our story

A few years ago, what led us to create Gauvain was the discovery that most Breton Shirts were no longer being made in France. We decided to change that by building a company that would craft them in their homeland, preserving their authenticity and legacy. That’s how Gauvain was born: a brand devoted to keeping French heritage alive through a historic garment.

The name Gauvain comes from the legend of King Arthur, where Sir Gauvain symbolizes 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 wasn’t enough. We soon expanded into Mexico, the first country to welcome us. That step opened new doors around the world and led us across oceans. Today, our garments are in demand globally and are exported to countries like the United States and Japan.
 

Our story is still being written. And just like the Breton Shirt itself, we’re here to stay forever.

Our Philosophy

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

Respect

Our foundation lies in the history and ancestral techniques behind the Breton Shirt. We follow the rules of the Imperial Decree and craft our garments within France.

Responsibility

We operate with a responsible supply chain, from producer to consumer. We partner 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 hold their shape and color over time, made to last a lifetime.

Sustainability

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.

Humanity

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

Craftsmanship

WORKSHOPS

 

If our goal was to make the Marinera in its own region, of course we would look for workshops and artisans within Brittany. We not only wanted the artisans to know the unique knowledge that surrounds these garments, but also to share with us the love for the history and meaning that characterize them. Thus, we opened our first workshop in Troyes, a city located 2 hours from Paris, with classical architecture, picturesque streets, and a deep connection to the past. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere made it perfect to craft our iconic Marinera 1858 and thus emphasize our commitment to creating a piece full of meaning.

 

For our second workshop, we decided to move to northern Portugal, where artisans work with the same passion and dedication on the pieces of our collection. This region is also recognized for its quality in handling haute couture garments.

ARTISANS

 

In addition to creating unique pieces, the hands of our artisans keep alive the legacy of a true cultural symbol of France. Their skill is irreplaceable: there are stages of the crafting process that can only be performed by expert hands. The quality we achieve would not be possible without their knowledge and experience, something no machine can replicate. Each sailor dress reflects hours of careful work. Our artisans not only put all their experience into the making, but also bring a unique vision, innovating with new cuts, blending subtle colors, and customizing every detail. The artisans are a key part of Gauvain.

ARTISANS

 

Beyond crafting unique pieces, the hands of our artisans keep alive the legacy of a true cultural symbol of France. Their skill is irreplaceable, there are stages in the making process that only expert hands can do. The level of quality we achieve wouldn’t be possible without their knowledge and experience, something no machine could ever replicate.


Each Breton Shirt reflects hours of careful work. Our artisans not only bring their expertise to every stitch but also contribute their unique vision, innovating through new cuts, blending subtle colors, and customizing every detail. They are, without a doubt, an essential part of what makes Gauvain.

WORKSHOPS

 

If our goal was to craft the Breton Shirt in its homeland, it made perfect sense to seek out workshops and artisans within Brittany. We wanted artisans who not only possessed the unique know-how behind these garments but also shared our love for the history and meaning they carry.
 

That’s why we opened our first workshop in Troyes, a city just two hours from Paris, known for its classic architecture, charming streets, and deep connection to the past. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect place to craft our iconic Breton Shirt 1858, reinforcing our commitment to creating a garment rich with significance.
 

For our second workshop, we expanded to northern Portugal, where artisans work with the same passion and care on the pieces in our collection. This region is also renowned for its excellence in high-end garment making.

our Team

Arthur Frere

CEO & FOUNDER

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

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

I’m convinced that the future of fashion lies in investing in high-quality pieces, with well-paid craftsmanship and ancestral savoir-faire.
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Adriana Copca

CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Adriana is the creative soul behind this project. She’s a digital artist passionate about illustration, design, and fashion, but not just any fashion. Adriana loves fashion with history, the kind that lives in books, that inspires creation, that 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 creative direction while preserving the essence that makes the Breton Shirt a truly unique piece.

I love creating new pieces that preserve the Parisians’ unique sense of style, 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 placed warehouses: one in France, where we receive the marinières directly from our workshops, and another in Mexico, ready to distribute them around the world. This structure allows us to operate with global efficiency, without losing the local essence that defines every Gauvain Breton shirt.

Our headquarters is located in Paris, in a beautiful historic building. Additionally, we have two strategically located warehouses: one in France, where we receive the marinera dresses directly from our workshops, and another in Mexico, ready to distribute them worldwide. This structure allows us to operate with global efficiency, without losing the local soul that defines each Gauvain marinera.