Made in France is a complex subject and between the attractive idea on paper and reality, there is a whole world. Benoît explained well in this Parlons Vêtements how much nuance must be brought.
Now, one week before the Made in France show in Paris (November 10, 11 and 12 at the Porte de Versailles), for those who want to buy clothes made in France, Benoît, Nicolò, Michel, David and Jordan have done their shopping and here is their selection.
Benoît's selection
“A splendid parka in Ventile fabric , designed by De Bonne Facture , perfectly balanced in its cut and design, which will last you for years.”
"I love chunky knits, and I like the Roscoff model from Arpenteur, halfway between a bomber jacket and a cardigan. You have to like this slightly loose cut, but in a winter workwear look, it's perfectly suited."
"These 100% linen DAO jeans made in Nancy intrigue me, because it is very rare to have linen denim. It is therefore in my selection, especially since the price is reasonable for a high-end jean."
Nicolò's selection
"This Bleu de Paname velvet overshirt — with a somewhat strong design since it is multi-colored — is a surprising piece that piqued my curiosity. Bleu de Paname does not manufacture all of its collections in France, but here it is a nice example of a piece where we find beautiful quality, a French style and a design that goes beyond the simple basics.
A quick note on style: it may seem difficult to wear, but there is a trick, it is that all the elements that compose it are in the most basic and easy-to-wear colors of the male wardrobe (blue, beige, brown, khaki...), which means that there is little risk that it will clash with the top and pants of your choice. And a lot of chances to make a color recall to an element of your outfit, which will make it easier to integrate.
“A sure value of Made in France, often cited as an example: the shoemakerJacques & Demeter . The quality of their shoes is really advanced, and their short circuit business model even makes the extra cost of Made in France justified in view of the gain in quality provided.
I often criticize them for having very, very round and heavy shapes, which are not always to my taste. However, on this two-material longwing derby , I find that it is very harmonious. Note the quality of the leathers, so apparent (including in photos) that you could almost "touch it with your eyes".
"I really like this jacket inspired by a "café racer" model, from Atelier Bertrand (I already have a perfecto from them). I love the buckle on the neck, and the cutout on the back which flatters the figure.
I have already written a very complete test on this brand, and I could not omit it from my list. These jackets are entirely made in France in the workshop of one of the biggest luxury houses, with the first choice leathers of an equally prestigious tannery...
In short, all the quality of a major brand's product, but sold at a third of the price (or even less) than what these brands would charge. Bonus: it can be customized with little or no extra cost depending on the options chosen. A godsend for anyone who dreams of a very nice jacket.
Michel's selection
"A strong piece whose French moleskin exudes workwear. Made in France, this Bleu de Paname trellis is for me ideal for treating yourself with a unique cut and a brighter color. I can see myself putting it on to go sing the Marseillaise with a chunky ecru knit and white sneakers."
"Knitted in pique stitch in Valcanville, this beautiful ecru knit from De Bonne Facture shines with its versatility: under a camel coat, a suit jacket, or even a leather jacket. We are spoiled for choice to brave the winter without a scarf."
"I often criticize military jackets for their somewhat bland khaki shades. This piece is one of my favorite mid-layers, but the material sometimes tends to lack depth. The French workshops at Champ de Manoeuvres heard me: halfway between an overshirt and a military jacket, this model offers vibrant shades of khaki that are just waiting to be slipped under winter coats.
David's selection
"Benjamin Jezequel's "iconic" honeycomb sweatshirt . Here in navy blue, with a light random ecru speckle characteristic of beautiful Japanese materials in general and this fleece from Toki in particular. A supplier you're starting to know if you've been following us for a while."
"I wanted to offer an accessory, and this tote bag from the French brand Champ de Manoeuvres caught my attention. The canvas comes from French military tents, the leather straps from French cowhide. And the bag is made in France, of course."
"We are seeing the emergence of a certain number of brands offering very (too?) basic T-shirts around €50 with the sole argument "made in France". Maison Cornichon offers its vision of the T-shirt , focusing on a product with a good style, well explained, and made in France on vintage looms. Knitted and made in France, only the origin of the cotton is not specified. Too bad."
Jordan's selection
"Inexplicable thing: I have been kind of fixated on hiking boots for some time now, but worn in the city. I felt quite deprived when the snow fell last winter and I swore to myself that I would buy this type of shoe. Well, nothing is less certain... we always have other purchasing priorities than hiking boots! But still, these Paraboot Avoriaz have everything to please me."
"I find that brown (here hazelnut) is an underestimated color in the male wardrobe. While brown is a natural color. Here this turtleneck sweater from De Bonne Facture will go perfectly with grays, other browns, blues, eggplant and even yellow."
"I like being able to take my bag everywhere. So, I like very rigid cotton canvas to carry all my stuff. Like this Bleu de Chauffe bag."