PARIS — Robert Goossens, founder of the Paris-based gold- and silversmith that collaborated with Gabrielle Chanel from 1955 until her death in 1971 on famous designs such as Byzantine-style crosses, died on Jan. 7 in Paris. He was 88.
Chanel bought Goossens in 2005. (It’s one of the 11 Métiers d’Art that Chanel controls through its affiliate, Paraffection.)
Goossens is known for its handmade creations mixing precious metals with stones, leather, ivory, crystal, enamel and wood. Besides its signature brand, sold at its boutiques on Avenue George V and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré here, Goossens produces jewelry for a range of couture, ready-to-wear and accessory clients.
His funeral was held Thursday in Paris. He is survived by two children — Patrick and Martine Goosens — who oversee the artistic direction of Goossens jewelry and objects, respectively.