos. It’s all about a culture of excellence and craftsmanship.
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Featured picture: © Instagram charvet_official
