"Lyon's Homegrown Velvet Manufacturer Faces an Uncertain Future"
In the heart of Lyon, France, Velours de Lyon continues to uphold its century-old tradition as the country's last traditional velvet maker. This artisan company, a result of a merger of several textile societies, has two production sites in Décines-Charpieu (Rhône) and Saint-Just-en-Chevalet (Loire).
Velours de Lyon's focus is on producing high-quality velvet products, using a production process that emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail. The process includes weaving, hand-painting, and ennobling threads, a testament to the company's dedication to preserving traditional methods.
However, recent times have been challenging for Velours de Lyon. The company suffered an operating loss of 600,000 euros in the previous year, and in 2023, it lost 1.5 million euros in turnover due to Gucci canceling its orders. The COVID-19 pandemic and a decrease in orders from high fashion groups have also had an impact.
In February 2023, Velours de Lyon was placed under judicial reorganization (redressement judiciaire), a court-supervised process to restructure a financially troubled company to protect creditors and preserve its activities. Despite extensive searches, no recent or specific information about the company's status or future prospects has been found in the provided sources.
Jean-François Renaud, the general director of Velours de Lyon, acknowledged the challenges of working in fashion, subjecting companies to international economic conditions and trends. He also mentioned that some big brands do not always keep their promises.
Despite these challenges, Velours de Lyon continues to export its products to major markets such as Italy, the United States, and Japan. The company's main export destinations reflect its global appeal and the enduring value of its traditional craftsmanship.
As Velours de Lyon navigates through its judicial reorganization, the future of this historic French velvet artisan remains uncertain. However, its commitment to preserving traditional methods and its century-old know-how offers a glimmer of hope for its continued existence and success.
For updated information on Velours de Lyon's situation, consulting specialized French business registries, official court or judicial records, or industry reports related to textile artisans in Lyon may provide valuable insights.
The manufacturing industry's unpredictable trends and global economic conditions, as exemplified by Velours de Lyon's recent financial struggles, have posed significant challenges for business within the sector. Despite these obstacles, the company, known for its focus on high-quality velvet products and adherence to traditional methods, continues to seek finance and support from various sources, with a glimmer of hope for its continued existence and success.
