Boldness and passion are two of the reasons the team behind French interior design company Maison Lelièvre believe the century-old company has stood the test of time. The company was started in 1914, with an exclusive focus on velvet, but has since grown in its scope and grandeur. We caught up with the CEO of Lelièvre Paris, Emmanuel Lelièvre, to learn more about the challenges in the market and the company's recent partnership with C4 and Pascal Cagni.
From left to right: Paul Lelièvre, Emmanuel Lelièvre and Pascal Cagni.
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of Maison Lelièvre and how it was founded?
'The company was founded in 1914 by my great-grandfather. As the fourth generation of the Lelièvre family, I continue the work of my ancestors with the same boldness and passion for rare fabrics. Originally known for its velvet, Lelièvre has developed its expertise through strong strategic acquisitions and licensing. For example, we have acquired other houses whose history goes back more than 300 years, such as Tassinari & Chatel, founded in 1680, and Quenin, founded in 1865. Today, our House has a unique know-how, inherited from the great 18th-century factory of Camille Pernon and the Grand brothers. Our products adorn the finest châteaux and exceptional locations in France and Europe. We are privileged to have exceptional archives, which we carefully preserve in a dedicated department. We were one of the first companies to be awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label in 2006.
One thing led to another, and the House was able to weave its own DNA. Today, it has three brands - Lelièvre Paris, Quenin and Tassinari & Chatel - for which I have strong ambitions. Each brand has its own vision and, above all, its own identity. This clear strategy today makes Maison Lelièvre one of the symbols of the French Art de Vivre, becoming the 95th Maison de Luxe of the Comité Colbert on July 1, 2024.'
From the archives of Tassinari & Chatel.
In what markets is Maison Lelièvre active and how are the market conditions right now? Do you notice any problems because of the difficult economy or transport now?
'The challenge of the last 10 years has been to adapt to the new market situation and to changes in the distribution of our products. We've gone from a situation where the physical point of sale was almost obligatory (upholsterers, decorating boutiques, etc.) to one where the prescription is the key element and fabric is part of a decorating project in its own right. As a result, we have a strong presence in the hospitality sector. To achieve this, we have had to adapt our offer so that it is more in tune with our clientele, no longer limiting ourselves to fabrics alone, but instead developing a new range of wall coverings and made-to-measure rugs. We also collaborate with leading French designers to offer capsule collections throughout the year.
As for any logistical difficulties we may encounter, we have invested heavily in our production facilities, which today enable us to guarantee Made in France and optimum weaving quality, thanks to our mastery of every stage. Our know-how and our 2 weaving workshops have been based in France for over a century, and keeping them it's very important to us. It gives us greater control over production, guarantees impeccable quality and favours a short supply chain.'
'We are obviously very conscious of the challenges of sustainable development. We produce almost exclusively in France and Europe. But we don't want to stop there. Last year, we developed a "100% Natural" collection composed exclusively of recycled and natural fibres, which we sourced as closely as possible: The linen was French, the wool from Scotland, and the weaving was done in France or close to Europe.'
Left: Quenin 1865. Photo: Alexandre Tabaste. Right: one of the company's ateliers.
How is the market in France right now?
'The French economy shines internationally thanks to its expertise in the luxury sector and the French art of living, driven mainly by its know-how, with SMEs such as Maison Lelièvre. France needs to give more support to these small structures in order to develop internationally and support their growth, which is why we have joined forces with C4 and Pascal Cagni.'
Maison Lelièvre recently joined C4. Congratulations on the new venture! What does this mean for the brand? What changes can we expect?
'With the arrival of C4 as a shareholder, La Maison Lelièvre is writing a new page in its history, following the rebirth of the Quenin brand in January 2024 and its entry into the Comité Colbert on July 1, 2024. Above all, we want to pursue the long-term development and growth of our three brands, and conquer new international markets, where we generate 60% of our sales.
The funds will be used to accelerate our international development, with a focus on Asian and American markets, marketing and modernising our industrial facilities, notably at the Panissières factory near Lyon, where we weave the majority of our fabrics and almost all our silks, always with the aim of promoting Made in France and short supply chains.
What are some of the opportunities and challenges lying ahead after this partnership?
'Nowadays, clients are not only buying a product or a service, they want to know the story behind a brand. We have a strong and long story which needs to be explained to our clients. This means we need to communicate more on who we are and what we can do.
Also tastes in interior design are still very different from one country to another, but French style is well recognised in most parts of the world. The challenge for us is to keep creating, a bit like "chefs" and "fashion icons" do.'
Left: Tassinari & Chatel Vitrail. Right: Lelièvre Paris Résonance.
What are the future plans for Maison Lelièvre?
'Lelièvre must keep its DNA of French Editor and we will keep developing unique textiles through its weaving atelier in France. Creativity and unique product development are keys in today's market.'
More information:
Maison Lelièvre
[email protected]
www.lelievreparis.com
France