Tag Archives: FRENCH

VUARNET

In 1957 two Parisian opticians introduced a new, specialist lens to the market, designed specifically for skiers, the Skilynx lens was revolutionary. It would filter out the extreme reflection often experienced from snowy terrains whilst providing clarity and shielding the eyes from the elements. Having fitted them to sunglasses, they offered their product to the French ski team and at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, Jean Vuarnet won the gold medal in Downhill skiing. Wearing the Skilynx glasses, a partnership was born that would define the brand’s pedigree for ever more. Vuarnet agreed to lend his name to the enterprising start-up and the name would come to be synonymous with high-quality, luxury performance sunglasses.

HERMÈS

The ultimate in luxury brands, Hermès is synonymous with opulent and sumptuous goods, finished to the highest standards. This house has perfected the art of luxury since its foundation as a saddlery in 1837. From the outset, the Hermès brand was a favourite of the highest of nobility and the Parisian elite who would seek out no other maker for their equestrian and carriage equipment. The maison would use it’s leather-making expertise to craft various other accoutrement essential to the comfortable travel of its distinguished customers, including luggage and travel cases. With the advent of the automotive age, the brand would apply its prestige and know-how to upholstering the very best motor cars and expanding into leather goods, such as handbags, belts, boots and so forth. This also marked the transformation of the brand into a high fashion label, renowned for their selection of the best materials and elaborate prints to create beautiful accessories and apparel. Today the brand stands as the height of luxury, admired and desired throughout the world.

ARMORIAL

A legendary stationers based in Paris, Armorial was founded in 1890. The maison has been a go-to for Parisian society ever since. Armorial’s range includes luxury stationery, which can be customised to a client’s exact needs. The firm also produces a range of luxurious leather goods and accessories.

ZILLI: A LEATHER JACKET EMPIRE IS BORN

The Zilli story begins in 1965 with the foundation of the iconic brand which, today, is synonymous with luxurious apparel and stylish, tailored pieces, especially leather apparel. It was then that a collaboration would begin which would shape the direction of the Maison Zilli line – a collaboration between a French entrepreneur and an established Italian tailor with a reputation for sleek and elegant designs for discerning customers.

CHARVET: AMONGST THE WORLD’S GREATEST BESPOKE SHIRTMAKERS

Charvet is a French luxury shirtmaker that was founded in 1838 by Joseph-Christophe Charvet. The company is known internationally for its high-quality, handcrafted shirts. Charvet shirts are made from the finest materials, including Egyptian cotton, French linen, and Italian silk. The shirts are assembled by hand, and each shirt is carefully inspected before it is shipped.

LE PARAPLUIE DE CHERBOURG: THE ANCIENT CRAFT OF UMBRELLA MAKING, IMMORTALISED IN FILM

Le Parapluie de Cherbourg (The Cherbourg Umbrella) is a French umbrella manufacturer that was founded in 1986 by Jean-Pierre Yvon. The company is known for its high-quality, handcrafted umbrellas. Descended from a long-line of umbrella craftsmen who helped shape Cherbourg as a global centre for that particular trade, he named his business for the famous movie from the 1960s: ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’.

CHAMPAGNE ALFRED GRATIEN: AN AWARD-WINNING CHAMPAGNE HOUSE

Champagne Alfred Gratien is a family champagne house founded in 1864 in Épernay, France. The house is known for its exceptional champagnes, which are handcrafted using traditional methods and aged in oak barrels. Alfred Gratien champagnes are characterized by their complexity, elegance, and long finish.

HESCHUNG: THE GRAND ALSATIAN SHOEMAKERS

Heschung is an iconic, luxury French shoemaker that has been handcrafting high-quality shoes in Alsace since 1934. The company is known for its timeless designs, reverse welt construction, and use of premium materials. Heschung shoes are made with a variety of leathers, including Anicalf, a full-grain leather that is known for its strength and durability. The company also uses hydrovelour leather, which is a water-resistant leather that is ideal for boots and other shoes that will be exposed to the elements.