Marithé et François Girbaud
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel, Fashion |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | Marithé Bachellerie, François Girbaud |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Apparel, Denim, Jeans |
| Website | www |
Marithé + François Girbaud is a globally recognized French apparel enterprise established in 1972 by designers François Girbaud and Marithé Bachellerie. The company created multiple labels, such as Compagnie des montagnes et des forêts, Ça, Closed, and Matricule 11342. It is particularly distinguished for innovating the mass production of the stonewash technique, alongside its signature loose-fitting pants and form-fitting denim styles.
History
The fashion partnership commenced their journey in 1964 at the Paris boutique Western House. Their initial brand launches were supported by Maurice Chorenslup, Pierre Zelcer, and Jacques Rozenker.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the brand reached its zenith, recording worldwide sales of $900 million. By 2010, the group maintained a turnover of €200 million.
In 1983, Girbaud was responsible for designing costumes worn by Jennifer Beals and Michael Nouri in the movie Flashdance. Later, in 1992, the rap duo Kris Kross featured Girbaud jeans in their popular "Jump" music video, enhancing the brand's prominence within hip-hop culture.
By 1995, Marithé et François incorporated cutting-edge techniques such as laser and ultrasonic assembly methods. They introduced the bleu éternel technique in 1997 to prevent fading of indigo denim while preserving softness and rich coloration. Their Wattwash laser process simulates denim aging and reduces water consumption by 97.5%, reflecting increasing environmental consciousness among consumers.
In June 2012, Girbaud declared bankruptcy, resulting in its websites becoming inactive.
In 2015, founders Marithé Bachellerie and François Girbaud unveiled Mad Lane, a traveling concept store that continues to utilize the Marithé + François Girbaud brand identity.
Filmography
- 2016: Marithé + François = Girbaud, a documentary directed by Jérémie Carboni, featuring appearances by Marithé Bachellerie, François Girbaud, Renzo Rosso (Diesel CEO), Benjamin Cotto from Lilly Wood and the Prick, Jacques Rozenker, and Jennifer Beals. The film’s soundtrack includes tracks by Moriarty.