Chanel
Chanel (privately owned by Alain and Gérard Wertheimer) · France
Chanel is the Paris fashion house founded by Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel in 1910 and one of the world's largest luxury brands. It is privately owned by brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, led by global chief executive Leena Nair since 2022, and designed by Matthieu Blazy since 2025.
| Founded | 1910, Paris |
|---|---|
| Founder | Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel |
| Owners | Alain and Gérard Wertheimer (private) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Global CEO | Leena Nair (since 2022) |
| Artistic director of fashion | Matthieu Blazy (since 2024) |
| Website | chanel.com |
What is Chanel?
Chanel is a French luxury house covering haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, fragrance, beauty, fine jewellery and watches. It is privately owned by Alain and Gérard Wertheimer through Chanel Limited, with global headquarters in London since 2018. Leena Nair has been global chief executive since January 2022, and Matthieu Blazy, appointed in December 2024, showed his first collection as artistic director of fashion in October 2025.
History
Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel opened a millinery shop in Paris in 1909 and established her house in 1910. She popularised relaxed jersey clothing and the tweed suit, and in 1921 commissioned perfumer Ernest Beaux to create Chanel No. 5, sold from 1922. The quilted 2.55 handbag followed in February 1955. Karl Lagerfeld led the fashion house from 1983 until his death in 2019, succeeded by Virginie Viard until 2024. In 1997 Chanel began acquiring specialist ateliers such as Lesage and Lemarié, later grouped under its Paraffection subsidiary.
Products and positioning
Chanel sits at the very top of the luxury market. Fashion and leather goods are complemented by a large fragrance and beauty business, as well as jewellery and watches.
Business model and distribution
Fashion is sold through Chanel's own boutiques, with beauty also available in department stores and selective retail. According to Modaes, sales grew by about 3% in 2025, the company opened 41 stores that year and planned around 30 more in 2026.
Chanel has long been cautious about selling fashion and leather goods online, prioritising the boutique experience. Its Paraffection subsidiary supports specialist workshops such as Desrues, Lemarié, Lesage, Massaro and Michel, protecting skills used in couture and métiers d'art collections.
Why it matters
As the largest independent luxury fashion house, Chanel is the main counterweight to the listed conglomerates. Its control of specialist craft suppliers and its tight distribution make it a benchmark for brand protection and pricing power.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Chanel?
Chanel is privately owned by the brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer through the holding company Chanel Limited. It is not listed on any stock exchange and is not part of a luxury group.
Is Chanel French or British?
Chanel is a French fashion house founded in Paris in 1910. Its global holding company and headquarters have been in London since 2018, but its fashion, couture and ateliers remain in Paris.