'Forestiere' Corduroy Jacket: Arnys of Paris

[Marabunta]

What an expressive piece. Note the bound buttonholes, asymmetric breast pocket, tab closure at the neck, and turnback cuff in contrast color/fabric. Designed by Arnys in 1947, for the architect Le Corbusier. Also available in black.

[edhayes]

I want one, I'll order on monday

[rjman]

It's Arnys' signature piece, available in almost any sort of material imaginable, depending on the season, from leather to washed linen. Maus & Hoffman carries the corduroy version. It's just a tad theatrical for me. Wearing one would put you in the same sartorial bateau as the infamous Jack Lang , who wore one to the Elysee as Mitterand's minister of culture, prompting the newspapers to describe in shocked terms his "Mao collar." For some reason, Arnys no longer explicitly states it was made for Corbu, instead saying "a famous architect" -- perhaps his estate complained. Corbu's atelier or apartment at one time was located along the same street as Arnys -- rue de Sevres -- where I once lived as well.

[Marabunta]

Thanks for the additional information, rjman. I find this piece to be somewhat indulgent. Not sure I agree about theatricality, but perhaps that depends on who's wearing the jacket, where the jacket is being worn, and why. I think it requires height, or couture scale, in order to be successful. I think too, that this design might affect a unisex impression. Garments that create intrigue and keep people guessing, often catch my eye. I think this piece does that.

You're right about the store. It's Maus & Hoffman.

[edhayes]

I e-mailed arnys in Paris and got no reply, I just e-mailed Maus&Hoffman to see if I can get it there, I do think its theatrical but it does have style and seems to be well made-why not?

[rjman]

I e-mailed arnys in Paris and got no reply, I just e-mailed Maus&Hoffman to see if I can get it there, I do think its theatrical but it does have style and seems to be well made-why not?

I would imagine Arnys' Paris shop would be much easier to deal with by phone than by e-mail.

[sam]

How are these sized- S,M,L or by chest size?

[Marabunta]

The jacket is available at Maus & Hoffman, even sizes 40 to 50. Here is the fax number, to place orders: 954-463-8735
1-800-628-6287, 24 hours a day.
I would like one, myself. But I'm five foot seven. I don't think this model would have any chance to work for a short man, unless done to couture scale.

[rjman]

The jacket is available at Maus & Hoffman, even sizes 40 to 50. Here is the fax number, to place orders: 954-463-8735
1-800-628-6287, 24 hours a day.
I would like one, myself. But I'm five foot seven. I don't think this model would have any chance to work for a short man, unless done to couture scale.

Arnys' own shop in Paris (or Tokyo) would have it in a wider variety of even sizes in many different materials. (The Bresch is haunted by the leather Forestiere.) I find the corduroy rather boring. They could also make one for you fully bespoke, Marabunta -- to couture scale.

[Marabunta]

Thank you, rjman. The jacket takes chances, straight off. To experience the Forestiere at custom proportions would be fun. I've seen Saint Laurent haute couture up close. On some pieces it was apparent that YSL'S design had been distorted, in order to flatter the figure of his client. When worn, however, those distortions vanish. A dynamic experience.

[A Harris]

These are great jackets, I have one in olive green moleskin that I enjoy. Keep in mind that they are sized rather large - 48" in the chest/waist for a size 40, 50" for a size 42 etc.