This season, stripes take centre stage in our 100% cashmere range.
We've incorporated the popular pattern using a cool palette of browns and neutrals for a classic look, alongside blues, corals and more, accented with a crisp white fringe, to evoke the feeling of a coastal summers’ day.
These lightweight scarves are the perfect finishing touch for any outfit this summer. Resulting in an effortlessly polished look, whether draped over breezy dresses, layered with denim jackets, or wrapped around a sunhat or purse.
Breton Stripe
Excitingly, in this collection, our designers have incorporated a contemporary take on the iconic Breton stripe, soon to be a Joshua Ellis favourite. But what exactly is a Breton stripe?
History of Breton Stripe
The Breton stripe takes its name from Brittany, France, where it was adopted by the French Navy in 1858 for their uniforms. Characterised by alternating blue and white stripes (typically 21 white, twice as wide as the blue), the original Breton shirt worn by the French navy was a practical choice.
Made from thick, wind-resistant wool that was tightly knit for water resistance, it kept sailors warm and dry. The stripes also served a vital purpose: high visibility in case of a fall overboard.
Beyond the navy, the Breton stripe soon found favour with local fishermen and merchants in Northern France. The eye-catching pattern helped them stand out, similar to the way stripes do today.
In 1917, fashion icon Coco Chanel, vacationing on the French Riviera, was inspired by the striped shirts she saw on the docks. Tapping into the spirit of French modernism, she incorporated Breton stripes into her fashion collections for women.
The elegant yet simple pattern resonated with the times and was quickly embraced by both women and men. Throughout the following decades, the Breton stripe became a fashion staple, worn by cultural icons like Pablo Picasso, James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Seberg.
The enduring popularity of the Breton stripe continued through World War II. In the 1950s, it was revitalised by youth culture, paired with blue jeans. The Beatnik generation of the 1960s and the French New Wave further cemented the Breton stripe's place in fashion history.
Adding the Joshua Ellis Signature Touch
In true Joshua Ellis fashion, we've added a splash of colour to the classic Breton stripe, making it uniquely our own. Available in three very different colourways: Zingtastic, French Chic and Tutti Fruity.
Crafted from cashmere that's luxuriously soft against the skin, this stole offers effortless comfort and style for summer, and is the perfect size to drape over your shoulders on those cooler summer evenings.
Discover our modern Breton Stole and embrace summer in style. Shop now.
