Vilebrequin
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Vilebrequin is an internationally prominent upscale swimsuit designer.
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[edit] History
In the 1970s in Saint-Tropez, Vilebrequin's founder cut up a white and red checkered tablecloth in search of a bathing suit that was actually appropriate for swimming. Though satisfied with the revolutionary cut, but not the fabric, Vilebrequin tried several fabrics, most notably a spinnaker textile which dried remarkably fast, helping the bathing suit gain overnight success. Initially run on a small-scale, Vilebrequin’s creations were only distributed on the French Riviera and enjoyed a first-class reputation among the Saint Tropez regulars. However, though successful locally, Vilebrequin didn't gain international prominence until the mid-90’s when current owner TRB International purchased the brand.
In 1996 the first Vilebrequin boutique was launched in Saint Tropez, and soon after a second boutique opened its doors on the Left Bank in Paris (St. Germain). Several other store openings followed, all exclusively selling the Vilebrequin line. By early 2005, over 50 boutiques are located all over the globe.
[edit] Design
There are over 80 prints cut into different styles, long and short, ranging from elastic waistbands to those with more stylized cuts featuring a flat waistband and lace-up or grommet fastenings. Each year, a new set of prints is issued, and the trunks attract a following similar to the prints of Hermès ties. Vilebrequin was also the creator of the company's marketing concept, “Like Father – Like Son,” as a miniature version of daddy’s bathing trunks is available in sizes two to sixteen in almost all of the solid colors and prints. The company also provides a full line of beach accessories in several colors (beach towels that match the bathing trunks, scratch-resistant sunglasses, shirts, Bermuda shorts and linen pants, tee-shirts, sunhats, wraps, and briefs, as well as shoes).
The bathing suits sold at the Vilebrequin boutiques are accompanied by a specially made waterproof wallet and navy blue pouch for travel, made with a specially-treated canvas that prevents the other items in your suitcase from getting wet.
[edit] Retailers
Vilebrequin has several boutiques in cities and upscale ocean resorts. Following are Vilebrequin's US locations:
- Bal Harbour, Florida: Bal Harbour Shops
- Beverly Hills, California: Rodeo Drive
- Boston, Massachusetts: Copley Place
- Costa Mesa, California: South Coast Plaza
- Dallas, Texas: NorthPark Center
- New York, New York: Madison Avenue, SoHo
- Palm Beach, Florida: Worth Avenue
- Southampton, New York: Job's Lane
- Scottsdale, Arizona: Scottsdale Fashion Square
- Las Vegas, Nevada:The Forum Shops at Caesars
Along with these boutiques, Vilebrequin bathing suits are also distributed at high-end retailers, airport shops, and department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
