Brand history
Mont St Michel:
A Timeline of Tradition and Innovation
For over a century, Le Mont St Michel has been weaving the story of a brand deeply rooted in tradition and innovation. On the borders of Brittany and Normandy, this legendary house has preserved and reinvented the very essence of French workwear. From its humble beginnings in Pontorson to its echo in modernity, Le Mont St Michel has always embodied timeless elegance and sustainability. Discover the odyssey of a brand that fuses past and present to shape the future of fashion.
1913
Foundation in Pontorson – Birth of a Family Workshop
Imagine yourself in Pontorson, at the foot of the illustrious Mont Saint Michel Abbey, where two visionary brothers, Louis and Henri Ariès, shape the beginnings of an iconic saga. Their workshop is born, dedicated to dressing the brave Breton and Norman workers. Specialists in robust workwear, they are committed to offering outfits adapted to the needs of the region’s workers, artisans and farmers.
1919
Post-War Expansion – Innovative Advertisements
After the turmoil of the First World War, the brand stood out with its avant-garde advertising methods. Huge frescoes adorned the walls, capturing the attention of travelers and becoming, over time, inseparable symbols of the regional heritage.
20s-70s
The Golden Age – Building Reputation
These decades propelled Le Mont St Michel to the top, as a reference for “hard-wearing” clothing. Iconic pieces such as the heavy moleskin jacket, school blouses and corduroy pants built a solid reputation. The brand took root in the French industrial landscape, offering products tailored to each profession.
The transmission
1998
Renaissance under Alexander Milan – Modernity and Tradition
Under the leadership of Alexandre Milan, descendant of the illustrious founders of Tricotages de l’Aa, the brand is reborn from its ashes. Mont St Michel reinvents itself as an urban fashion icon, while preserving at all costs the very essence of its workwear heritage. A masterful fusion of tradition and modernity.
21st Century
Reinvention and Sustainability – A New Chapter
Mont St Michel continually reinvents itself through its collections, drawing on a unique textile heritage. The design studio, located on the historic site of Monthorin in Brittany, draws on decades of family archives to inspire each new clothing line. The brand asserts itself in a modern world by valuing quality, authenticity and sustainability.
The mesh
2000
Expertise in Knitwear and Denim – Textile Tradition and Innovation
Drawing on the family know-how of Tricotages de l’Aa, Alexandre Milan integrates deep expertise in knitwear into his collections, offering advanced knitting techniques and yarns of unique quality.
Denim, the linchpin of workwear, is reinvented by the brand, transforming it into contemporary, durable pieces that reflect a commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless style.
Today
Aujourd'hui
Echo in Modernity – A Singular Style
Mont St Michel embodies the very essence of French elegance: a unique style, unmatched quality, and a living tradition. Beyond fleeting trends, the brand invites you to return to your roots, to rediscover authentic pleasure and lasting elegance.
