- Chanel is a fully private company owned entirely by the Wertheimer family, with Alain and Gérard Wertheimer holding a combined 100% ownership stake.
- Alain and Gérard each control an estimated 50% of the company, giving them equal voting power and complete authority over Chanel’s strategic, financial, and creative decisions.
- No public, institutional, or external shareholders exist; all governance and equity remain within the family through private holding structures.
- Extended family members, including Charles Heilbronn and the next generation, play advisory and investment roles but do not hold direct ownership stakes in Chanel.
Chanel is an iconic French luxury fashion house. It is known around the world for its elegant style, timeless design, and cultural influence. The brand stands for sophistication and innovation in fashion and beauty. People associate Chanel with haute couture, ready-to-wear clothing, fine jewelry, handbags, fragrances, and cosmetics. Its influence on global style is profound and enduring.
In 2025, Chanel held the title of the most valuable apparel brand in the world, surpassing other major luxury names in market value.
The company sells its products through exclusive boutiques, flagship stores, and selected retail partners. It also oversees the Maison des Métiers d’Art workshops, which preserve traditional craftsmanship for haute couture and artisanal fashion elements.
Chanel maintains a strong brand identity that blends heritage with modern creativity. The company invests in sustainable initiatives and has introduced beauty lines with natural-derived ingredients and transparent supply chain goals. It also supports philanthropic efforts through Fondation Chanel, which focuses on social and environmental causes across several continents.
Founder
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was the visionary force behind the brand. She was born in 1883 in Saumur, France. Her childhood was difficult. She spent several years in an orphanage after her mother died. The nuns who raised her influenced her minimalist design style. Their clean lines and restrained silhouettes shaped her future aesthetic.
In her early adulthood, Coco Chanel worked as a seamstress and performed in cafés. During this period, she adopted the name “Coco.” She later entered elite social circles in France. These relationships helped her secure financial support to open her first boutique in 1910 at 21 Rue Cambon in Paris. The shop sold hats. Her hats became famous among actresses and fashionable women. This early success encouraged her to expand.
By 1913, Chanel opened boutiques in Deauville and Biarritz. These locations became hubs for innovative sportswear. Her jersey dresses and relaxed silhouettes challenged traditional women’s fashion. Coco Chanel believed clothing should allow movement. This belief defined her philosophy and sparked a fashion revolution.
Her work continued to evolve. She introduced fragrance, fine jewelry, and couture. Chanel’s designs broke conventions. She championed short haircuts, simple suits, and monochromatic palettes. Her influence reshaped women’s wardrobes across Europe and beyond. Even after her temporary retreat from fashion during World War II, she returned in 1954. She relaunched the Chanel suit.
It became a global symbol of sophistication. Coco Chanel remained the creative leader of the brand until her death in 1971. Her legacy drives the company’s identity to this day.
Major Milestones
- 1910: Coco Chanel opens her first hat boutique at 21 Rue Cambon in Paris.
- 1913: Chanel expands to Deauville, introducing sportswear-inspired womenswear.
- 1915: Couture house opens in Biarritz, gaining rapid success during wartime.
- 1921: Launch of Chanel No. 5. It becomes one of the most iconic fragrances ever created.
- 1924: Establishment of a cosmetics and perfume company with Pierre Wertheimer as a business partner.
- 1925: Introduction of the Chanel suit. Its clean lines mark a major fashion shift.
- 1926: Launch of the “little black dress.” Media describes it as the “uniform of the modern woman.”
- 1932: Chanel releases her first fine jewelry collection, “Bijoux de Diamants.”
- 1939: Couture operations close due to World War II.
- 1954: Chanel returns to fashion after a long hiatus. Relaunches the Chanel suit, winning back global attention.
- 1955: Introduction of the Chanel 2.55 handbag with the signature chain strap.
- 1971: Coco Chanel passes away in her apartment at the Ritz Paris.
- 1983: Karl Lagerfeld becomes creative director. He revitalizes the brand and modernizes its codes.
- 1999: Chanel expands into high-end watchmaking with the J12 development phase.
- 2002: Paraffection subsidiary is formed to protect and acquire artisan ateliers.
- 2012: Chanel opens a major fashion production building in Paris to support atelier craftsmanship.
- 2016: Karl Lagerfeld stages major global destination shows, turning runway events into cultural moments.
- 2019: Karl Lagerfeld dies. Virginie Viard becomes Artistic Director of Fashion Collections.
- 2021: Leena Nair is appointed Global CEO.
- 2023: Chanel continues expansion of Métiers d’Art facilities and craftsmanship initiatives.
- 2024: Chanel invests in sustainability-focused beauty labs and new artisan workshops.
- 2025: Chanel becomes the most valuable apparel brand globally, reflecting strong cultural and consumer demand.
Who Owns Chanel: Top Shareholders

Chanel is owned by the Wertheimer family. Alain Wertheimer and Gérard Wertheimer are the controlling shareholders. They are descendants of Pierre Wertheimer, who partnered with Coco Chanel in the 1920s to expand the fragrance and cosmetics division.
The Wertheimers hold full ownership of the company. They maintain complete control through their private holding structures. Chanel’s independence allows long-term investments in fashion, craft, and global expansion.
Below is a list of the primary shareholders of Chanel as of December 2025:
Alain Wertheimer (50%)
Alain Wertheimer is one of the principal owners of Chanel. He is a French billionaire and the chairman of the company. Alain oversees global strategic decisions. He serves as the public face for the brand’s ownership. His influence shapes Chanel’s long-term vision and culture of independence. Alain is known for protecting the company’s discretion and artisan-centered luxury positioning.
Alain holds equal ownership with his brother Gérard in Chanel’s controlling structure. They inherited the company as third-generation owners from their father, Jacques Wertheimer. This equal shareholding gives Alain significant governance power. He chairs board meetings and guides major investments and brand expansion.
Through the family’s holding companies, his vote carries substantial weight in strategic decisions. His role is central in maintaining Chanel’s private and independent status.
Gérard Wertheimer (50%)
Gérard Wertheimer is the co-owner of Chanel alongside his brother Alain. He has a background in business management and control of major divisions within Chanel. Gérard is deeply involved in overseeing divisions such as watches and accessories. He also manages relationships with select artisans and external partnerships.
Gérard holds the same ownership share as Alain, making them equal partners in the company. This balanced ownership structure ensures shared decision-making authority. His influence extends to product categories that are critical to Chanel’s overall portfolio.
Although he avoids public attention, his strategic role within Chanel’s executive framework is significant. Together, both brothers maintain full ownership of the company.
Charles Heilbronn
Charles Heilbronn is a key figure within the wider family ownership ecosystem. He is the half-brother of Alain and Gérard Wertheimer. Charles is best known as the founder and chairman of Mousse Partners, the family office that manages the Wertheimer fortune and oversees investment strategies tied to Chanel and other assets.
Although Charles does not directly own a controlling share of Chanel, his role in Mousse Partners gives him influence over investment decisions and wealth allocation for the family.
Mousse Partners serves as an intermediary for the family’s financial interests, which include Chanel equity and diversified investments. His leadership ensures financial stability and long-term strategic planning across the family’s holdings.
David Wertheimer
David Wertheimer is the son of Gérard Wertheimer.
In 2025, he is active outside of direct Chanel operations but influential as a next-generation stakeholder. He leads 1686 Partners, a private equity firm backed by the family’s capital. His focus is on consumer and lifestyle investments that align with the family’s broader strategic interests.
David does not directly own shares in Chanel in the traditional sense, but his role managing a portion of the family’s investment capital positions him as a future influencer. His activities illustrate how the family is preparing for generational transition within its business and investment ecosystem.
This involvement can indirectly strengthen the family’s long-term control of Chanel through capital deployment and succession planning.
Arthur Heilbronn
Arthur Heilbronn is another emerging figure in the extended Wertheimer family. He serves in senior roles within Mousse Partners and is increasingly recognized for strategic influence over the family’s investment portfolio. Educated at Harvard Business School and experienced in finance, Arthur is seen as preparation for future leadership responsibilities.
Like David Wertheimer, Arthur does not directly hold operational control at Chanel. However, his rising role in the family’s managing structures, particularly Mousse Partners, implicates him in governance and financial strategy that affects the company’s future. His involvement reflects the Wertheimers’ approach to succession and continuity planning.
Other Family Members
Beyond these principal figures, the Wertheimer family includes additional relatives who participate in private family governance or receive economic benefits from the company’s performance. These individuals typically maintain influence behind the scenes through family councils or advisory roles. The precise details of their ownership stakes are less public, reflecting the family’s commitment to discretion in its holdings.
Who is the CEO of Chanel?
Chanel’s CEO in 2025 is Leena Nair. She stands as a transformative leader in one of the world’s most influential luxury companies. Her mandate combines strategic growth, cultural development, and operational leadership. This section explains her background, responsibilities, decision-making authority, compensation, and comparative context with past executives.
Appointment and Leadership Role
Leena Nair was appointed CEO of Chanel in 2021. She succeeded a period of leadership transition following the death of Karl Lagerfeld and the earlier tenure of Virginie Viard as Artistic Director. Nair’s appointment signaled a strategic focus on global leadership experience, diversity of thought, and operational excellence.
As CEO, she reports directly to the company’s controlling owners, Alain and Gérard Wertheimer. The brothers retain ultimate strategic authority. Nair leads day-to-day operations, global expansion efforts, and organizational culture. She also shapes workforce strategies, talent development, and Chanel’s position in sustainability initiatives. Her role bridges corporate governance and creative strategy. She ensures alignment between business performance and the brand’s heritage.
Decision-Making Structure
Chanel’s leadership structure combines executive management with family ownership oversight. The CEO directs executive teams across regions, product divisions, marketing, retail, and finance. Major strategic decisions, such as significant investments or long-term brand repositioning, are made in consultation with the Wertheimers. Operational autonomy allows the CEO to implement initiatives while preserving Chanel’s creative culture.
Nair works closely with the Creative Director of Chanel’s Fashion House on runway shows, collection roll-outs, and brand narrative. She also collaborates with senior leaders in fragrances, beauty, watches, and fine jewelry. The structure supports a balance of creative authority and commercial rigor.
Professional Background
Leena Nair began her career in human resources. She spent many years at Unilever, where she held senior leadership roles in Europe and Asia. She was widely recognized for building inclusive work environments and scaling leadership development programs.
Prior to joining Chanel, she was the global chief human resources officer for Unilever. Her move to Chanel marked a transition from corporate HR leadership to full CEO responsibilities in luxury.
Past CEOs and Leadership Evolution
Chanel’s leadership has evolved over decades. The company’s founders and early leaders laid the groundwork for modern governance.
Coco Chanel herself led the business until her passing in 1971. Afterward, corporate leadership transitioned to professional executives and family oversight. In the early 2000s, Maureen Chiquet served as CEO. She focused on reinforcing global brand positioning. Later, the Wertheimer brothers took more direct executive control during periods of transition.
Following Karl Lagerfeld’s death in 2019, Virginie Viard served as Artistic Director and helped shape creative direction. Leena Nair’s appointment in 2021 reflects a contemporary stage in Chanel’s leadership, emphasizing global business rigor and cultural leadership.
Strategic Priorities Under Current Leadership
Under Nair’s leadership, Chanel continues to invest in sustainability, digital transformation, and global retail expansion. She champions initiatives that reinforce ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, and enhanced customer experience. These priorities align with broader luxury industry trends and Chanel’s proprietary brand ethos.
Her focus includes workforce diversity and talent development. She prioritizes building leadership pipelines and strengthening Chanel’s global presence through targeted market strategies.
Chanel Annual Revenue and Net Worth
As of December 2025, Chanel generated an estimated $22 billion in annual revenue, driven by strong global demand across fashion, leather goods, beauty, and fine jewelry. Chanel’s net worth as of December 2025, estimated to be around $60 billion, reflects the exceptional strength of its brand, the high value of its product portfolio, and its enduring influence in the luxury market.

2025 Revenue
Chanel’s 2025 annual revenue is estimated to be around $22 billion. This reflects continued growth across multiple business divisions, including fashion, handbags, fragrance, beauty, and timepieces.
The fashion and leather goods segment remains the largest contributor, driven by strong demand in North America, Europe, and key Asian markets. Chanel’s beauty and fragrance division also performs robustly, bolstered by Chanel No. 5 and newer product introductions that appeal to younger luxury consumers.
The company’s selective retail expansion, particularly in high-growth cities and luxury destinations, further supports top-line growth. In addition to strong same-store sales, Chanel’s digital commerce platforms contribute a growing share of revenue, as affluent consumers increasingly integrate online and in-store purchasing behavior.
Chanel’s revenue growth in 2025 is supported by brand exclusivity and high price points. Its products typically command premium pricing due to craftsmanship, heritage appeal, and limited availability. This pricing strategy allows Chanel to maintain healthy margins relative to broader luxury peers. Operational discipline and tight inventory management also help optimize profitability throughout economic cycles.
Chanel’s Net Worth in 2025
Chanel’s net worth as of December 2025 is estimated at approximately $60 billion.
This valuation positions Chanel among the world’s most valuable luxury brands. The company’s net worth reflects not only its revenue and profitability but also intangible value tied to brand strength, customer loyalty, and global cultural impact. Chanel’s valuation also accounts for its strategic investments in artisan workshops, intellectual property, and long-term real estate commitments in flagship markets.
A significant portion of Chanel’s net worth is derived from its high-value luxury goods segment, which includes iconic products such as the Chanel 2.55 handbag, couture collections, and limited-edition fine jewelry. These products contribute to a perception of scarcity and desirability, enhancing Chanel’s pricing power and secondary market appeal.
Chanel’s strong financial position allows it to invest in future-oriented initiatives. These include sustainability programs across supply chains, expansion of beauty research and development, and selective acquisitions that align with its luxury ethos. The company’s ability to maintain private ownership contributes to long-term planning and investment choices that prioritize brand legacy over short-term profit pressures.
Segment Contributions to Revenue and Value
Fashion and leather goods continue to be central to Chanel’s financial performance, driven by seasonal collections and high demand for classic items. Beauty and fragrance contribute significantly to recurring revenue due to their broader customer reach and ongoing product innovations. Watches and fine jewelry represent smaller but strategically important segments, reinforcing Chanel’s credibility in high craftsmanship categories and commanding premium pricing.
Regional performance also shapes Chanel’s revenue mix. The United States remains a leading market by revenue percentage, supported by strong luxury consumer demand. Europe benefits from tourism and local high-end clientele, while Asia, particularly China, continues to grow as a critical luxury consumption region.
Chanel’s valuation also factors in non-operating assets, including real estate holdings tied to flagship stores and offices in major global cities. These properties reinforce Chanel’s global presence and add to the company’s asset base.
Outlook and Financial Positioning
Looking ahead, Chanel’s revenue and net worth are expected to remain resilient. The company’s financial strategy emphasizes sustainable growth, targeted innovation, and preservation of brand heritage. Chanel’s emphasis on craftsmanship, limited distribution, and premium experiences positions it well against economic volatility and competitive pressure.
Overall, Chanel’s financial performance in 2025 showcases a luxury house that effectively balances tradition with strategic expansion. Its revenue and net worth reflect enduring brand equity, operational strength, and disciplined management within a family-owned ownership model.
Companies Owned by Chanel
Chanel owns a diverse portfolio of companies, artisan workshops, luxury brands, and specialized entities that support its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle operations. As of 2025, these acquisitions and in-house maisons strengthen Chanel’s craftsmanship, supply chain, product development, and global brand identity.
Below is a list of companies and brands owned by Chanel as of December 2025:
| Company / Brand / Entity | Category | Description & Key Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffection | Artisan Atelier Group | Chanel’s umbrella entity managing all métiers d’art houses that supply craftsmanship for couture and ready-to-wear. Preserves rare artisan techniques and integrates them into Chanel’s collections. |
| Maison Lesage | Embroidery Atelier | Produces couture embroideries for Chanel. Known for hand-crafted techniques, beading, and bespoke runway embellishments. |
| Lemarié | Feather & Flower Atelier | Specializes in handmade feathers, fabric flowers, and sculpted embellishments used in couture and high-end ready-to-wear. |
| Maison Michel | Millinery House | Creates luxury hats and headpieces, integrating traditional millinery craft into Chanel’s seasonal collections. |
| Massaro | Shoemaking Atelier | Handcrafts couture footwear and supports small-series shoe production for high-end Chanel collections. |
| Goossens | Goldsmith & Ornament Atelier | Crafts metal trims, jewelry components, and statement pieces for Chanel’s fashion and accessories lines. |
| Desrues | Button & Accessory Atelier | Manufactures bespoke buttons, clasps, and decorative elements that are signature features of Chanel garments. |
| Lognon | Pleating Atelier | Creates couture-level pleats and fabric manipulations for Chanel’s runway and bespoke pieces. |
| Causse | Glove Atelier | Produces artisanal leather gloves for couture and luxury ready-to-wear collections. |
| Barrie | Cashmere & Knitwear Manufacturer | Scottish cashmere company producing Chanel’s knitwear and its own standalone label. Known for premium heritage craftsmanship. |
| Eres | Swimwear & Lingerie Brand | Luxury swim and bodywear brand owned and operated by Chanel, offering premium lingerie and tailored swimwear. |
| Orlebar Brown | Menswear & Resort Brand | British menswear brand specializing in tailored swim shorts and resort wear, operated independently under Chanel’s portfolio. |
| Château Rauzan-Ségla | Wine Estate (Margaux) | Chanel-owned Bordeaux winery producing high-end red wines with long-term estate investment and vineyard renewal. |
| Château Canon | Wine Estate (Saint-Émilion) | Premier Grand Cru Classé estate owned by Chanel, known for terroir-driven wines and heritage restoration. |
| St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery | Wine Estate (Napa Valley) | Chanel’s California winery producing premium Napa wines and offering luxury hospitality experiences. |
| Domaine de l’Île (Porquerolles) | Wine & Agricultural Estate | Chanel’s Provence estate producing limited wines and supporting cultural and environmental projects. |
| Chanel Watches | Luxury Watchmaking Division | Chanel’s in-house watchmaking unit producing iconic lines like J12 and Première, along with proprietary movements. |
| Minority Watchmaking Investments | Strategic Stakes | Includes minority stakes in independent haute-horlogerie firms to support innovation and movement development. |
| Fondation Chanel | Philanthropic Foundation | Chanel’s global foundation supporting cultural, social, and sustainability programs. Operates independently but fully owned by Chanel. |
Paraffection
Paraffection is Chanel’s in-house group for métiers d’art — the specialist ateliers the house has acquired to preserve traditional craftsmanship. Created to protect and integrate artisan expertise into Chanel’s couture and ready-to-wear, Paraffection manages a network of small maisons across France, Scotland, and Italy. It centralizes investment in workshops, training, innovation in technique, and the logistics needed to supply haute couture seasons.
Paraffection does not operate as a consumer-facing brand; it is an operational umbrella that guarantees Chanel direct control of delicate supply chains and rare skills that are essential to the House’s identity.
Maison Lesage
Maison Lesage is Chanel’s historic embroidery house and one of the most celebrated maisons within Paraffection. Lesage supplies the elaborate hand embroidery that appears on Chanel haute couture and special collections. Under Chanel’s stewardship, Lesage retained its atelier structure and continued to train new generations of embroiderers.
The house operates from dedicated workshops and workshops-in-residence, producing bespoke embroideries for runway pieces and limited ready-to-wear capsules. Chanel’s ownership secures the supply of high-quality, custom embroidery and allows the brand to commission one-off techniques without reliance on external contractors.
Lemarié
Lemarié is Chanel’s specialist for feathers and artificial flowers. It crafts sculpted floral elements, feather trimmings, and three-dimensional embellishments for couture, accessories, and millinery. As part of Paraffection, Lemarié benefits from Chanel’s investment in material science and conservation techniques.
Chanel’s ownership ensures that delicate savoir-faire — such as rare feather dying and petal sculpting — is preserved and adapted for modern production cycles. The maison also collaborates with creative directors to prototype unique textures and shapes for seasonal shows.
Maison Michel
Maison Michel is Chanel’s millinery house, supplying handcrafted hats and headpieces. Acquired into the Paraffection family decades ago, Maison Michel continues to produce couture-quality millinery for runway, editorial, and private clients.
The maison’s artisans work closely with Chanel’s design teams to integrate millinery into collections while maintaining traditional blocking, stitching, and finishing processes. Chanel’s ownership keeps millinery an integral part of its creative language and sustains the niche artisans who make the pieces.
Massaro
Massaro is Chanel’s shoemaker and the house responsible for handcrafted footwear for couture and ready-to-wear lines. Massaro’s craftsmen create last-making, hand-lasting, and finishing techniques that are rare in modern industrial shoemaking. Under Chanel, Massaro expanded its capacity for seasonal production while preserving artisanal quality. The maison supplies both bespoke couture shoes and small production runs for Chanel’s high-end accessories business.
Goossens
Goossens is Chanel’s in-house goldsmith and ornament maker, known for metalwork, costume-jewellery components, and statement elements that complement couture. The atelier produces metal trims, chains, and decorative motifs that appear across Chanel bags, jewellery, and ready-to-wear. Chanel’s ownership secures a high level of control over design translation from sketch to metal, enabling rapid prototyping and exacting finishes required for luxury goods.
Desrues
Desrues is the button and trimmings specialist within Chanel’s Métiers d’Art network. The house designs and manufactures bespoke buttons, clasps, and small decorative accessories that are signature details on Chanel garments. Desrues’ integration into Chanel ensures exclusive motifs, limited-edition hardware, and quality control in the tiny components that often carry disproportionate brand value in haute couture.
Lognon
Lognon is the pleating and fabric-manipulation atelier used by Chanel for delicate folded and pleated elements in couture and ready-to-wear. The house preserves hand techniques for permanent pleats, micro-folds, and engineered fabric textures. Chanel’s ownership of Lognon guarantees access to these specialized processes for seasonal collections and heritage pieces.
Causse
Causse is the glove-maker within Chanel’s atelier family. Known for traditional leather glove making, Causse supplies couture gloves and refined hand accessories. Under Chanel, Causse continues to produce made-to-measure and small-series gloves that maintain artisanal hand-finishing standards.
Barrie
Barrie is Chanel’s Scottish cashmere and knitwear manufacturer. Acquired by Chanel in 2012, Barrie produces high-quality knitted components for Chanel collections and also operates its own label showcasing cashmere products. Chanel’s ownership stabilized Barrie’s operations, invested in modernized facilities, and allowed the maison to both supply Chanel’s seasonal needs and develop a retail presence under its own name.
Eres
Eres is Chanel’s luxury swimwear and lingerie label. Acquired into the Chanel group in the late 1990s, Eres operates as a specialist brand focused on bodywear, swim and intimate apparel. Within Chanel’s ownership, Eres retained design independence while benefiting from the parent’s retail and production infrastructure. The label complements Chanel’s product portfolio without overlapping core couture or leather goods lines.
Orlebar Brown
Orlebar Brown is a British menswear and tailored swimwear brand acquired by Chanel in 2018. Operated as a standalone label, Orlebar Brown focuses on resort wear, tailored swim shorts, and seasonal menswear collections. Chanel’s ownership supports global distribution and product development while allowing Orlebar Brown to preserve its brand DNA and founder-led design language.
Château Rauzan-Ségla
Château Rauzan-Ségla is one of the Bordeaux wineries owned by Chanel. The estate operates as a classic Margaux château producing high-end red wines. Chanel’s stewardship emphasizes investment in vineyard management, winemaking modernisation, and international distribution. The estate functions both as a commercial winery and as a cultural asset in Chanel’s portfolio of luxury-oriented real assets.
Château Canon
Château Canon is another Bordeaux property under Chanel’s ownership. Located in Saint-Emilion, the estate is run with a focus on terroir expression and château-level winemaking. Chanel’s management of Château Canon aligns vineyard renewal programs with long-term quality goals and positions the estate as part of Chanel’s lifestyle asset group.
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery
St. Supéry is Chanel’s Napa Valley estate. The operation focuses on premium California wines and the luxury hospitality experience that accompanies estate-level viticulture. Chanel’s ownership reflects its strategy of acquiring heritage producers that align with the House’s craftsmanship ethos, while broadening its lifestyle and hospitality footprint.
Domaine de l’Île (Porquerolles estate)
Domaine de l’Île is Chanel’s estate on the island of Porquerolles in Provence. The property supports regional production and leisure activities that complement the brand’s lifestyle investments. Chanel operates the Domaine as a controlled, artisanal project designed to preserve local ecosystems while producing limited agricultural or hospitality offerings aligned with the House’s aesthetic.
Watchmaking Stakes and Strategic Investments
Chanel directly operates its own watchmaking business, including signature lines such as the J12 and Première, while holding minority investments in specialist watchmakers. By 2025 Chanel maintained minority stakes in several independent watchmakers and innovative horology firms. These strategic minority investments are intended to secure technical expertise, collaborate on movements, and reinforce Chanel’s legitimacy in haute horlogerie without fully merging those independent maisons into the core Chanel business.
Minority Stakes (MB&F, F.P. Journe and similar)
Chanel holds minority equity stakes in select independent watchmakers and creative horology houses. These stakes are not full acquisitions; they are strategic partnerships that grant Chanel access to technical know-how and limited co-developed pieces. Chanel’s minority investments complement its in-house watch production and support collaborations that elevate its watchmaking credibility on the global stage.
Fondation Chanel
Fondation Chanel is the House’s philanthropic entity. While not a commercial brand, it is an owned and operated Chanel foundation that funds arts, culture, social programs, and sustainability initiatives globally. The foundation supports long-term cultural investments that align with Chanel’s brand values and helps manage philanthropic projects independently from commercial operations.
Final Words
Understanding who owns Chanel provides clear insight into how the brand maintains its exclusivity, stability, and long-term creative direction. With the Wertheimer family holding full ownership and complete control, Chanel operates without external pressure, allowing it to invest deeply in craftsmanship, innovation, and brand heritage. This independent structure keeps Chanel focused on quality, culture, and strategic growth. As of 2025, the company stands as a rare example of a global luxury house that remains both privately controlled and creatively uncompromised.
FAQs
Who owns Chanel brand?
Chanel is owned entirely by the Wertheimer family, with Alain and Gérard Wertheimer holding 100% ownership through their private family-controlled companies.
Who is the real owner of Chanel?
The real owners of Chanel are brothers Alain and Gérard Wertheimer, who inherited the company through the family lineage established by their grandfather Pierre Wertheimer.
Is Chanel owned by Dior?
No. Chanel is completely independent and is not owned by Dior. Dior is part of a separate luxury group.
Is Chanel owned by LVMH?
No. Chanel is not owned by LVMH. It remains privately owned by the Wertheimer family and operates independently outside all major luxury conglomerates.
Who are Alain and Gérard Wertheimer?
Alain and Gérard Wertheimer are French billionaire brothers who own Chanel. They are third-generation descendants of Pierre Wertheimer, Coco Chanel’s business partner. They share equal control of the company.
Who will inherit Chanel?
Chanel is expected to remain within the Wertheimer family. The next generation, including David Wertheimer and other family heirs, is positioned to inherit ownership through family holding structures.
What did Marilyn Monroe say about Chanel No. 5?
Marilyn Monroe famously said she wore “just a few drops of Chanel No. 5” to bed, which became one of the most iconic celebrity endorsements of any fragrance.
Who originally owned Chanel?
Chanel was originally owned by its founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. She later formed a partnership with Pierre Wertheimer, who helped expand the brand’s fragrance and beauty business.
Did Coco Chanel ever marry?
No. Coco Chanel never married, although she had several influential relationships throughout her life.
Who took over Chanel when Coco died?
After Coco Chanel’s death in 1971, the Wertheimer family, already majority owners, took full control. Later, Karl Lagerfeld became the Creative Director in 1983, revitalizing the brand for modern audiences.

