10 French Brands You Need to Know
No one does effortless, chic nonchalance quite like the French. Opting for classic styles – Breton stripes and black, black and more black – the French seem to transcend trends, choosing timeless elegance over fashion fads. At the heart of this is those French brands creating the luxury pieces that build up the most impeccable of wardrobes; take a look at our 10 French brands you need to know below.
Established in 1987, A.P.C. is French style at its best. Inspired by workwear, designer and founder Jean Touitou creates simple, well-cut basics that epitomise Parisian cool; think classic trench coats, striped knits and slim-fit jeans. Shop A.P.C. on Coggles >>
At only six years old, menswear brand AMI is already a modern classic. Founder Alexandre Mattiussi cut his teeth at the likes of Dior, Givenchy and Marc Jacobs before starting AMI in 2011, offering a contemporary take on French prep. Printed t-shirts and sweatshirts, retro-inspired jackets and statement trainers make up the best of AMI’s collections. Shop AMI on Coggles >>
Armor Lux goes back to 1938, and is one of the only Breton manufacturers still based in Brittany. Armor Lux is all about that French nautical style, from long and short sleeved stripe tops to vintage-inspired smocks, fisherman jackets and classic knits. Shop Armor Lux on Coggles >>
Dating back to 1970, KENZO is the perfect mix of Parisian chic and Japanese style. With east-meets-west designs and a vibrant use of colour and print, KENZO is renowned for its creative and unique approach to fashion. Today, the brand is headed up by Opening Ceremony founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, with its collections spanning everything from signature KENZO tiger print sweatshirts to chic and sophisticated co-ords. Shop KENZO on Coggles >>
The brand instantly recognised by that small green alligator, Lacoste was the brainchild of French tennis player René Lacoste, who wanted to create sports-inspired clothing that had that distinctive sophisticated French edge. Today, that aesthetic continues with sharp shirts, sleek trainers, simple t-shirts and more. Shop Lacoste on Coggles >>
The eponymous line of Hermès alumnus Christophe Lemaire, Lemaire creates those kind of effortless, modern utilitarian pieces you long to have in your wardrobe: relaxed tailoring, meticulous cuts and a quality of fabric so impeccable it feels unlike anything else. The Lemaire men's collection is coming soon to Coggles; sign up to our newsletter to be one of the first to shop the brand >>
What started as a record label in 2002, Maison Kitsuné soon branched into sleek clothing that took a fresh approach to the classic French prepster aesthetic. From graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts, to printed shirts and clean accessories, Maison Kitsuné represents the cool and contemporary Parisian. Shop Maison Kitsune on Coggles >>
Mixing Parisian design with 1950s Americana, Maison Labiche is the leading brand in t-shirts, tops, shirts and sweaters that come complete with embroidered slogans - whether they be small and subtle, or emblazoned across the chest. Expect classic cuts for men and women, with slogans such as 'Rebel Rebel', 'Notorious', '99 Problems' and - exclusively to Coggles - 'Sassy'. Shop Maison Labiche on Coggles >>
It doesn't get much more French than Chloé, where Parisian cool meets retro-inspired femininity. See by Chloé is Chloé's cool younger sister, where the label's famed aesthetic is blended with a youthful, rock 'n' roll attitude and distinct sense of style. Shop See by Chloé on Coggles >>
Parisian label VEJA has been doing things a little differently ever since it began in 2005. Using organic cotton from Brazil and wild rubber from the Amazon, VEJA founders Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion have developed a line of contemporary trainers that have style and ethics in equal abundance. Shop VEJA on Coggles >>
