Le Mont Saint Michel: From Workwear to Timeless Fashion
Le Mont Saint Michel is not just a clothing brand; it is a living tale of transformation and timeless style. Founded in 1913 in Pontorson, close to the iconic Mont Saint Michel, the brand began as a modest family business specializing in workwear. During the 20th century, Le Mont Saint Michel transformed itself into a recognized manufacturer of workwear, worn by craftsmen and farmers in Brittany and Normandy.
Heritage and History:
Le Mont Saint Michel was founded in 1913 in Pontorson, a town near the famous Mont Saint Michel in France. The brand began as a small family business and focused on workwear. During the 1920s and 1930s, the brand developed into a well-known brand, worn by craftsmen and farmers in Brittany and Normandy throughout the 20th century. At the time, the brand's founders employed some of the most talented advertising professionals to create advertising campaigns that made the brand a well-known and recognized brand in the west of France.
Le Mont Saint Michel products were known for their simplicity and functionality. They produced a wide range of products including work jackets in heavy duty moleskin fabric, shirts for school children, corduroy trousers and durable cotton fabrics for hunting clothing. Their clothes were designed for all kinds of work and leisure activities, from field work and hunting to Sunday church attendance and family gatherings. The products were known to be durable and functional, with special pockets, stitching, rivets and buckles that were patented for different professions and occasions. Despite repeated attempts at imitation, none could match the unrivaled quality and standard established by Le Mont Saint Michel, making their products sought after worldwide.
From Family Heirloom to Modern Fashion:
In 1998, Le Mont Saint Michel was taken over by Alexandre Milan, who added a modern dimension to the brand's long history. Alexandre Milan built on the brand's legacy, combining it with his family's skill from Les Tricotages de L'Aa, a knitting factory founded by his great-grandfather in 1919. This family craft soon became an integral part of Le Mont Saint Michel's DNA.
Contemporary and Timeless Style:
Le Mont Saint Michel's design aesthetic is honest and direct, with a focus on tailoring and attention to detail. The brand believes that good design adds value to life, and each collection addresses the need for attractive, functional garments, seasonal must-haves and unusual basics. The brand always strives to create today's classics, modern favorites that people will love for years.
Strong Roots and Timeless Creativity:
Le Mont St Michel's design studio is still located in Brittany, where decades of textile archives are carefully preserved. These archives serve as a treasure trove of inspiration and are revisited for each new collection. The brand has successfully managed to combine its historical heritage with modern design, and their products are today known for their quality and timeless style.
Alexandre Milan: A Dedicated Craftsman
Alexandre Milan has been part of the knitting world since his birth and is one of the last witnesses and players in the almost extinct French knitting industry. He learned about knitting from his parents at Les Tricotages de L'Aa and developed a passion for rare yarns and complex knitting patterns. During the 1990s he worked as an attentive witness and tireless knitting developer for some of the biggest French brands. In the early 2000s, he and his wife chose to take over Le Mont Saint Michel personally.
Le Mont St Michel Today: Timeless Style and Quality
Le Mont St Michel represents the paradox of French charm. With a unique and effortless style, the brand never compromises on quality. With a strong narrative that constantly reinvents itself, it appeals to a cosmopolitan tribe that wears it with pride. The brand wants to recreate the pleasure of a perfect and rare product, old techniques being reinvented and beautiful yarns. By choosing Le Mont Saint Michel, we dress as we surround ourselves with those we love, with the pleasure of discovery, the memories we share and the history we build together. The brand is independent and opposes the disproportionate pursuit of disposable fashion. This is the spirit of Le Mont Saint Michel.
