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1870
J. Mendel is established in St. Petersburg, Russia, by the Mendel family as a boutique specializing in luxurious furs based on the principles of extraordinary quality, unparalleled style and innovative craftsmanship.

1875
Joseph Mendel is commissioned by Czar Alexander II to create an Ermine cape for his wife. The Mendel family becomes the official furrier to the Romanov family.

1920
Jacques Mendel moves to Paris and brings his pioneering techniques of fur design to the house of Révillion.

1934
Jacques Mendel opens the first J. Mendel fur atelier in the center of Paris.

1970
The fur atelier relocates to Rue Saint-Honoré. This address is the home of the original J. Mendel boutique.

1980
J. Mendel collaborates with French designers Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Bernard Perris on their fall ready-to-wear collections.

1981
Gilles Mendel becomes designer and CEO of J. Mendel and leaves Paris for New York City to open a J. Mendel fur salon at America’s most celebrated luxury emporium: the Elizabeth Arden Salon on Fifth Avenue.

1995
Gilles Mendel opens a freestanding boutique at 723 Madison Avenue. Mendel begins to push the limits of design by manipulating fur like it is fabric. Gilles also begins to experiment with the design of dresses and coats in material other than fur.

1999 
Bergdorf Goodman asks Gilles Mendel to open a second boutique inside the legendary department store to showcase his sophisticated designs in fur and fabric.

2002
Continuing the couture tradition of the house of Mendel, Gilles Mendel launches his first ready-to-wear collection that embraces luxe femininity with a Parisian aesthetic. An American atelier is established in New York City.

2003
Gilles Mendel is inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. This organization celebrates top American talent in the fields of fashion design, accessories design and menswear design.

2004
Gilles Mendel shows his first complete ready-to-wear collection to the international fashion press on the runway in Bryant Park as part of New York City Fashion Week.

2007
After many requests from clients to make couture wedding dresses, J. Mendel launches a complete bridal collection that showcases the brand’s romantic femininity and artistry with fabric. J. Mendel introduces a couture atelier, focusing on unique designs for discerning clients worldwide.

2010
Gilles Mendel designs costumes for the New York City Ballet premiere of Call Me Ben. This ballet by Melissa Barak creates a wonderful opportunity for Gilles to design glamorous costumes with a 1940s feel.

2011
Gilles Mendel receives the National Design Award for Fashion Design from The Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. This award is presented as an acknowledgement of excellence and innovation in design. First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the Honorary Patron of this award.

2013
J. Mendel launches its premier handbag collection. This collection is made from the finest fur, luxury leathers, alligator and produced by artisans in Italy and France J. Mendel opens a new Flagship Boutique on 787 Madison Avenue.



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