Selection: the 2020 Christmas list from the BonneGueule team

Benoît, co-founder

The Indy bag - The Observer Collection

I thought I'd be forever disappointed with small crossbody bags for men, until I saw this bag from The Observer Collection.

So, first of all, a few words about the man behind this brand, Robert Spangle:

• I already talked about it in my Gimmick on techwear outfits
• He is a photographer with a military background.
• And who loves techwear and tailoring art

He therefore created this brand of small luggage, and here he offers a small shoulder bag mainly for photographers, but also for everyday life. You can put a book, a small bottle, an external battery, headphones, etc. in it.

As usual with Robert, there is this unique mix where the codes of beautiful leather goods mingle with those of the military. So don't be surprised to see a few MOLLE passers-by (magnificent by the way).

For the record, he says he tested it while covering the Black Lives Matters protests in Los Angeles.

Alas - and double alas - it's a bag out of stock, and the price of which will scare more than one person. Indeed, between the high-end Italian leather imported into the United States and American manufacturing, we are looking at a bag at $678. The price of the dream.

Polartec Power Air Sweatshirt - Reigning Champ

While Gore-Tex works diligently to position itself as a key fashion player , Polartec is not to be outdone, and intends to become more widely available among leading non-outdoor brands.

And this time, they collaborated with the Canadian brand Reigning Champ, known for its fleece clothing: sweatshirts, jogging pants, etc.

This collaboration includes several pieces that explore several products from Polartec, such as Power Stretch ( which we have already worked on ), Power Wool or Power Air.

It's the latter that interests me, because I haven't tried this material yet. Its principle is to encapsulate air to increase thermal insulation.

And I like the play of textures between the front and the back. To offer to the most curious among you!

Cécile, acquisition manager

Dear Santa,

last year you absolutely didn't follow my list, I had to buy a bike on my own but I'm naturally optimistic so I'll reiterate.

Heather gray oversized Marty sweatshirt - Patina

This brand is already a gem, I have Brenda jeans and they are pure joy. I really like their 90's communication, there's good humor, a taste for clothes and a little La Redoute catalog feel from yesteryear in the sales pages, it's very inspired. And regarding the product, I salute the desire to do well, to add a recycled percentage to the composition.

So Patine takes out her oversized heather gray sweatshirt but not too much and I already like it. Heart to you.

Solal and the Solals , Belle of the Lord, Albert Cohen - Gallimard

So here I'm cheating because I've already read this masterful tetralogy by Albert Cohen, so it's mainly to give our readers the idea of ​​offering (in bookstores) probably the most beautiful literary work speaking of passion and 'love.

And if you are too lazy to pick up the three books, my heart is unreasonably swinging for Belle du Seigneur (in paperback eh, it's too big for paperback). Make way for desire, for chivalrous ardor which will give complexes to any couple!

Sister ruby ​​and malachite necklace - Argument Bijoux

Anne Sophie, the creator of Argument Bijoux, has been passionate about jewelry and more generally ceremonial since she was little, she often offers unique pieces, raw pearls and stones with mystical properties.

I was seduced by the beauty of her creations, I already have a pair of earrings and now I only think about this necklace. This is my big favorite! Go quickly and discover Arguments Bijoux, it’s affordable and you’re sure to please.

Chloé, branding manager

Hello Santa, here is my list, if you could see a little wider this time, that would be nice.

Be careful, this year I want (we say “I would like”) vintage with soul or beautiful know-how.

Trench - Aquascutum

A trench coat, a piece to keep for life, from the Aquascutum brand but I think I'm a little late, the brand is in liquidation. But on her site, she announces her upcoming return. The holy grail, this oversized version, perhaps a men's cut.

As a bonus, vintage pieces from En Voiture Simone Paris , and in particular this purple YSL set (will I dare/will I not?).

Office - The Little Black Blanket

A piece of furniture to accommodate decoration and occasionally serve as an office. At €1400 per piece of furniture, it's not cheap, but all the other desks look too much like desks so if you can give me a helping hand, I won't say no 😉.

Dominoté paper - Antoinette Poisson

A sheet of paper, I have just discovered this and I find it magnificent, extremely delicate while being quite “raw”.

Christophe, editor-in-chief

You know now, I know that Santa Claus does not exist. So, what I put in my list, if no one ever offers me what it contains, I will offer it to myself. And Bam !

Knitted blazer - Pini Parma

So, it’s Jordan who is at the origin of this desire. It's not the first time these nuggets make you want to crack, but this one a little more than usual.

I really like this wool and cashmere jacket, the material, the color, the fit, its versatility and the comfort it provides. I'm already well into it. Thanks Jordan!

A ticket to a Bryan Ferry concert

After seeing this documentary dedicated to on Arte , I would really like to see the singer of Roxy Music on stage, he who accompanied my travels 30 years ago.

And since he's aging as quickly as me (he's 75), we shouldn't delay. That's good, a tour is planned in Europe in May and June 2021. Come on, fingers crossed, you know why.

David, online advisor and editor

Fresco wool suit ( jacket / pants ) - Berg&Berg

While traditional tailoring brands are struggling and formal clothing is evolving , I'm going against the trend. Indeed, I want a nice suit.

I like the art of tailoring but I dress quite casually every day and I miss classic elegance a little.

I do not currently own any costumes, as all of the ones I own have been sold over the last few years.

Knowing my tastes and my body shape, I know that the suit from the Swedish brand Berg&Berg, with its canvas jacket and its loose, high-waisted, pleated pants, will suit me perfectly.

And besides, nothing obliges me to wear this suit with a shirt, a tie and immaculate shoes. See instead:

Jungle jacket - Informal

In addition to tailoring, I also appreciate workwear style.

These two styles mix well: think of an olive parka over a suit or a wool gurkha for example .

In this vein, this jungle jacket from the Australian brand Informale has been catching my eye for a long time.

In addition to the careful work on the cut and the details like the pockets, perfectly proportioned, I like the material used. It is a thick cotton canvas whereas other jungle jackets are made from finer fabrics, giving the garment a softer feel.

This thicker material gives structure to the jacket, and this structure brings its aesthetic closer to that of a blazer.

It must also be said that Steve Calder, the founder of Informale, carries it brilliantly:

Emilie, quality manager

Hello Santa Claus,

I hope everyone is doing well at your house 🙂

I haven't written to you all these years, I was convinced that you didn't exist!

I have been working at Bonne Gueule for a few months and I met Christophe. I no longer believed in you but he restored the truth , and it is with pleasure that I take up my pen again to write to you.

Thanks to this special year, I have had more opportunities to be good and I am confident enough to write you my wish list.

Because fashion is all I love, I can't choose between these two dresses.

Long light knit dress - Molli

There is this knitted one from Molli. You know I have a sweet tooth and this wonder will still be just as comfortable even after having enjoyed a second portion of dessert.

Dress 3 - Super Market

In a completely different genre, this one from Super Marché . Its creator Monia Sbouai uses existing clothes to recreate new ones, in partnership with a reintegration workshop , it's cool, ethical and casual.

As a bonus, a Paris museums card to catch up on missed exhibitions in 2020 and stroll through the permanent collections.
That's it, I'll stop here but I still have lots of ideas if you need them!

I kiss you and the elves, take good care of each other.

Geoffrey, co-founder

Cessac garden boots - Aigle

I plan to live partly in the countryside, moving to Aix-en-Provence where I have family.

For the part of the week where I will continue to work in Paris, I don't really miss a magnificent Mediterranean garden without watering and going looking for chicken eggs, I will need durable and comfortable boots.

The reference in this area is of course Aigle, a company co-founded by the inventor of vulcanization. . The Entreprise Patrimoine Vivant maintains this know-how as a “Master rubber maker” and has been making its boots by hand since 1853. Always in Chatellerault in Vienne.

We even visited the factory some time ago. I can't wait to jump in puddles like I did when I was 5...

Linen Kitchen Apron - Positive Linen on Etsy

My other favorite thing at the moment is to learn the great dishes of French cuisine. From veal marengo to salmon pie, one per weekend.

It makes me happy to return the favor to my girlfriend , it’s super satisfying to make things with your hands. And it's great to avoid having to be delivered, while saving money.

My only problem? Reconcile passion for beautiful fabric and love for tomato sauce.
A shield ? No, a pretty linen apron, in a deep, not-messy navy blue. And yes, my stew will always be good.

Giovanni, manager of the Paris Commines boutique

Sweatshirt - Carhartt

What can I say other than that you have all noticed that Carhartt is my favorite brand!

So this year I want this pocket sweatshirt to complete my collection and have something cozy to wear for these long winter evenings.

Range Rover Evoque - Land Rover

So here we are on something heavy, very heavy!

Having obtained my license on the first try and in just 20 hours... I "simply" want a nice car to travel around Europe in maximum comfort. Please Santa listen to my request, I want to travel!

Jade, store HR manager

Dear Santa, I'm Jade and I've been very good this year. Maybe not every day...but most of the time! You can ask my colleagues if you want.

Hoodie - Wilma CC

2021 will (I hope) be a sporting year for me! Sport and I have never been very good friends... but then I discovered a brand that gives women confidence and that advocates women's cycling: WILMA

So to start step by step, and to ensure comfort, warmth and style, I'm asking you for this fabulous hoodie, to mentally prepare me for my future sessions.

Hey Father Christmas, in addition the founder Céline is a former Bonne Gueule collaborator. Enough to give him a real little boost 😉

Foldable bike - Brompton

For my second gift, because I know you are generous, I would need a nice bike to accompany me on my trips and limit public transport!

So know that Brompton makes a great foldable electric bike! What more could you ask for: he will accompany me everywhere and pedal for me!

Thank you in advance and see you soon Santa Claus.

Jérôme, online advisor and editor

Dear Santa Claus,

last April, I took my first steps into the wonderful world of Bobine : fashion and cinema, it's not far from being all me and it may not have escaped you that I started with pajamas .

Pajamas - Derek Rose

So I'm opening my little list with a homewear piece. It's one of the words of the year, tied with "teleworking", and we can say that the Coronavirus will have pushed us to question a whole bunch of things: our indoor outfits, for starters.

So for the night, because I've been obsessed with it for a long time and it reminds me a little of Jean-Pierre Léaud's in the film Baisers Volés, I'll slip you an image of these very pretty Derek Rose pajamas.

It's blue, all in brushed cotton, and if you've been reading us forever, you know that the English brand is a sure bet. I particularly like its design and its little details, and not to spoil anything, the little nod to the royal family reminds me that I loved seeing the series The Crown on Netflix this year.

Double-breasted or three-piece suit - Husbands

If these pajamas don't inspire you, you could possibly fall back on what would be the ultimate gift for me.

In any case, I'll put it on my list every year, just like that, to remind myself that at 40 years old, I still don't have a costume. And what better way to get started than Husbands?

Any blue double-breasted design or the gray Prince of Wales three-piece suits me.

Failing that, I can settle for a meeting or an interview with the creators of the brand, because I have the impression that we have a common cultural background: the cinema of Melville or Cassavetes, the music of Pulp or The Fall... It's enough to intrigue me, and as you know, I'm also interested in the little stories hidden behind the clothes.

Joffray, boutique advisor in Bordeaux

Dear Santa

I really hope that this end of the year will be much more magical for all of us than it has been so far, and to bring me a little more sweetness would it be possible to receive these few gifts?

Cashmere gloves and hat - Lanvin

With these long gloves in 100% cashmere as well as the matching hat from the Lanvin brand, I will be enveloped in warmth!

Oil on canvas “Elegant woman” by Gabriel-Marie Chanteau

You know my passion for art and history and I have dreamed of owning a painting full of grace and elegance for a long time, so I fell for this painting by Gabriel-Marie Chanteau (1874-1955) from the so-called period
" Belle Epoque ".

Since we've been confined twice this year, I've had time to be wiser and do less stupid things, so you can admire all the efforts I've made to deserve these gifts 😉

In the meantime I wish you all a Merry Christmas 🎄

Jordan, editor and stylist

Sleeping by the Mississippi - Alec Soth

I am fascinated by beautiful photos. I can stay for long moments observing the same thing to understand what makes it beautiful.

The composition, the colors, the camera angle, the sharpness, the depth of field, all that. And sometimes the charm that comes from imbalance.

To immerse yourself in the work of a good photographer is to go on a journey with them. It's witnessing scenes that will never happen again! See things through your eyes, at your level and discover something else, something different.

And to conclude this year 2020, travel is welcome. More than “welcome” again!

I got to know Alec Soth through my interest in the great photographers including: Joel Meyerowitz, Stephen Shore, William Eggleston, Garry Winogrand, Robert Frank, Cartier-Bresson and others.

I own Retrospection by Meyerowitz, Uncommon Places by Stephen Shore, The Americans by Robert Frank and Sleeping by The Mississippi would join the ranks of my collection which I intend to push as far as possible.

Pink tinted lens glasses - Julius Tart Optical

I've been eyeing these glasses for a while.

I'm having trouble checking out. So I tell myself that someone will do it for me.

But we'll have to find a middle ground because it's expensive at 350 euros. Even if it's Julius Tart Optical, it's worth it, it's made in Japan. It's still an amount.

Only sometimes, you have to know how to invest in the accessories that set you apart. That said, I haven't worn glasses to go out for a while. The reason for this is that the mask causes the lenses to fog up and I hate that.

Finally who loves it? Person.

So maybe it can wait. Maybe it's a bottle in the sea that I'm sending with this dream pair. Maybe I'm waiting for a miracle. Maybe I believe in Santa Claus.

Maybe... in the meantime I would like to see myself with my face framed by these glasses, just to see life in pink.

Kelly, store advisor in Lyon

Michael velvet shoes - Paraboot

Hello Santa Claus, after this year full of emotions I hope you will come say hello to me with lots of gifts that can warm my little heart 😊

For this I will guide you because I know that during this period you are quite busy so I might as well help you do some of your work!

In my wardrobe I never have enough shoes and even less Paraboots. Mythical model = the Michaels

Available in smoky velvet, they are simply sublime and go with any style of outfit. Made in France, handmade and with Goodyear soles = sure value that combines comfort and style.

Handbag - Le Feuillet

Since I'm on my way, I would also like to have this beautiful Le Feuillet handbag, a Lyonnaise brand which uses exclusively French skins, from farms. The leathers do not undergo any treatment, Le Feuillet only uses vegetable tanning and full grain leather.

The brand's first women's bag, it has a minimalist style, no excess, just the essentials. It’s a success and above all, it will suit me divinely 😉

Gentlemen, don't hesitate to go see what LeFeuillet offers, most of the collection is for you.

Loan, management controller

Key ring/necklace - Brut clothing

So yes Santa, you may not understand this first object, but let me explain it all to you.

Lately I have been strongly attracted by the Brut Clothing shop, whether it is their rework of militaria models or the selection of pieces from old surplus, the brand offers both originality and history.

I would really like to have this “bell” type key ring, a very fashion-oriented accessory I grant you, but which has the good purpose of protecting the keys while avoiding damaging pants or a cell phone screen. In addition, the leather comes from Swedish aprons from the 60s and the strong rope is vintage paracord, upcycling for utility.

Japanese glasses - Kaneko

By spending so much time in front of Excel files and screens, I may need, like you, Santa, small round glasses. I therefore turn to the Japanese brand Kaneko which already has two stores in Paris and whose aesthetic totally speaks to me.

Combining Japanese know-how with noble materials, these acetate and titanium glasses are both sober but with a touch of originality, enough to make you want to wear them constantly

Louise, boutique advisor in Bordeaux

Hello dear Santa Claus,

I would like to write you this email to share with you my wish list for this Christmas.

Leather jacket - Maje

To make pretty outfits, I would like to have a beautiful brown leather jacket from Maje. Thanks to its (fake) fur interior I could be very warm this winter.

Mathieu, store advisor in Lyon

Hello my little Santa Claus, this year I'm very chauvinistic, so I've put together a list of 100% Lyonnaise gifts for you.

Watch - Nost

I'm starting with a magnificent minimalist watch created by Margaux and Antoine, two 31-year-olds from Lyon. NOST is a watch brand with a timeless design and impeccable quality: vegetable-tanned leather from one of the oldest tanneries in Tuscany, 316L steel case and Japanese Miyota movement.
The little extra: reusable packaging to take your watch when traveling or slip in a pair of glasses.

Cambriole Shoes - Arpenteur X Paraboot

I am continuing with an Arpenteur x Paraboot collaboration, two brands from the Rhône-Alpes region. They work together to manufacture exclusive models in Isère, at the crossroads of the spirit of each brand.

Maud, manager of the Lyon store

Dear Santa Claus,

In this somewhat special year we all need to warm our hearts with gifts by the thousands, I have made you a small selection just in case you want to come say hello to me on December 25th.

Velvet overalls - Modetrotter

You know my passion for overalls, corduroy and khaki color, so when I saw these Modetrotter overalls I immediately fell in love with them.

Well, otherwise I'm really starting to get travel sick so I'm also ordering you a plane ticket to the destination of your choice so I can leave with my little family as soon as we can again.

I thank you in advance and if it is too complicated for you this year which I understand, then just spending a little Christmas with my loved ones will suit me very well too.

Michel - editor

Shadow 5000 Sneakers - Saucony

Dear Santa, your big boots look very comfortable. But I'm sure they're not as cool as a pair of running shoes.

This is why throughout this year, I gradually abandoned my dress shoes in favor of sneakers.

This desire for comfort did not come alone: ​​there is a stylistic appetite and an aesthetic appeal too.

Seeing this model from Saucony, you should understand me:

I know, he's beautiful. It's the 80s. This model made its first appearance in this decade and it shows.

We are far from classic and refined running. The lines go in all directions. The stitching creates retro-futuristic angles everywhere. The sole juggles with proportions.

The whole thing is imposing while taking on an aerodynamic shape. A bit as if they were intended for Flash, Quicksilver or some other hypersonic racer. In short, they make tons of them and I like that.

What makes them a little simple is the color I chose: this aggregate of beiges makes them less hostile and easier to wear. He purifies everything. So, Santa, I'm counting on you not to make a mistake.

Maschine Controller - Native Instruments

If you were confined to the North Pole, you might not have seen it, but I'm devoting more and more time to music production. Or rather to its learning because let's be honest, my first EP is not for tomorrow.

But I believe in it and I will make even more effort in 2021. To accompany me, if a burst of madness takes you, you can bring me this famous controller from Native Instruments.

There's plenty to enjoy:

• Pads with precise sensitivity to go boom boom with my index finger
• A screen to understand a little more what I'm doing
• Durable potentiometers that won't give way under my thumb when I'm in a musical (psych)trance

And lots of other features that will take me months to master.

Above all, this toy is beautiful, fun and seems pleasant to use. And having that, Santa Claus, is a bit like paying for a gym membership before 2020: it motivates you to do it.

Nicolò, designer-editor

Dear Santa, this year I have been very good and relatively good.

I stayed home when the government said “stay at home”. I took responsibility, and I learned to manage my money like a "responsible adult", by creating budgets for everything, and (almost) not exceeding them.

I hardly ever partied, paid attention to my sleep and diet, and exercised three times a week. In short, a model 27 year old.

So since I was so good, well... How can I put it.

We'll have to skimp on the gifts. Yes, after all, it’s only fair. Come on, hop hop hop, the bearded man in the sleigh, let's go for the good guys!

"The Parka" olive - Ten C

First of all, we're going to start with one of the most beautiful parkas on the market, since I don't have one. As you can imagine, it's also one of the most expensive, but is it my fault if I have demanding tastes?

Having seen them in real life at Pitti, what makes the Ten-C parkas strong is their famous “OJJ” fabric. which gives them both technical properties, a hand and an appearance on the border between that of a techwear fabric and a more natural fabric.

“The Parka” model, a type of fishtail parka based on an oversized version of the M-65 . It's stylish, it's timeless, and I might as well tell you that when it comes to pocket protection against the elements, we're good.

Shearling Liner - Ten-C

And this is the moment where I use the ancestral technique, passed down from one brat to another, generation after generation. The technique of “yes but if you buy me that, I need the second gift that goes with it to make the set!”

Well, not sure that it works as well with a thousand-ball shearling as with the playing cards of my childhood. But we never know !

In any case, if in your great kindness, you could send me this shearling liner that goes with the parka, I would be doubly grateful to you.

On the sleeves and back, it's more of a light down jacket. On the front and collar (where warmth matters most), shearling.

And it looks good too. Doubly so, because this shearling has two functions: firstly, on its own, it can be worn as a hybrid of an "ultralight" down jacket and a shearling lambskin jacket.

Generally I am not a big customer of this hiking and outdoor inspired outerwear, but the shearling and the choice of colors provide the necessary refinement to make me reconsider my opinion.

Second, it can do what a "liner" is supposed to do in the first place: keep warm under the piece of outerwear to which it is attached. And there combined with the parka just above, I have the ultimate combo against the cold, bad weather, and stylistic blandness.

Pierre-Henri, accountant

Hello dear Santa Claus,

Well, we're not going to lie to each other, not between us, ever: this year is very special! And for all of us. So a little magic can help us finish this year and slowly move towards happier days.

I haven't had any big needs lately. But I must admit that I have a few ideas to submit to you, quite simply.

Michael shoes - Paraboot

First choice: a Michael pair from Paraboot. I learned to appreciate this type of model, by seeing it more and more on the feet of a lot of men. And I admit to you, my nice polar bearded man, that I would really like to drag my feet on the city sidewalks with these shoes, which I have been looking for for several months.

Our CM David also helps me find second-hand models. But no luck, as soon as I try to get them, they slip through my fingers. But I am patient and persistent, so I will succeed! Well, it'll give me an extra pair of shoes, my boyfriend still won't understand why I bought it, but whatever, I have arguments in BE-TON!

Bun Cha olive backpack -N'Go

For this second choice, I have a practical need: as you know, I am an urban cyclist, mainly for cycle work.
Apart from my obsession with visibility, the other important element is to be equipped with a good backpack to carry multiple things, starting with my professional PC. I like this bag produced by N'Go for several reasons:

• Its size, effective given the size of my PC, its material, made from recyclable plastic bottles. And cordura, a material that we know well at BonneGueule.
• The brand's ethical commitment: the backpack is used for school construction in Vietnam
• The origin of the brand: based in Nantes, where I humbly come from and which remains the best city in the world in my heart.

There you go, Mr. Christmas, that's it for me. Stay safe during your tour, kiss (from afar) Mrs. Claus and all the elves. And see you next year !

Rémy, advisor at the Bordeaux boutique

Hello Santa, I have been a very good and cute boy so you can give me lots of gifts ☺️

There are two that would particularly please me.

Cardigan - Invarellan

First of all, a superb cabled cardigan, with a shawl collar from the Inveralla brand. Nothing better to keep me warm this winter.

Cargo bike - Larry vs Harry

And the best would be a cargo bike so I can go for walks with my dog ​​and transport lots of things when returning from flea markets. Lots of kisses, I love you.