Cabana and Chanel Fete the Opening of “Lesage: 100 Years of Fashion and Decoration” in Paris

Martina Mondadori, Derek BlasbergPhoto: Filippo Fanfani

Maison Lesage, the Chanel-owned historic master of French savoir-faire renowned since 1924 for crafting exquisite and jewel-like embroideries for top fashion houses, collaborated with Cabana Magazine to produce a limited-edition collectible box set, covered in black-and-white sequined tweed. This partnership marked the house’s 100th anniversary, celebrated alongside the opening of the exhibition “Lesage: 100 Years of Fashion and Decoration" at Paris Galerie du 19M.

To mark the occasion, Chanel and Cabana s founder Martina Mondadori hosted an intimate dinner, opening the doors of 7L, the bookstore housed in Karl Lagerfeld s former photography studio, which also holds his monumental library of 30,000 volumes. The legendary designer founded 7L in 1999; along with its publishing arm, Éditions 7L, it was acquired by Chanel in 2021 following his passing. Lagerfeld s passion for books also inspired the creation of the 7L Salon, known for its monthly readings and literary conversations, and the Correspondances cultural program.

LagerfeldÆs spirit still seems to linger in the salon; despite his fastidious taste, he would’ve certainly appreciated the elegant tablescape, featuring treasures from his personal trousseau. Four antique dinner sets, artfully mismatched, from Manufacture de Meissen, Atelier Gustavsberg Kage, and La Compagnie des Arts Français, as well as silver monogrammed cutlery, were displayed on long tables, draped with exquisitely embroidered, pristine white tablecloths, decorated with centerpieces of delicate Lalique glass vases filled with colorful bouquets.

This curated environment was the perfect setting to celebrate Cabana s imaginative, refined take on the art de vivre. Coming from a family of Italian publishers, Milan-based Mondadori innately appreciates exquisite, rare books; she has a keen eye for beauty and a lively curiosity for broader culture—from travel and interiors to photography and fashion, she has made Cabana into a wondrous mash-up of all her passions. She founded the publication in 2004: "It all started when I was living in London as a young mother. I was feeling nostalgic for my homeland and its way of life; that made me look at the Milanese house where I grew up, designed by Renzo Mongiardino, through different eyes.  I started to create mood boards featuring images from both Italian and British interiors,” she recalled. “They looked unexpectedly good, and I began to consider turning them into a publication.” A leopard can’t change its spots.

Mondadori has grown Cabana into a close-knit community of loyal friends, aesthetes, and supporters who share a penchant for sophisticated cultural wanderlust. They came together to celebrate her collaboration with Lesage; among the attendees were photographer François Halard, writer and connoisseur Miguel Flores-Vianna, interior architect and designer Vincent Darré, artist Ashley Hicks, and Lesage’s CEO Hubert Barrère, all enjoying the festive soirée. "Lesage and Chanel have brilliantly brought their exceptional Haute Couture craftsmanship into the editorial space, creating a truly unique cover for Cabana, which fills me with pride," Mondadori shared, glowing in a stunning golden Chanel evening gown. “Working with them is a dream come true.”