Shortly after arriving in Paris from his hometown in Alsace, Albert Weill opened a small atelier dedicated to women’s fashion on rue d’Aboukir. Each piece was designed by his wife, Anna, before being expertly made by seamstresses and delivered to the major department stores of the time.
Our History
1892
1924
In 1924, under the leadership of Robert Weill, the son of the founder, the now thriving business moved to a building at the foot of Montmartre, which had been especially built to keep up with the company’s rapid growth. Known as ‘La Manufacture’ (‘The Factory’), this building soon became the company’s headquarters and it was here that Weill focused on optimising the wholesale manufacture of quality creations.
1950
Jean-Claude, a third-generation Weill, drove the company into the modern era with his decision to release seasonal ready-to-wear collections. From this point on, each garment, never before labelled, would now bear the mark of the brand. It was also at this time that the Maison’s iconic logo—a horse-drawn carriage—and slogan—‘Weill Suits You’—were created. The corresponding advertising campaign was orchestrated by the Publicis Group.
1968
As Paris is in full swing, Weill strips its models bare.
1980
Bernard, Jean-Pierre and Viviane, the children of Jean-Claude Weill, opened the first WEILL boutique on the Champs Élysées, one of Paris’s most beautiful and famous avenues.
1992
Weill celebrated its centenary with what would be the event of the year in the world of fashion: ‘One hundred years on, Paris is Weill’. An exhibition was held at the Musée de la Mode (The museum of fashion) in Paris.
2000
From Europe to Russia, from the Middle East to Asia, upon entering the international market, Weill was met with great success.
2015
With the redevelopment of the company’s Parisian headquarters, located at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur, Weill made a daring and unique architectural statement. The former factory connects Weill’s past to its present. Built by Albert and Robert Weill in 1922, this old industrial building, once one of the largest ateliers in Paris, is located in the heart of Marché Saint-Pierre (the Saint-Pierre market). A perfect expression of the identity of the fashion house, this building has evolved with Weill over time, expanding alongside the company.
2021
Weill continues to represent a promise of ‘savoir-faire’ and tradition. The name itself is synonymous with excellence. At the heart of its strategy are the issues of social and environmental responsibility and digitisation, which perfectly illustrates Weill’s constantly renewed ambition to be at the forefront of modernity.
Family
First, there was Albert Weill, followed by Robert Weill and then, Jean-Claude Weill, the attentive patriarch and leader. Today, it is his three children, Bernard, Jean-Pierre and Vivianne, who continue to enthusiastically drive the company forward, assisted in turn by Elie and Alexandre, who represent the fifth generation of the family and the company.
