These September 16 and 17, for the European Heritage Days, major French brands are showing off their buildings and know-how to the general public. 20 minutes offers fashion enthusiasts a selection of five visits not to be missed.
The Toile de Jouy Museum: in the footsteps of the disappeared factory
Very fashionable among the upper bourgeoisie of the 18th century, toile de Jouy was made for the first time in the factory founded by Christophe Philippe Oberkampf in 1760, in Jouy-en-Josas (Yvelines). If the factory has been closed for a long time, in the small town, the Toile de Jouy Museum continues to pay homage to this timeless fabric.
This weekend, a historical walk in the heart of Jouy is organized, and ends at the museum entirely dedicated to printed cotton canvas, to discover the manufacturing processes of the fabric which revolutionized the textile industry in France thanks to innovative techniques. Even today, toile de Jouy is included in the collections of major brands, such as Dior or Chloé.
The discovery is made without reservation, except for the guided walk.
The 19M: discovering the Chanel fashion factory
Do you know the 19M? Under an exceptional architectural work nestled at the Porte d’Aubervilliers (Paris 19th), Chanel brings together its eleven art houses, such as Lesage, Paloma or Ateliers Lognon. In this headquarters for artistic crafts, 600 craftsmen and experts (embroiderers, feather workers, hatters and even goldsmiths) work and pass on ancient techniques and know-how.
THE 19M joins Heritage Days for the first time and offers a tour to discover the Maison Lesage Embroidery School, specializing in embroidery and tweed, or get an overview of the know-how of the exceptional shoe brand Massaro.
Entrance is free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., without reservation.
Maison Poursin presents its unchanging know-how
The most famous brass buckles in France are signed by the House Poursin. The institution once attracted Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and even Jeanne Lanvin, in search of a buckle, a ring or brass accessory.
For Heritage Days, the premises at 35 rue des Vinaigriers (Paris 10th) open their doors and help you discover the secrets of the know-how of the workers, who work with machines that have spanned the centuries. A small museum also traces the history of the family business.
Two sessions are organized free of charge on Saturday and Sunday, at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and registrations can be done by email at [email protected].
Kering and the Maison Balenciaga, an immersive journey through the history of the group
It is in a sublime building erected between 1634 and 1757, the former Laennec Hospital on rue de Sèvres (Paris 7th), that the French luxury group Kering and Maison Balenciaga are installed. For the traditional Heritage Days, visitors can follow an immersive tour on the history and identity of the group since its creation. The jewel of French heritage is also offering this year a selection of unique contemporary art works and Maison Balenciaga is also exhibiting several works by Cristobal Balenciaga.
Access is free and without reservation.
The Dior Gallery, to discover or rediscover
Exceptional dresses and accessories are on display at the Dior Gallery, where the heritage of the house is highlighted. The exhibition retraces the inspirations and key pieces of Christian Dior, but also of those who succeeded him at the head of the collections. New productions devoted to the Miss Dior ready-to-wear line or to Christian Dior’s interest in the Age of Enlightenment are presented as part of the Heritage Days at the gallery.
The gallery on Avenue Montaigne (Paris 8th) is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at a single rate of 5 euros.