History of Maison Brochier, from Silk to Haute Couture
Interview with Cédric Brochier,
Erasme, A web documentary on the textile industry of the Lyon Metropolis
At the turn of the 1880s, the emergence of haute couture and the arrival of new materials prompted silk manufacturers to once again reinvent their profession.
Employed by Lyon silk manufacturers, Jean Brochier started his own business in 1890 and founded Maison Brochier, leveraging his knowledge of the factory’s operations. He produced “novelty” fabrics that were then sold to wholesalers and specialized department stores.
After four years of military service and four years of mobilization during the 1914-1918 war, Joseph Brochier, son of Jean, took over the family business J. Brochier & Fils, which he expanded and focused on fabrics known as “high novelty.” He became a supplier to leading couturiers such as Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, and Gabrielle Chanel.
Joseph was at the heart of a couture industry where 350,000 workers and 150,000 accessory artisans were employed. The atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties was euphoric. Women were becoming more emancipated. While their daytime attire shortened and simplified, eveningwear became more extravagant. These were the changes that silk manufacturers had to anticipate and stay ahead of.
Soon, collections were exported internationally, and offices were opened in London, New York, Sydney, and Melbourne.
To learn more, visit the Musée Soieries Brochier.