Our story

A few years ago, what motivated us to create Gauvain Paris was a simple observation: most Breton striped shirts were no longer made in France.
We then decided to change that by building a brand that would return this iconic garment to its homeland, preserving its authenticity and heritage.

That’s how Gauvain was born: a house committed to keeping French heritage alive through a historic piece.

The name Gauvain is inspired by the legend of King Arthur, where the knight Gauvain embodies honor and loyalty.

Like him, our mission is to preserve the authenticity of French Breton shirts by using high-quality materials, ensuring fair wages for the artisans who make them, respecting environmental standards, and maintaining a strong commitment to the future.

 

Making them in France was not enough. We quickly expanded to Mexico, the first country to welcome us. This step opened new doors worldwide and took us beyond the oceans. Today, our clothing is in demand globally and is exported to countries like the United States and Japan.

Our story continues to be written. And just like the Breton shirt itself, we are here to last.

Our philosophy

From the very beginning, we established the values and principles that would guide our path, and to which we remain firmly committed throughout our journey.

Respect

Our foundation is based on the history and ancestral techniques behind the Breton shirt. We follow the rules of the Imperial Decree of 1858 and make our clothing in France and Portugal.

Responsibility

We operate with a responsible supply chain, from producer to consumer. We collaborate with the best suppliers and artisans, ensuring fair and full compensation for their work.

Quality

We produce Breton shirts using thick cotton with impeccable alignment, garments that retain their shape and color over time, made to last a lifetime.

Durability

Born in Brittany, France, we are deeply connected to the sea and nature. We work to ensure that our mission, direction, and processes are sustainable in every aspect.

human

Gauvain is all of us. The suppliers, the artisans, the workers — each giving their best so that you can hold a timeless and high-quality Breton shirt in your hands.

Our Expertise

The Team

Arthur Frere

CEO & founder

Arthur was born and raised in Brittany, France, where, deeply in love with his culture, he dreamed of creating a company that would share it with the world. He therefore chose the most iconic garment, not only of the region but of the entire country, and founded Gauvain. 

Alongside his life in Brittany, Arthur spent a lot of time in Mexico, where he found a second home for himself and his brand. His deep affection for Mexico made it the first country to which Gauvain exports its Breton shirt.

I am convinced that the future of fashion lies in investing in high-quality pieces, with well-paid craftsmanship and ancestral know-how.

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Adriana Copca

Art Director

Adriana is the creative soul behind this project. She is a digital artist passionate about illustration, design, and fashion, but not just any fashion. Adriana loves fashion with a story, the kind that lives in books, inspires creation, and defines style and personality. 

Originally from Mexico, Adriana found inspiration in the art and style of France, making Paris her new home. She leads the artistic direction while preserving the essence that makes the Breton shirt a truly unique piece.

I love creating new pieces that preserve the unique sense of style of Parisians, blending it with touches born from my imagination and my roots.

Our locations

Our main office is located in Paris, inside a beautiful historic building. We also operate two strategically located warehouses: one in France, where our Breton shirts arrive directly from our workshops, and another in Mexico, ready to ship them worldwide. This structure allows us to operate with global efficiency while preserving the local essence that defines every Gauvain marinière.

Our main office is located in Paris, inside a beautiful historic building. We also operate two strategically located warehouses: one in France, where our Breton shirts arrive directly from our workshops, and another in Mexico, ready to ship them worldwide. This structure allows us to operate with global efficiency while preserving the local essence that defines every Gauvain marinière.