Chanel’s le19M brings Parisian craftsmanship to Tokyo

Japan – Chanel’s le19M has landed in Tokyo with La Galerie du 19M Tokyo, an exhibition that unites Parisian artisans and Japanese craftspeople in a celebration of shared dedication to craft and innovation.

Staged on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower, the exhibition spotlights the savoir-faire of Chanel’s network of 11 specialist studios – including those producing embroidery, featherwork and millinery – alongside nearly 30 Japanese creators. Highlights include a hat transformed into a Kyoto-style paper lantern by Maison Michel and Kojima Shoten, and a noren curtain woven from Okinawan banana fibres by textile artist Akiko Ishigaki and embroidery specialist Lesage.

Founded in Paris in 2021, le19M brings Chanel’s artisans under one roof to preserve and evolve traditional craftsmanship amid industry mechanisation. Its Tokyo outpost extends that mission globally, fostering collaboration between heritage makers and contemporary innovators.

In our Innovation Debrief 2025: Craftsmanship Safeguards report, we analyse how brands are becoming tastemakers and patrons of the arts by investing in the preservation of craftsmanship.