CLASSIC | STRIPES

From Co Co Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier to Alexa Chung, the classic Breton striped shirt, for me, is a wardrobe staple. I picked up the most gorgeous striped jumper from Ralph Lauren. It's just perfect and it reminded me how timeliness the stripe is. Perfectly paired with cut off white trousers and tan sandals and handbag - Outfit post coming soon! Anyway, here's the short history of the classic stripe. 

The Breton stripe shirt was first introduced in 1858 as the uniform for all French navy seaman in Northern France. The original design featured 21 stripes, one for each of Napoleon Bonaparte’s victories and the distinctive stripes made it easier to spot wayward sailors who had fallen overboard. Coco Chanel drew inspiration for her 1917 nautical collection from the French sailors. The striped top she designed was designed to be worn with flared trousers. In 1960, the Breton stripe was associated with French New Wave Cinema and was a favourite of many on-screen stars like Jean Seberg, who worn the sailor style in the 1960 film 'Breathless'. Channeled famously, also by French actress and style icon, Brigitte Bardot.  Designer Jean Paul Gaultier has become a Breton stripe ambassador, featuring the style heavily in both his men and women's collections, and even outfitted his male perfume bottle, Le Male in s breton stripe tee. If you'd like the read the full history, please head here!