Stars and Stripes

In line with the greatest classics, the Breton is a work of simple brilliance: 21 horizontal stripes, either blue or red, placed elegantly on a white background. Its origins may be wrapped in utility (it was conceived as a hard-wearing uniform for French seamen) but its pared-back design has long appealed to the fashionable set. Artistic geniuses of every ilk—Coco Chanel and Pablo Picasso among them—were early adopters. The Breton's crossover into the mainstream came via appearances on the big screen and onstage, from Brigitte Bardot’s nonchalant pairing with capri pants in And God Created Woman to Debbie Harry’s wide-set stripes on display at Blondie gigs the world over. Current fashion seasons have seen a resurgent explosion of the Breton: Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana all recently presented their striped adaptations; Kate Moss adds a rock edge by way of a leather jacket; Alexa Chung goes festival chic with wellies; and Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld complements hers with jeans and ankles boots. See our curated selection of the Breton's pop culture highlights above.