Saint-Tropez to the World: Vilebrequin’s Sun-Soaked Legacy
Origins and Founding
Vilebrequin was born in 1971 in the sun-drenched coastal town of Saint-Tropez, France. It was the brainchild of Fred Prysquel, a photographer and motorsport enthusiast who wanted to create bold, comfortable swim shorts inspired by surfers and speedboats. He designed the first pair on a café tablecloth and named the brand “Vilebrequin,” French for “crankshaft,” in a nod to his love of automobiles.
Ownership and Leadership
The brand is now owned by G-III Apparel Group, which acquired Vilebrequin in 2012. Under G-III, the brand has expanded its global retail presence while maintaining its French Riviera identity. Its design team remains based in France, preserving the brand’s connection to its origins.
Aesthetic and Design Language
Vilebrequin is all about vibrant prints, saturated color, and Mediterranean luxury. The brand’s iconic swim trunks come in a variety of lengths and fabrics but are instantly recognizable for their playful, ocean-inspired motifs—turtles, waves, fish, yachts—often rendered in bright tropical palettes. Over the years, Vilebrequin has leaned into heritage craftsmanship with ultra-durable swim fabrics, hand-cut linings, and embroidery options. It’s unapologetically bold, luxurious, and timeless.
Notable Pieces
- Moorea Swim Trunks – The original mid-length trunks with elastic waistband, mesh lining, and signature sea turtle prints.
- Merise Flat-Belt Shorts – A sleeker silhouette with tailored details for a more refined beach-to-brunch look.
- Linen Beach Shirts – Lightweight button-downs in neutral shades or tropical prints for a classic resortwear look.
- Father-Son Matching Sets – A Vilebrequin hallmark: mini versions of the brand’s prints for kids.
- Luxury Capsules – Seasonal artist collabs and couture-level embroidery editions using silk-blend fabrics and limited-run techniques.
Famous Fans
- Brad Pitt
- Jay-Z
- George Clooney
- Prince William
- Gwyneth Paltrow (via her kids’ swimwear picks)
The Future
Vilebrequin continues to anchor its brand in timeless Riviera glamour while experimenting with luxury capsules and eco-responsible materials. The brand has introduced swim trunks made with recycled polyamide and increased transparency in production methods. It’s also expanding its global retail presence, especially in resort destinations across Asia and the Middle East, and investing in heritage branding with a new wave of archival print reissues.
