History
Le Tanneur's philosophy "natural elegance"
LE TANNEUR was established in 1898, an association of a leather goods manufacturer and a tanner, which registered a creativeness patent for the "sans couture" purse (seamless). An innovation deep rooted in the DNA of the brand, which offers today complete ranges of wallets, briefcases, bags and luggage. Master leather craftsmen since 1898, LE TANNEUR, true to its values, gives priority to authenticity more than appearance, to refinement more than extravagance, to timelessness more than transience. The creations interprets fashion to retain only the essence and promotes products as beautiful inside as outside. LE TANNEUR states its personality based on this clear, different and lasting position.
Le Tanneur, a héritage
1898
In 1898, Charles Bonnardelle creates the company LE TANNEUR. He revolutionizes leather goods with his clever invention of the "seamless" money purse. In 1900, the company opens an enormous production facility employing 70 workers: the 1st deluxe leather goods company is born.
1900
During the International Exposition of 1900 in Paris, LE TANNEUR captures the hearts of visitors and professionals who award it a "Silver Medal". Building on this success, the brand opens two stores in Paris on the Grands Boulevards.
In 1914, LE TANNEUR, acknowledged for its quality, is chosen to supply French soldiers with sacks, straps, boots, gaiters and leggings.
1920
During the roaring 20s, LE TANNEUR is bursting with creativity and launches numerous fashionable accessories in leather for women and for men. To boost sales even further, the brand launches its "gift items made to last a lifetime". LE TANNEUR, and its fine, elegant and durable products, enter the personal sphere of the French public and become an unforgettable brand of quality.
1955
LE TANNEUR sets up hundreds of roadside posters throughout France to send a message to the emerging motorist population : "LE TANNEUR: beautiful gifts in leather". To top off this unique campaign, LE TANNEUR edits a series of catalogs, with printing runs of up to one million in 1970. Its product lines of leather goods, 750 deluxe articles in total, are at the heart of French lifestyle.
In 1963, General Charles de Gaulle visits Belley and receives a magnificent desk set in box-calf and a jewelry case in leather for his wife.
1970
In the 70s, leather goods retailers literally battle for exclusive rights to LE TANNEUR products because they know that selling "beautiful gifts in leather" by a brand that is so popular with the French means assured success.
1980
The company launches a new strategy in the 80s. LE TANNEUR breaks with classicism and enters the deluxe and fashion markets.
After 100 years of existence LE TANNEUR begins a new strategy of development : stores opening at Brussels, partnerships in Middle-East and east countries. In 2005, an advertising campaign is launched with new keywords : "Time, Talent, Tendancy".
2000
Today, both elegant and creative, LE TANNEUR interprets fashion in order to distill the essential.
This positioning of natural elegance is a cornerstone of character of LE TANNEUR.
LE TANNEUR is carrying out an ambitious policy of developing its distribution channels. In France, the brand is building its network through commission affiliation, and the brand is now exported to markets in Europe, Russia, the Middle East and in Japan.
2007
LE TANNEUR finds its place into the distribution sector, on 31 Decembre 2007, there is a total of 31 stores in France, including the opening of one flagship store in the Carrousel du Louvre. In 2008, the brand signed a partnership with Air France relating to all the luggage collections, from now on branded "Air France by Le Tanneur"
2009
LE TANNEUR starts a redefinition of its brand profile. Based on its undeniable know-how and its style beyond the ephemeral of the fashion, LE TANNEUR draws its values from authenticity rather than in appearance, and from refinement rather than in extravagance, in designing products also beautiful on the outside than on the inside, like those who wear them.
This philosophy will find its expression in a new concept of store imagined, in collaboration with Dragon Rouge agency, around a leather craftsman's contemporary workshop. A new advertisement campaign has the place of honor, displaying portraits of women and men wearing LE TANNEUR bags on a daily basis.
2010
LE TANNEUR is rewarded with the gold sign of renovation for its new concept of store, from now on first network of leather goods in France. New collaborations are born, fashion editors are invited to design the bag of their dream every season. The brand raises its profile in fashion, in compliance with its values of natural elegance and accessibility. A media plan and a dynamic Facebook page support the brand which is growing by leaps and bounds. The international development is getting faster with three stores in Belgium and in Luxembourg, one store in Algeria and soon two stores in Germany.
2011
LE TANNEUR today, it is 60 stores and 1 e-shop. A first franchised store at Alger, soon 2 branches in Germany and a strong presence in Europe, Russia, Middle East and China. To reinforce our relationships with our customers and dynamize the brand, we launched a facebook page : www.facebook.com/Le Tanneur