Chanel Is Investing in French Lacemaker Sophie Hallette

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You may be seeing more lace in Chanel's haute couture future pretty soon if their recent investment history is any indication. The historic fashion house just purchased a minority stake in the French lacemaker Sophie Hallette's parent company Groupe Halesco, according to WWD.

The name Sophie Hallette may not ring any bells for you, but the wedding gowns they've provided lacework for absolutely will. The century-old house is the mastermind behind the iconic Alexander McQueen wedding gown Kate Middleton wore when she married Prince William back in 2011 and the Oscar de la Renta dress Amal Clooney wore when she married George back in 2014.

Founded in 1887, the house has worked with nearly every French couturier, from Christian Dior to Pierre Balmain just to name a few. Marilyn Monroe wore dresses with their lacework, and Jackie Kennedy wore their lace mantillas while she was First Lady.

In a statement to WWD today, Chanel said that their partnership aims to "perpetuate the historical lace sector —€” the pride of Calais and Caudry's heritage."

"It also aims to maintain in France a unique know-how and the essential Leavers, these bicentennial machines that allow to create very high-end and labeled lace, which is crucial to meet the demand of haute couture and creation," said Chanel.