The Forestière is far more than a simple jacket – it is a discreet icon of Parisian masculine elegance. Its story is steeped in philosophy, craftsmanship, literature, and a certain taste for life beyond trends. The Forestière was designed in the 1940s or ’50s for philosopher Paul Ricœur, a regular client and habitué at Arnys.
This article is taken from Nathalie Peigney's book: “ MAN, STORIES OF STYLE AND MASCULINE ELEGANCE" Amazon
“The Forestière is the jacket for those who read, think, and distance themselves from all the noise. It embodies quiet elegance, kind of lived-in luxury. It is a garment born of thought… and made for thinkers.” Jean Grimbert
Founded in 1933, Arnys was a veritable institution in Saint-Germain-des-Près. This men's boutique, whose expertise was passed down from father to son, was a paradise for dandies enamored with the style of the Left Bank. The quality was exceptional, and the owners, the Grimbert brothers, had a reputation for offering the best of the best. Celebrities, politicians, and elegant regulars flocked to the boutique to discover its chic and unconventional wardrobe.
Since Arnys was acquired by LVMH in 2012, Berluti has refreshed and reinterpreted the Forestière, rendering it more modern and luxurious. It has become an iconic piece, sought after in vintage stores, sometimes even as collector’s items. André Malraux – writer and Minister of Culture under Charles De Gaulle – Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Romain Gary and psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, followed by Jean d’Ormesson, Laurent Fabius, Michel Rocard and many others, helped create the legend of this jacket as an icon of the intelligentsia. Karl Lagerfeld owned three, and more recently, we have seen actor Louis Garrel wearing it.
To return to Paul Ricœur, he wanted a jacket that was practical and elegant – but not too dressy – so he could walk, think and work in his country home without running the risk of looking like either a builder or a blue-blood. Jean Grimbert designed him a unique jacket, inspired by both the forest and the military.
Made from natural, supple fabrics (wool canvas, moleskin, corduroy, tweed or washed cotton), it was structured without being stiff, often without a lining for a more natural look. It featured three deep patch pockets, sometimes with buttoned flaps, and either a stand-up officer’s collar or a soft tailored lapel. Everything was finished with artisanal care: hand embroidery, hand-stitched buttonholes, and even an internal belt to cinch the waist discreetly, without any external artifice. Thus was born the Forestière! It quickly became the informal uniform of a devoted clientele of writers, businessmen, politicians, doctors, architects and gallery owners. Jean Grimbert recalls that some clients would spend hours choosing the perfect fabric, the ideal fit, and the pocket configuration suited to their lifestyle.
