Our story
THE 1950S, THE BEGINNINGS
In 1954, France lived through the blessed era of the Glorious Thirties, the country returned to growth and the French saw their standard of living improve. Women free themselves from conventions and occupy a new place in society. In northern France, in Hazebrouck, Marguerite Cordier decided to launch her "small business" with her son André. Mother of 10 children, violinist in her spare time, she perfectly embodies this delicate post-war transition, which marks both a change in mentalities and a woman's emancipation.
In the attic of a house located just next to the place that would become the company's headquarters, she created her own clothing workshop and shaped the Lener Cordier spirit.
The beginnings are modest but the quality of the work, Marguerite's commitment and ambitious vision quickly allowed the workshop to become a real company when the head office moved to the heart of downtown Hazebrouck.
THE 1960S, A KEY MOMENT
It is both a period of expansion and transmission. Marguerite Lener passes the torch to two of her sons: André, who has been with her since the beginning and is in charge of the finances, and Marc, who is in charge of the commercial side while his wife, Annie, is working on the style.
Together, they pursued the founder's dream and refined the house's signature, which quickly became a reference while continuing their mother's know-how: a precious heritage that remained the heart of the company and enabled it to establish itself on the market.
THE 1970S MARKED THE TURNING POINT
France was in the midst of a change after May 68. There is a rupture between the France of yesterday, traditionalist, and the France of tomorrow, that of an exuberant youth who is thirsty for change. Fashion perfectly reflects this evolution: we liberate style with audacity! Lener Cordier adapts its strategy to the new market rules and thus stays one step ahead of a large number of textile companies in the North. The company now has more than 200 employees and provides a network of retailers.
The move of the head office to 39 rue de Merville is the symbol of this crucial step for the company. Another page opens for Lener Cordier, the family adventure continues.
IN THE 1980S, THE NEW GENERATION AT WORK
Frédéric Lener, son of Marc and Annie, joins the company. This is a period of strong expansion for the group, which is opening up abroad with distribution chains. In a context of globalization, Lener Cordier has managed to adapt its organization while remaining faithful to its values: the care taken in manufacturing, the quality of first materials and controlled know-how. This approach has attracted many prestigious ready-to-wear brands, who entrust Lener with the design and manufacture of their models.
IN THE 90S,
FREDERIC LENER AT THE HEAD OF THE GROUP
In 1994, Frédéric Lener was appointed Chairman of the Management Board. He is now in charge of the company. Lener Cordier began its Ukrainian adventure, which began at the end of 1989. In 1995, the creation of a logistics platform in Kiev, Lela, paved the way for what will become the cornerstone of the group's development. The 1990s also saw the launch of the brand Chemins Blancs by Monique and Frédéric Lener. Very quickly, a flagship opened its doors on rue Saint Honoré. In 1999, a showroom opened on rue d'Aboukir.
THE 2000’S, A NEW CENTURY BEGINS
Lener Cordier celebrates its 50th anniversary. In 2004, a production unit opened in Ukraine with employees trained in the techniques and spirit of the head company. This factory is recognized as the most beautiful production unit with French know-how. In 2010, Frédéric Lener decided to highlight the company's expertise: he launched Lener Fabrique de Manteaux, which would become Maison Lener, Lener Cordier's premium brand. Finally, in 2014, the brand Trench & Coat was launched. Connected, accessible, it reflects the company's vitality and its ability to capture market trends. Maison Lener is expanding its export business while Trench and Coat is initially expanding in France and Europe. In 2019, the company sealed a partnership with a Chinese investor; Maison Lener opened its first stores in China in Dalian in the prestigious Galerie 66, then in Shanghai in the French concession district
2018 : THE 4TH GENERATION ENTERS THE SCENE
Marine Lener, daughter of Frederic and Monique the company and carries out the digital transformation of the group.
2019 : CONQUERING CHINA
Maison Lener is rolling out its retail strategy with the opening of three new outlets in Shanhai, Dalian and Beijing.
2020 : TOWARDS NEW HORIZONS
Lener Cordier takes action to fight against the Covid19, a website dedicated to health is launched.
The company unveils its brand news digital showroom to recreate the conditions of a real physical salon.
The family saga continues with the arrival of Luca Lener, Marine’s brother, in the company.
2021 : ON THE ROAD TOWARDS RELOCATION
The company invests 600,000 to strengthen and modernise its Franch production facilities.
Launch of the Mout-Mout brand on Franch production
2022 : TIME FOR UKRAINIAN SOLIDARITY
Humanitarian truck shipments to Ukraine. 60 tons of donations sent.
6 Ukrainian emplayees welcomed into the Franch entity.
2023 : SYNONYMOUS WITH RENEVAL FOR LENER CORDIER
The merger of our 2 brands “Chemins Blancs” and “Maison Lener”, our style office is strengthening and reinventing innovative, graphic and modern collections.