I met Alban last year in the now trendy area of Pigalle in Paris where we were having drinks before heading out to a Kitsune Party under the historic glass dome ceiling of the Grand Palais. During our fun encounter and conversation he came to talk about his fashion label called Marins de Paris (Sailors of Paris). I love the name as there is such a contradiction just like The Rebel Dandy. His brand features some very cool pieces from the classic French Mariniere that has been revisited with a graphic touch onto the stripes. He also has accessories such as bags, caps, jackets, etc…You can find his collection at stores like Colette or on his website marinsdeparis.com.
Q&A with founder of Marins de Paris, Alban
Can you tell how you came about creating your brand Marins de Paris?
My ambition was to mix opposite worlds and make something that would seem obvious.
What are the new projects for your line?
I would like to make more variations of the Mariniere I like so much with the story that lays behind it.
What difference? do you would you like to bring with Marins de Paris?
The first and unique product of the brand was the Mariniere sweater. The idea was to start off on the classique mariniere sweater as we know it today and make it less warm, more practical to wear and lighter. This would allow you to wear in the city whilst keep all the nautical codes of a garment made for boating. It’s a classic piece that you can easily mix and match with different styles. You can dress it up a bit by wearing a shirt underneath which would be a little complicated normally with this type of sweater.
What inspires you?
The French Marine thus technical clothing. I am truly convinced that what is “useful” inevitably becomes “beautiful”.
What are you hobbies?
The perfect weekend would start with a motorbike ride with my daughter stopping by Motorbike Addict to talk about my next bike preparation. Then lunch on my with my friend Pat, on his peniche (boat house), followed by a wakeboard session and finishing off with a good concert at La Cigale in my neighbourhood for example.
What are you favourite travel destinations?
Unfortunately I cannot say I have a favorite destination as my goal is to always go and discover the best or the most mythical surf spots as it is my passion. My last trip was to Tahiti, it was memorable.
What can’t you live without (book, watch, clothing, travel accessory, etc.)?
The brand has always had affinities with skateboarding, surfing, boating with or without engine. I know this doesn’t sound original but these have been my passions since the age of 6. These worlds are my main source of inspiration which the brand is founded on.
Can you tell us something on yourself or your brand that can surprise people?
The anecdote which the brand is founded on, is to live your passions even if we are far from living them. Marins de Paris is born from this conviction that you find what you seek. We wanted to surf in the city, we surf on the Seine…
Marins de Paris links:
http://www.marinsdeparis.com/home.html
http://marinsdeparis.bigcartel.com/product/col-marinier
https://www.instagram.com/marinsdeparis/
https://twitter.com/MarinsParis