Groupe Chantelle
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Lingerie, Clothing |
| Founded | 1876 |
| Founder | Mr. Gamichon |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | International |
Key people | Patrice Kretz (Président Directeur Général) |
| Products | Lingerie |
Groupe Chantelle is a French, family-run enterprise specializing in lingerie, managing several brands with an international presence.
History
The origins of Groupe Chantelle date back to 1876 when Mr. Gamichon founded the company as a producer of elastic knitted fabrics, utilizing vulcanized rubber technology to supply markets in Latin America.
In 1898, Gamichon joined forces with his nephew Paul-Maurice Kretz, leading to the renaming of the business as Les Etablissements Kretz. By 1902, the firm introduced corsets incorporating elastic bands designed for enhanced comfort.
Leadership passed to Jean Kretz in 1936, who transformed the company into SNEK (Société nouvelle des Etablissements Kretz) and created an innovative elastic textile that paved the way for the later release of Chantelle corsets.
Claude Kretz took the helm in 1949, revitalizing the Chantelle brand and building its prestige in corsetry. By 1960, SNEK commenced bra production at its inaugural factory located in Épernay, launching distinctive models such as Fête (featuring Calais lace) and Défi (the first moulded bra) by 1972. The expansion of bra manufacturing became central to growth, prompting a corporate rebranding to Chantelle SA in 1976.
Beginning in 1962, the company extended its reach throughout Europe, establishing subsidiaries in Germany, Benelux countries, and Switzerland. Today, it maintains 15 international offices and holds the position of France’s leading exporter of women’s lingerie.
Patrice Kretz assumed the role of Président Directeur Général in 1985 and introduced Passionata in 1988—a youthful and affordable line that rapidly expanded its market presence.
Further growth included opening a New York branch in 1993, launching Darjeeling retail stores in 1995, and acquiring Orcanta’s retail chain in 2006.
Between 2010 and 2011, Chantelle broadened its portfolio by purchasing Danish brand Femilet and designer label Chantal Thomass. In 2014, it incorporated Dutch multi-brand retailer Livera, which specializes in lingerie, swimwear, and nightwear.
Brands
The lingerie brands under Groupe Chantelle's umbrella include:
- Chantelle
- Darjeeling
- Orcanta
- Femilet
- Chantal Thomass
- Livera
Bibliography
- Chantelle Paris, Anne Zazzo – Editions Assouline, Mémoire de la mode, 2010
- Lingerie Française XIX–XXI siècle, Catherine Ormen – Editions Plon, 2012