Aimery Forzy, Cargo Group’s CEO says: ‘We decided we wanted to save our famous Beret Gascon, which is part of our history and patrimoine. It is hard to picture the ‘Frenchy’ with a baguette and no beret!’
A Gascon through and through, Forzy explains “We will try our best to keep the three main production lines: the military, traditional Basque/Gascon beret, and the fashion beret.... and we're updating it! For example we are currently working with Agnes B (a trendy Parisian brand) and other renowned French fashion designers. Some new designs will be a bit more modern, but with an emphasis on the traditional and noble touch. So far so good, but it is very important that we all continue to support the Laulhere/Olibet beret, which is one of the Gascon main ready-to-wear items.”
At the end of 2014 Rosabelle Forzy, the eldest of Aimery’s six lovely children, became the company’s new Managing Director. After visiting the historic factory, she fell in love with the place, the product and the amazing savoir-faire of the people working there. Rosabelle says
“I thought it would be mad to let this institution disappear, it is such a big part of our French heritage.
“The beret has an extraordinary history. On top of its obvious intrinsic qualities it is an object that is in constant movement. It has been on the head of many free spirits: it is quite symbolic for artists, revolutionaries, jazzmen, cinema stars, the Yéyés (1960’s fashion), and it continues to be a symbol of freedom of thought and a constant fashion accessory.
As soon as I started at Laulhère, the main priority was to focus on the product quality. It is crucial to encourage people to choose to buy a Laulhère instead of a cheaply made foreign version. Laulhère’s new collections bring to light the authenticity and modernity of the beret and we wish to continue to promote the French image of elegance abroad.’
"Cliché indeed but sometimes they are real… my dear grandfather could easily have been that bereted old man on a creaky bicycle that you’re trying to overtake on a windy road."
Anne France de Castelbajac-Anderson
It’s a really exciting new prospect for this important French heritage icon. The French beret will continue to cover the heads of the greatest minds as well as the most anonymous humble Frenchmen.
Visit the website for more details and information on where to buy these authentic French berets online:
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