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Menswear
A PARISIAN PHILOSOPHY
We talk to Pierre Mahéo, the maverick who designs cool modern menswear from his Saint-Germain-des-Prés studio.
Pierre Mahéo was inspired by his grandfather, a tailor, who he says would spend hours doing the gardening in a three-piece suit. A young Pierre would watch him dig weeds, plant flowers and look effortlessly dapper whilst doing so; this, at least in a roundabout way, led to the founding of Officine Générale, a label that seamlessly blends tailoring with workwear style fashion.
Pierre Mahéo at the finale of his autumn winter 2019 show.
I remember my father wearing faded chinos in olive and khaki tones. They are amazing colours to wear.
Pierre Mahéo
THE BEGINNING OF THE BRAND
An incredible success story still happening in real-time, the French brand had humble beginnings from Mahéo’s kitchen, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés; just six years ago, that was the base for a company whose products have become exponentially popular around the world.
Pierre Mahéo designs Officine Generale in his apartment in the 6th arrondissement.
PIERRE’S REFINED TASTES
Beginning work in the industry in 1998 under the watchful eye of celebrated tailor Michel Barnes, he credits that time with the important ability to be able to spot a good fabric. A few years later and he was working as a consultant for a few major French labels, where he further refined his tastes – or more specifically what he didn’t like. Low-cost clothing produced in mass has many obvious problems; this is an issue Mahéo was acutely aware starting Officine Générale and has become progressively more so as the brand has evolved and so too the need for ethical production.
AN ADMIRABLE APPROACH
After staking a personal investment of thirty thousand euro, Mahéo was free to use what he saw as the mistakes of others to shape his vision for Officine Générale. He would seek out the highest quality fabrics and production while keeping the cost of the garment as low as possible - even if it meant lower profit margins. Counteracting the cost difference by allowing his marketing to be the quality of the product, this principled, truly French approach has been both admirable and successful.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS AUTUMN…
This season the quality is as sleek as ever. With layering an obvious consideration for Autumn/Winter, their beautiful Glen Plaid Coat will keep you warm and stylistically on point, while there’s also the lighter option of a stunning Suede Shearling or Flan Truck Jack, both easily worn over a Shetland Crewneck Sweater or simple, wonderfully cut Officine Générale t-shirt or a typically French Olivier Hoody.
PARISIAN STYLE FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
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