I was just thinking about their arrival two days ago, and here they are now in Hong Kong finally!
From my work experience, boatneck doesn’t really attract to local people, some find them gay, other just think of ‘em too 80s, I for one was skeptical about the neckline too. However, after owning a Stefano Pilati designed YSL boatneck tee few years back, I changed my mind. The reason why Breton tee/sweater is formidable in fashion people’s wardrobe is because of the Frenchness and the classic design, the tee to French is like the khaki pants or chino to Americans. It has left its mark in fashion arena, take FW09, Balmain’s Christophe Decarnin did a sparkle sequined version (left), and Gaultier (right) who ritually makes use of the item and takes it his own, apart from revisiting on seasonal basis, he used it in campaign, parfum ”Le Mâle”, or on Evian bottle even. It’s like a piece of cake for French brands to make Breton, agnès b and A.P.C. have their take too.
One of the most sought-after fashion souls- Emmanuelle Alt (left), Fashion Director of Vogue Paris, who regularly uses designers’ variation at her fashion editorial shootings to enhance the Frenchness.
From my experience and observation, alongside basic black, white and grey tees, Breton tee is up there with the distressed rock tees, de rigueur in any given fashion wardrobe. They don’t have to be designer or branded products, as IMO, you wear them to parts and often buy a new one every 1-2 seasons. I’ve tried many cotton version before, Muji, Uniqlo… etc, but I haven’t been able to find the right one, either the stripy colour comes off slightly on the white or they look old after a few wash. As I like to support originality, the French’s go-to answer will be mine too.
Kapok | G/F., 5 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, Hong Kong | 852-2549 9254
