Cuisse de Grenouille is a brand founded in 2010 by two surfing brothers who wanted to resurrect the "Gentleman surfer" style of the Hamptons (East Coast of the United States). An ultra chic and ultra cool style which characterized the American bourgeoisie of the 60s. For the most curious among you, I advise you to take a closer look at the work of photographer Slim Aarons, who photographed "high society" in the years 1950-1960-1970.
The Hamptons are a peninsula considered “the most exclusive seaside resort in the United States”.
It is therefore important to understand that Cuisse de Grenouille is not a surf brand strictly speaking. They do not offer technical clothing like Quicksilver does for example. Cuisse de Grenouille is an urban ready-to-wear brand, which offers basics with an added “surf” touch. Lucas, co-founder and collection director for the brand, will tell you more in the video below.
Interview with Lucas, co-founder Cuisse de Grenouille
So, my name is Lucas Bonnichon, I'm 28 years old. I created the Cuisse de Grenouille brand two and a half years ago with my brother Séverin. So, we are passionate about surfing and at the same time, we are Parisians. So, we wanted to create a brand for “ Gentlemen surfers ”, like those of the 60s in California.
How did the story begin?
In fact, basically, it really started with swimsuits, board shorts , since we couldn't find swimsuits on the market that were a little short, a little fitted, very retro, with a fabric that was a bit particular. And so, we decided to create this product. So, we really did like the ones we see in our old surf books. And so then, around that, we created a whole universe and a total look with shirts, pants, coats, everything from A to Z.
What clothes did you start with?
At first, we started with swimsuits and ties since for us, it made sense to offer something beach wear with something elegant; and precisely for this idea of a gentleman surfer , explain that the surfer of the 60s can very well be elegant on the beach with his smart swimsuit, and also then dress and be clean on himself.
Why “Frog’s Leg”?
We decided to take the name Cuisse de Grenouille because we really want to be known internationally and to expand all over the world. And Cuisse de Grenouille is a name that people don't necessarily understand abroad but they hear something very French. So we actually didn't take it for what it means, we're not at all passionate about frogs or anything, we really took it for the sound.
What importance do you give to materials?
For us, it's really important to source the materials independently of the manufacturers, to each time choose manufacturers who manufacture specifically for each product, so for example our jerseys are made by a manufacturer who only makes jerseys. Our pants from manufacturers who only make pants. Etc. for all products. And we always choose the materials that we deliver to manufacturers to really have control over the entire production chain. These materials generally come from Europe, therefore from France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, or from Japan since there is real know-how in Japan. In fact, we take the materials and the manufacturers where the know-how is found.
Where do you make your clothes?
So, most of the clothes are made in Portugal where there is enormous know-how, where there are really factories for all the products and we go there regularly. We have very close relationships with our manufacturers and we are very involved in manufacturing, processes, etc. So, we pay attention to all that.
Do you have any slightly original materials?
The material of the swimsuit is a very particular material that is not often found in swimsuits, which is a little thick but at the same time very light, and which has this particularity of having this memory contact, which keeps the memory of shapes. That is to say that when you get out of the water for example, the swimsuit will not stick to your legs, it will have a very clean, straight fit. And that's really nice for men not to have a swimsuit that sticks, is tight, and has a parachute effect. And moreover, its rigidity, its memory contact gives it a truly perfect hold.
Who are your customers?
We are based here in the Marais, we really have a perfect clientele which is both specialized and at the same time rather general since there are a lot of tourists who come from Japan, the United States, Australia, which are rather sharp. We also have customers from the neighborhood who are rather knowledgeable because of all the stores there are around. But for us, the ideal client is the thirty-year-old, comfortable in their skin, who is rather dynamic and who will pay a lot of attention to their image.
What is the ideal outfit?
The ideal outfit is one that would be clean on her and that would be casual at the same time. For example, I'm thinking of our pants, our chinos, which are very simplistic, very minimalist, so which don't really have any detail but which have a peach skin material that is very pretty visually and also pleasant to the touch, which creases little. , therefore which always remains quite clean. And then, for example, I think of our Oxford shirt which is also very simple, really without details. It allows you to be elegant and relaxed at the same time.
So here is. This is the classic Cuisse de Grenouille swimsuit. So, a slightly retro cut, therefore a little short, very straight, with this famous Italian fabric which keeps the memory of the shapes. It creases and unwrinkles quite easily. And therefore, this rigidity allows it to always remain very straight, very clean.
Cuisse de Grenouille's truly flagship product is the “surf in Paris” sweatshirt with which we have had great success. This model in particular is a “surf in Paris” sweatshirt, therefore in indigo, so the pigment that dyes the sweatshirt is a natural pigment. And in fact, this sweatshirt will fade like jeans, like red selvedge. Over time, it will take on the traces of the natural folds of the bust. It will live, and it's really a piece that you have to have and keep for a long time and fade naturally.
The raw Cuisse de Grenouille jeans, the same which are very simple, which have a fairly thin leg at the bottom, with a leg opening of 17 centimeters. So, quite fine. This is not a red selvedge. So for us, it was really a desire that it not be red selvedge because we wanted to make accessible raw jeans. There, we wanted to make beautiful, well-cut raw jeans, at the right price.
At Cuisse de Grenouille, it's really about making basics with beautiful materials and products that last over time and which have never been in fashion and which will never go out of style.
Thank you so much.
Test of the Cuisse de Grenouille brand
I had the opportunity to test several products from the latest collection (the one in store). Cuisse de Grenouille started out offering only swim shorts and knitted ties. Today, the brand offers a complete wardrobe of basics. So I chose to test pieces that resembled me: chino pants and a t-shirt (I'm a very big fan of these two pieces), a sweatshirt, and a safari jacket. Finally, I chose a braided wool belt as an accessory.
The objective is to show you that in summer, you can dress chic and casual. I would like to draw your attention to one point: dressing casual does not mean dressing sloppy. No, having a casual style can be worked on and deserves your full attention. This is what we will see through this test.
The Jay chinos (99 euros) and the Bruno t-shirt (65 euros): two essential basics in summer
For me, the t-shirt and chino pants (with a small hem at the ankles) are two essential summer basics. These are two simple pieces so don't hesitate to play with materials and colors to add interest to your outfit. You will find the chino pants here and the t-shirt here .
A simple look accessible to everyone!
The Cuisse de Grenouille chinos are made of peach skin cotton which is therefore very soft to the touch. I was afraid it would keep me hot but during the shoot in the heart of the Trail and under the sun, I didn't suffer from the heat at all! The garment breathes well and regulates perspiration well. This is a piece-dyed material. This means that the fabric was first woven in an unbleached base and then dyed afterwards.
I chose navy blue chinos: too classic you might say! Well no, it's a deep blue, with pretty reflections. In addition, its softness to the touch will surprise more than one person. Peach skin cotton has a fluffy appearance that differentiates it from classic chinos made from simple cotton gabardine.
The cut is semi-slim and I really liked the narrow leg opening (I wear a size 32 and the opening is 16.5 cm).
With a hem or fully unfolded: there are no rules during summer! It’s up to you to do as you wish!
Concerning the production, it is good, nothing more. We find the reinforcement points at both ends of the side pockets. In addition to these two pockets, there is a small pocket located above the right side pocket: ideal for slipping in your change or a USB key. Two pockets are at the back: a piped pocket and one with a button.
The two points of reinforcement: very important finish which
attests to the good construction of chino pants
(like Luca without "S", I'm a Paint expert!).
All buttons are plastic. Personally, I like the contrast between the blue of the material and the white of the buttons.
Left rear buttoned pocket.
Right back piped pocket with the brand's signature.
Concerning the t-shirt, I chose a "summer" color: this pale yellow smells of vacation and the arrival of sunny days.
I'm a big fan of "pocket tees", namely t-shirts with a pocket on the heart side. So that the look is not "rude", this pocket should not be in a contrasting color. On the Cuisse de Grenouille t-shirt, the pocket is tone-on-tone and therefore discreet.
Another detail that I appreciate: the stitching which maintains a small hem at the sleeves. Like our phenomenon Luca without "S", I really like rolling up the sleeves of my t-shirts (hem that has to be constantly redone throughout the day). This stitching makes my job easier and allows the hem to hold well.
Last nice detail, the slightly unusual sewing point on the bottom of the t-shirt. This is a more premium finish because it requires an additional handling step at the factory.
The stitching on the bottom of the t-shirt: this type of finish is rare and is mostly seen on high-end t-shirts.
There is also a cleanliness strip inside the collar. This is really an important detail because, in addition to a clean finish, it demonstrates the care given by a brand to its products.
The neckline at the inside collar of the t-shirt.
The material (= jersey) is very soft and hardly moves at the first wash.
The cut is very fitted and the sleeves are well fitted.
You can see that with chinos in a nice material and a well-cut t-shirt in an unusual color, it's easy to put together a casual but not sloppy summer outfit. For my part, I prefer to make a hem at ankle level (when it's hot, it's important to let your feet benefit from the slightest draft) but know that the narrow leg opening ensures an excellent fit on all types of summer shoes.
The Romain braided belt (75 euros)
In summer, accessories really allow you to give an interesting twist to your outfit. With two pieces as simple as chinos and a t-shirt, the belt will allow you to add value to your look.
I chose an Italian elastic braided wool belt (available here) . Wool is very beautiful and resistant: it will wear out very slowly and will therefore be with you for a long time. The elastic gives extensibility to the piece: it's very practical because you can put it exactly to your size.
The inserts are in nubuck leather which comes from a French tannery in the Basque Country (in Espelette precisely).
The braided belt with red leather inserts blends in perfectly with the outfit.
The pin buckle is made of brass: it attaches to different places on the rope at each port.
So with chinos, a t-shirt, and a belt, you have an ideal summer outfit.
Now let's see how to complete it intelligently.
The Mason sweatshirt (140 euros)
The sweatshirt is the ideal piece to complete a casual outfit. To avoid going too far into sportswear , you need to choose a beautiful material and an impeccable cut. Be extremely vigilant on these two points!
I chose a 100% cotton indigo sweatshirt (available here) , which is a natural pigment. You must therefore understand that it will fade naturally like raw jeans (be careful, its color will change but not as strongly as on jeans anyway).
At first glance, you will tell me that this outfit is monochrome! Of course, it is more subtle than it seems. Indeed, the contrast of materials is interesting: the downy peach skin cotton of the pants and the French terry fleece go very well together. In addition, we are not at all on the same shades of blue.
The combination of the two is therefore far from boring. Certainly, from a distance this outfit will seem dull to you, but it will reveal all its complexity when those around you approach it.
Closer, the materials reveal their subtleties
and their complementarity!
Very appreciable detail: the curl is very beautiful and has not been brushed. Compare it with a cheap sweatshirt where the back of the fleece is fluffy: this means that the material has been brushed and the loop has been cut.
The curl has not been brushed and therefore remains intact.
The finishes are very clean: no thread sticks out!
As with caring for raw jeans, washing this sweatshirt requires a little time and attention: soak it in a basin with coarse salt and vinegar. And never a tumble dryer!
Note: Lucas de Cuisse de Grenouille informed me that there was only a very small quantity left for this sweatshirt reference. But there is an alternative which is the same sweatshirt, with additional tone-on-tone “Surf in Paris” embroidery (available here ). For lovers of beautiful materials, know that it is exactly the same indigo fleece which will naturally fade in the same way. Because it is tone-on-tone, the embroidery remains discreet and can easily be worn (it will even add an extra touch of fun to your outfit).
The Lawrence safari jacket (250 euros)
Last piece tested: a safari jacket. I wanted to see an "outerwear" piece from the brand and I chose a safari jacket because it is a very practical piece, just like the Aigle parka that I tested in the article: Aigle: the rubber specialist.. .but not only . It is a very functional garment with its numerous bellows pockets and its hood which can be easily stored.
The hood is not removable but it can be stored in a space provided for this purpose all around the collar.
There are 4 patch pockets with bellows and flaps: two at chest level and two at hip level. Practical for storing your small belongings.
The buttons are made of polyester (imitation horn) and come from a reputable French manufacturer.
To close it: a central buttonhole and a zip. There is also a drawstring at the waist with leather tightening tabs: very practical for refining the silhouette of the piece.
All buttonholes are eyelets
(i.e. with a more flared side).
It’s very practical and attests to the quality of a piece.
It's a very comfortable room. You will have no problem placing a sweatshirt or cardigan underneath. You will maintain a lot of comfort thanks to a "comfort area" at shoulder level. In addition to comfort, the advantage of this additional insert is that it ensures great freedom of movement without distorting the rather fitted silhouette of the piece.
Once again, I wanted to choose a color that was out of the ordinary. That's why I opted for a fairly eye-catching yellow (note that the parka is available in blue and pale pink). Worn with chinos and a blue sweatshirt, the contrast of materials and colors allows you to have a summer look that is far from boring.
In summer, I really advise you to dare to use more "flashy" colors, in small touches to start, then on larger pieces like this safari jacket. Be careful not to turn yourself into a rainbow on legs: here, the blue of the sweatshirt and chinos calms and soothes the yellow of the jacket.
Note that the safari jacket is made of peach skin cotton (like the chino pants) and is therefore not water-repellent. This is the big weak point of the piece: a coat with a hood that is not water-repellent, I find that that limits its use.
You should therefore consider the piece as mid-season clothing, an extra layer when the mercury requires you to cover up.
The safari jacket is available here.
Conclusion
Before this test, I did not know the Cuisse de Grenouille brand. I had simply heard about it, nothing more. I was very pleasantly surprised. Cuisse de Grenouille is a brand that gets to the point by offering effective, no-fuss basics. The “surf” and “vacation” DNA is reflected in the pieces with the use of warm colors. The quality-price ratio is good (even if I recognize that a t-shirt for 65 euros is not cheap...) with very correct materials and tailoring, without being exceptional. All the pieces are well fitted: despite the well-adjusted cuts, comfort is still present. This is clearly a brand that I recommend if you are looking for summer basics to stay stylish... even in flip-flops.
And if you don't want to make a mistake this summer, I invite you to read Benoît's article: Fake friends in summer or how not to look like a tourist .
The brand also has a super boutique of its own in Paris, at the following address: 5 rue Froissart, 75003 Paris. Don't hesitate to take a look to see the entire collection (they also offer one of the best coffees in Paris).
