Gentle, refined, luxurious, nonchalant, seductive - there’s no shortage of ways to describe the style of Parisian men. Their style is anything but loud, often understated, with a simplicity that speaks volumes. So those high-fashion movie scenes or flamboyant runway moments? Not entirely accurate 😜.
In the past decade, several young brands have sprung up in Paris, quickly rising to prominence. These brands don’t rely on flashy designs or complex patterns; instead, they aim to redefine modern French style in the simplest, most elegant way. With brands like Officine Générale, it's about subtlety - clothes that reflect your taste without screaming "fashion" with logos and prints.
Pierre Mahéo – The Vision Behind Officine Générale
At the helm of Officine Générale is Pierre Mahéo. Pierre started his journey with the brand in 2012, at the age of 41. The brand’s rise was rapid, and within just two years, Officine Générale was featured in Paris Fashion Week. Soon after, the global retailer Mr. Porter increased its orders by 88% in the U.S. and 63% internationally. Fast forward eight years, and Officine Générale continues to grow its presence in the global fashion scene with a calm, understated confidence.
What Makes a Brand That Rejects Trends So Successful? Before founding Officine Générale, Pierre worked as an Artistic Director and Design Director for various French brands. However, a visit to a production factory in China in 2011 changed his outlook. What he witnessed - exploited workers, dismal pay, and inhumane conditions - was a turning point. Unable to forget that experience, Pierre quit his job and decided to create his own brand.
Officine Générale was born out of Pierre's desire to make clothes that reflect his personal taste. His first step? Listing out materials he had always wanted to use but couldn’t because of high costs and low margins. Refusing to compromise, Pierre sources only premium materials, such as cashmere from Loro Piana in Italy, selvedge denim from Japan, and tweed from England. And rather than producing in China, Officine Générale manufactures in Portugal, where the workers are highly skilled, well-compensated, and genuinely enjoy their craft.
A major part of Officine Générale’s appeal is its practicality - 95% of the items shown on the runway are available for purchase, either in-store or online.
Pierre’s designs are deeply rooted in his family heritage. His grandfather was a tailor, always impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit - even while tending to his garden. On the other hand, his father was a fisherman, whose workwear, including a pair of faded chinos, was the epitome of cool in Pierre’s eyes. This blend of influences is evident in Officine Générale’s unique fusion of tailoring details with minimalist workwear and military styles.
The Pierre Pants, with their relaxed fit at the top and slight taper below the knee, have become one of Officine Générale’s signature pieces. My personal favorite is the Pierre Pants in fresco wool 😁.
Officine Générale may not push boundaries with bold designs, but that’s entirely Pierre’s intention. His approach to suiting is simple: a jacket and a pair of trousers, sold separately - no need to bundle them.
The “Permanents” Collection – Timeless and Versatile
Officine Générale's "Permanents" collection consists of over 20 timeless pieces that retain their original design and materials. Think oxford shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, chinos, and sweaters. These are the staples you can mix and match with what you already own, giving your wardrobe a fresh update without the need for a complete overhaul. This understated, thoughtful approach has been the brand’s hallmark for the past eight years.
Pierre is refreshingly down-to-earth and often uses Officine Générale’s Instagram as his personal account. I once posted a photo wearing their pants but forgot the matching fabric belt. Pierre himself commented, playfully reminding me to go grab it immediately 😂.
It’s easy to create a trendy hoodie that grabs attention, but designing a jacket that you’ll wear proudly for years? That requires skill, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. And in the end, it's the quality that speaks louder than any logo ever could.
Comentários