A few days ago as part of the journées du Patrimoine, I was lucky to visit the Gallerie du 19 M and the fabulous Lesage workshops which very seldomly open to the public.

Tucked away in the newly remodelled 19th arrondissement of Paris lies a haven for craftsmanship and creativity: the Galerie du 19M. This remarkable cultural venue, which opened it's doors to the public in 2022, was established by Chanel’s Métiers d’Art subsidiary, "le 19M." The name comes from the area of Paris (19e arrondissement) but also no 19 was Gabriele’s Chanel favourite number as she was born on the 19th August 1883.

It’s a tribute to the exceptional artisans who have worked behind the scenes for decades, turning fashion into wearable art. Within it’s walls, you’ll discover the stories and skills of the ateliers that Chanel has long collaborated with, including the legendary Atelier Lesage, the distinguished embroidery house with an impressive history that spans  a century. They are celebrating the 100th anniversary with an amazing exhibition too.

A Space Designed for Discovery

Galerie du 19M is more than just a gallery—it's a cultural hub that embodies the heritage and modernity of Parisian fashion. The sleek building, designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, brings together an architectural form that mirrors the traditional craftsmanship it honours while embracing a sustainable and contemporary vision. 

The structure features intricate latticework and green terraces, providing an artistic backdrop that immediately draws you in. The gallery is part of a larger complex that houses 600 artisans from 11 different workshops, showcasing embroidery, pleating, feather work, and leatherwork among other métiers.

Upon entering Galerie du 19M, visitors find themselves surrounded by exhibits that blend the past, present, and future of craftsmanship. The rotating exhibitions reveal different aspects of the creative process—whether it's the artisans’ tools, sketches, samples, or finished couture pieces—and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous efforts that make high fashion possible.

Atelier Lesage: The Art of Embroidery

One of the shining jewels of the 19M complex is Atelier Lesage, an embroidery house with a lineage tracing back to 1924. Known for its intricate and sumptuous designs, Lesage’s work has graced the creations of some of the most prestigious couture houses in history, from Yves Saint Laurent to Christian Dior, and, of course, Chanel. When you step into an exhibit at the gallery that features Lesage's embroidery, you are stepping into a world of exquisite detail and artistry, where time-honored skills are elevated to new creative heights.

Atelier Lesage not only preserves traditional embroidery techniques but also pushes boundaries by experimenting with new materials and contemporary motifs. In addition to its custom creations for high-end fashion clients, Lesage runs an embroidery school, École Lesage, which keeps the craft alive by passing on its secrets to the next generation. Students from around the world come to learn the art of tambour beading, needlework, and the intricacies of creating embroidery patterns that have adorned runway masterpieces. Galerie du 19M showcases the school’s dedication to education through workshops and live demonstrations, allowing visitors to appreciate the labor-intensive process firsthand.

I got the visit the amazing workshops and saw each stage of an embroidery process, from working with the client to creating a moodboard, to the 1st 3 D maquette....to the execution of the work. The work is so fine and detailed...it literally takes hours to do.

I also got the visit the Chanel tweed ateliers. There are 10 defiles per year, 100 to 150 samples created of tweeds that measure 35 x 30cms. The threads are often bespoke. Once the process of sampling is made in the atelier, the sample is sent to the manufacturers in France and in Italy (Como ) for creation of the fabric.

I also saw some amazing pieces of furniture and soft furnishing for interiors- with the most amazing embroideries.

By celebrating and making visible the hidden hands behind haute couture, Galerie du 19M and Atelier Lesage remind us that true luxury is about care, skill, and artistry—qualities that cannot be rushed but are always worth the wait.

A Bridge Between Artisans and the Public

Galerie du 19M is unique in its mission to create an open dialogue between artisans and the broader public. It’s not merely a space for observation; it’s a place for learning and interaction. The gallery hosts workshops, artist talks, and guided tours that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the world of artisanal craftsmanship. This kind of hands-on experience is rare in the fashion industry, where much of the work is often done behind closed doors. The opportunity to engage directly with artisans creates a deeper appreciation for the skill, time, and passion behind every hand-crafted piece.

The Future of Craftsmanship at le 19M

The establishment of the Galerie du 19M comes at a time when the value of craftsmanship is increasingly recognised amidst fast fashion and industrialised production. Chanel’s dedication to preserving artisanal skills through le 19M is a strong statement in favour of sustainability, heritage, and cultural preservation. The gallery highlights how luxury fashion can—and should—focus on celebrating meticulous craftsmanship and artisanal knowledge rather than mass production.

 If you find yourself in Paris, taking a trip to this beautiful cultural centre is not just a visit but an inspiration, a reminder that the human touch is at the heart of artistic creation.

2 Pl Skanderbeg, 75019 Paris, France