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Every December since 2002, Chanel has presented a Metiers d'Art collection. (Yes, this means that the latest - revealed six months ago - marks the 20th edition.) It's the annual showcase/bonanza/tribute to the all-important esoteric craft ateliers that orbit the French luxury maison (Karl Lagerfeld even used to refer to them as satellites). The 2021/2022 collection, which launches in boutiques towards the end of June, marks a new chapter: It's inspired by and was shown in the new Le19M hub that Chanel had purpose-built as a centralized home for 11 of its most crucial suppliers.

- Gordon NG

It's the first time that the brand has brought together the artisan workshops it owns - previously scattered across and around Paris in such a meaningful and permanent way. Located in the north-eastern Aubervilliers region of the French capital, Le19M was even designed to bring to mind woven textile by architect Rudy Ricciotti - with concrete threads girding its facade, creating a sophisticated exoskeleton that also offers protection from the sun. The 25,500 sq m state-of-the-art complex is now HQ to 600 workers from ateliers that contribute embroidery, plumasserie, pleating, textiles, hats, jewellery, and shoes - discrete components signature to the look and feel of Chanel.

Here, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at three of Le19M's resident ateliers through the eyes of three male friends of the house: Pharrell Williams, Sebastien Tellier, and Abd Al Malik.

To commemorate the opening of Le 19M - Chanel's multidisciplinary complex in Paris that houses the specialized artisanal workshops it owns - last December, the brand invited its celebrity friends to visit seven of the metiers d'art on site. Pictured here: the musician/style icon Pharrell Williams exploring the workroom of the costume jeweller Goossens, which has been working with Chanel since the '50s after Coco Chanel commissioned its founder to create a piece for her.