Milliner Maison Michel Pops Up in Paris, Next Door to Chanel

by The Daily Front Row

(NEW YORK) Chanel’s Paris HQ is getting a new neighbor, in the form of a Maison Michel pop-up shop. The first-ever retail location for the French milliner will be at 19 Rue Cambon, albeit only until March 2014. The toppers, which are available in RTW or made-to-measure designs, are artfully crafted and nearly nondescript, save for the trademark ‘M’ that is embroidered onto each skimmer. The store’s wares will include a handful of varying cloches and hair accessories, allowing each customer to personalize their purchase with dainty flowers, frivolous feathers or their initials. The pop-up has been designed with a luxurious Parisian apartment in mind, so expect Haussmann-esque details, vintage furniture and exotic taxidermy animals.

The hat company’s storied history began in 1936 when Auguste Michel began producing hats at 65 Rue Sainte Anne, where the brand’s studio still stands. He then sold the company to Pierre and Claudine Debard in 1968, who brought the company into years of success with wide-brimmed straw hats that were favored by the likes of Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent. The millinery was purchased by Chanel in 1996 in an endeavor to preserve the heritage of French couturiers. Laetitia Crahay was named artistic director at Maison Michel in 2006, in addition to her role as head of jewelry at Chanel. Since then, the brand has experienced a resurgence, landing on the heads of designers, rock stars, and tastemakers alike. 

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