Chantelle
Chantelle Group · France
Chantelle is a French lingerie brand and family owned group whose origins go back to 1876. Owned by the Kretz family, the Paris based group runs several lingerie lines including Chantelle, Chantelle X, Chantelle EasyFeel and Femilet. It is one of Europe's leading premium bra specialists, with about 10,000 points of sale in some 79 countries.
| Founded | 1876 |
|---|---|
| Founder | François Auguste Gamichon |
| Owner | Kretz family (Chantelle Group) |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Brands | Chantelle, Chantelle X, EasyFeel, Pulp, Femilet |
| Segment | Premium lingerie |
| Website | chantelle.com |
What is Chantelle?
Chantelle is a French premium lingerie brand and the flagship of the family owned Chantelle Group, which describes itself as a family business and design studio creating lingerie since 1876. The group is based in Paris and is known above all for well fitting bras, combining technical construction with French styling.
History
The company traces its origins to 1876, when François Auguste Gamichon started a business making elastic knitted goods. The Chantelle name came later. According to French Wikipedia, the Kretz family has controlled the company since the early twentieth century. Chantelle opened its first bra factory in Épernay in 1962, the same year it set up a German subsidiary, and later added a plant in Lanester in Brittany.
In recent years the group has refocused its brand portfolio. In 2023 it sold the Passionata brand to the Israeli intimate apparel group Delta Galil, according to FashionUnited.
Products and positioning
Chantelle sits in the premium segment, with a reputation for fit and lace. The group's current brands include:
- Chantelle, the core lingerie line
- Chantelle X, a fashion forward line with designer collaborations
- Chantelle EasyFeel and Chantelle Pulp, comfort and youthful lines
- Femilet, a Scandinavian lingerie brand
- Chantelle Lab
Business model and distribution
Chantelle is a wholesale led business, selling through lingerie specialists and department stores, complemented by own stores and e-shops in markets including France, Germany and the United States. The group reports roughly 10,000 points of sale and an omnichannel presence in 79 countries.
Chantelle and technology
According to FashionUnited, Chantelle digitised its upstream supply chain with the e-SCM platform, replacing spreadsheets and email with a shared, real time system for its about 40 suppliers. The group reported a 20 percent productivity gain for supply chain teams and end to end order traceability.
Why it matters
Chantelle is one of the last large independent lingerie houses in Europe. Its family ownership, French industrial roots and investment in supply chain data make it a reference for premium wholesale brands.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Chantelle?
Chantelle is family owned. The Kretz family has controlled the company since the early twentieth century, and the Chantelle Group remains independent.
Is Chantelle a French brand?
Yes. Chantelle is a French lingerie brand with roots going back to 1876. The group is based in Paris and historically manufactured in France, including its first bra factory in Épernay.