French fishermen sweaters

A Brief History

Breton Fishermen

 Photographed by Eliot Elisofon in the September of 1948

HISTORY OF THE NAVY SWEATER

The origins of the fisherman’s sweater are to be found in Brittany. It is from there that merchants left during during the 18th century to travel to England for the sale of their onions.

These merchants wore an item of clothing that made them recognizable from a distance.

The French expression "marchand d’ail" (garlic merchant) which is what these people were called, became in everyday speech "chandail" referring to this item of clothing.

Knitwear, which until then had been made from wool cloth, was made in a very tight stitching, using a secret stitch which granted to clothing warmth, water proofing, and considerable resistance to both the wind and cold.

(Saint James Matelot)

The real Fisherman’s sweater was a long garment, very close fitting, designed to protect a sailor’s back and keep the body warm. Highly practical, very easy to put on as a result of buttons on the side, and in unwashed sheep wool.

Several variants appeared : colors like red, white, striped, but it should be remembered that, in the Navy, the single colored sweater was reserved for officers, and the striped variety for sailors. In the French Navy, young recruits wear a striped tee-shirt during their three month onboard training period.

Cancale in classic navy

Beret Oeillets 

Breton Fishermen

 Photographed by Eliot Elisofon in the September of 1948

At Lark we aren't just inspired by heritage brands, we are inspired by history itself.

Now Online: St James

we've taken some new photos

check out our new look for Saint James on our webshop

Galathee for women (New)

Meridien slim fit (New)

This fit is not easily available outside of Japan

A new colour in Levant

The Meridien looks best when there are many of them

We've got some new Saint James styles and colours available online

In other news...

I would like to introduce you to Boxer. 

He is a special cat with great taste in packaging.

A customer of ours sent us these photos and explained that Boxer is in love with this Lark Bag, and has been for more then a year.

According to Courtney (and Brian) if you tell Boxer how nice his bag is it makes him happy, and if they try to take the bag away he gets sad. 

We offered Courtney a new Lark bag, and she admitted that she has brought some new ones home, but Boxer likes his old bag and isn't ready to move on. 

Both Courtney and Brian have gotten so used to their cats favourite toy that they refer to it as 'The Bag'.

Thank you to Courtney and Brian for sharing this story with us, it made our day.

Now Online: J.W. Hulme Co.

(Barbour umbrella sold separately)

(Pozu slippers available at Umeboshi Shoes)

J.W. Hulme bags for men and women are now available online

New Arrivals: J.W Hulme Co.

A Brief History

1905-1919

John W Hulme and his brother found themselves agreeing to a business deal to make tents for the looming war. Along with their expertise in making awnings, they were eager to do their part for the war effort. From the time they started the company to the early 1920s, tents and awnings were the main focus of the business.

1920s-1940s

J.W. Hulme Co. remained actively involved in the production of large heavy duty canvas tents highly sought after in times of war. As the need for canvas tents waned following the wars, the company turned its attention to providing awnings for the elite. J.W. Hulme Co. also began to design and manufacture canvas and leather bags and accessories for Minnesota sporting hunters. 

Fast-Forward to 1975

J.W. Hulme Co. was purchased by Norton Cross and a new phase of interesting historical development began. Norton – being an avid outdoorsman - kept the canvas awning business going while designing and beginning the manufacturing of sporting duffles. Based on the old duffles his grandfather had shown him, Norton created a line of canvas carrying bags. 

Fast-Forward to 2003

J.W. Hulme Co. was purchased by Chuck Bidwell and Jen Guarino. They quickly re-established J.W. Hulme Co.’s commitment to top quality and Made in USA products with the promise to keep all design and production in the US. They furthered their commitment by backing the products with a lifetime guarantee and offering unsurpassed customer service.

Each bag comes with a lifetime guarantee

You may return any bag with defect or normal use damage, and J.W. Hulme will either repair in a presentable fashion, or if not possible replace it at no charge including shipping. Non-normal damage such as dog-chewing, will be repaired at cost. 

***

The J.W. Hulme Co. collection ranges from duffle bags to brief cases to sporting and hunting gear. J.W. Hulme Co., which has been in St Paul, Minnesota for over 100 years, has 25 employees. 

***

Available in store & coming soon to our online shop

Email us if you have questions

shop@lark.me

We are back

The Lark sale is still in full swing

We have just returned from New York with pictures and stories to tell. Mostly we want to share what we wore with you.

Slim Ghost Oxford on the left, and Oxford Bomarzo on the right

Natsumi's suitcase:

 White shirts

1 day bag and 1 evening bag

Casual jeans and pants

2 pair of high heels, 

1 pair of ballet flats

& 

1 pair of oxfords

"My travel essentials are my shoes, my day bag and white shirts. 

I wore my oxfords every day, I was so comfortable walking in them for hours."

Veronika's suitcase:

1 pair of painter pants

4 button down gingham shirts

2 white shirts

1 casual top

1 day bag and 1 evening bag

1 pair of ballet flats and 1 pair of oxfords

&

2 cardigans

"I couldn't travel without my Chimala painter pants, or button down shirts." 

We suffered sweltering heat in total style. 

Walking

It has been a while since we've done any updates on the Lark Blog. 

We are currently in New York City viewing collections for next spring and summer, at the end of each day we run out of  time to update you. 

(Our Zeha-Berlin's are doing more walking then you could imagine)

Next week we should be back on schedule with regular news. In the meantime our sale is going strong, so visit the store to check it out.

Timeless Shoes

Zeha-Berlin cream oxford shoes are a beautiful luxury and now they are on sale!

New Arrival: Saint James

Popular styles, colours and sizes have been fully restocked in the store and online! 

We have a new colour in Levant called gris clair/gris chine which is two tones of heather grey stripe. 

 

You can never have too many French striped shirts! 

Do you remember Huitriere? 

This style (women's only) was introduced at Lark last month and got sold out so quickly! Now THEY ARE BACK in stock!

We also have a new style for women called Galathee which is a similar fit to Huitriere, but it is made with lightweight cotton jersey, perfect for summer. The Galathee is not yet available online so you'll have to visit us, or send us an email.

Sale Feature: Lark Gingham for Women

Since it's sale time at Lark we will be keeping you up to date on what to look out for.

The Makie for Lark gingham shirt is made in New York with 100% cotton from Japan.

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday

What will you wear Friday, Saturday and Sunday?

Lark