Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1188752
42 NOTES ON THE NEW SUSTAINABILITY CHANEL LE 19M BY STEVE HEMPEL FASHION F ashion is about more than clothing. It touches everybody and speaks to who we are and what we believe in. It's in this light that Prada sponsored the third edition of the Shaping a Future conference at the atelier's New York headquarters in November, this year themed "Shaping a Sustainable Future Society." The event showcased speakers from the academic, architectural and intellectual worlds, with discussions led by U.S. Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, architect Sir David Adjaye, and Paralympic champion Simone Barlaam. Organized in conjunction with the schools of management of Yale University and Politecnico di Milano, the conference stimulated debate on changes to contemporary society. After all, fashion can be a messenger for change, and those in the industry have an obligation to enhance and sustain the communities in which we live. C hanel's latest offering strikes familiar chords: c r e a t i v e , i n n o v a t i v e , sexy. But this is no little black dress. Rather, the building project underway in Paris' 19th arrondissement is the culmination of the company's commitment to house all its métiers d'art under one roof — 600 artisans in total. Named Le 19M, the M represents Mains (Hands), Mode (Fashion), and Métier (Craftsmanship), and 19, the arrondissement where it's located. Designed by Rudy Ricciotti, winner of France's Grand Prix National de l'architecture, Ricciotti has been tasked with creating a home for the makers whose work is essential to the construction and spirit of the brand, including embroiderer Lesage, shoemaker Massaro, hatter and milliner Maison Michel, feather and flower expert Lemarié, pleater Lognon, grand flou atelier Paloma, and goldsmith Goossens. Chanel has acquired more than 30 maisons d'art and manufacturies in an effort to keep the artistry and skills alive, so necessary for the couture creations of Chanel and other couture houses. Simone Barlaam Amanda Gorman Detail of the Case Maclaim mural Detail of the Case Maclaim mural Detail of the Case Maclaim mural A mural by German artist Case Maclaim A mural by German artist Case Maclaim A mural by German artist Case Maclaim covers the wall surrounding the building site covers the wall surrounding the building site covers the wall surrounding the building site for Chanel's métiers d'art headquarters. for Chanel's métiers d'art headquarters. for Chanel's métiers d'art headquarters.