Bonjour! Breton

Here at Toggi we adore a Breton stripe … but where did the trend come from?

HELLO SAILOR!

The Breton stripe originates from Brittany on the North West Coast of France. The striped design was introduced in 1858 as a mariner’s uniform. The French navy then adopted the distinctive pattern as it was thought that the stripes made it easy to spot a man overboard. 

The Breton stripe soon became popular with the local workers in Breton as many loved how easy the design was to wear.

FROM HARBOUR TO HOLLYWOOD

Coco Chanel was the first designer to discover the striped design on a visit to France and introduced the Breton stripe to a nautically inspired collection in 1917. The immediate success of the collection meant the Breton stripe quickly became a recognisable and fashionable design.

Coco’s success brought the interest of other designers and high profile celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Often worn by himself, Jean Paul Gaultier also requires his press team to wear stripes during their runway shows.

FROM RUNWAY TO PROMENADE

The Breton stripe has transitioned from the functional naval uniform that it once was, to the iconic wardrobe staple it is today. The stripes have been reinvented through colour and proportion, yet one thing remains the same, the Breton stripe will always be the epitome of effortless chic.

For the Toggi Spring Summer 2019 collection, the Breton stripe has been a key focal point. From classic, coastal inspired knitwear, to accent linings and detailing. Add a little “joie de vivre” to your wardrobe this spring.