French fashion and cosmetics house Chanel, through its Research and Technology Unit, apparently carries on working on the technological innovations that will continue to set the brand apart.

The Paris-based company is partnering with Dassault Systèmes, the world leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software solutions powered by 3D, and sister company of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, within the Dassault Group. First used to design complex shapes, 3D now makes it possible to design and manufacture products creating digital mockups, it helps companies to digitally define and simulate products, as well as the processes and resources required to manufacture, maintain and recycle those products and improve the environment.

By combining their expertise, in cosmetics for Chanel, and in 3D technologies and virtualization for Dassault Systèmes, the partners aim to develop unique concepts and explore new territories in life sciences,” Dassault Systèmes said in a release.

The first joint project, which is based on the analysis of light and already under way, is co-developed by Chanel Research and Technology and the Dassault Systèmes Design Studio. The aim is to validate new hypotheses and concepts in the beauty sector using virtual software solutions. The project will be finalized in 2010.

Other opportunities are also being explored, with an emphasis on virtual simulation and modelling that, according to the two companies, will pave the way for innovative breakthroughs in skin biology and cosmetics.