A Forestière Jacket by ARNYS PARIS, estimated from the early 2000s.
A truly exceptional arrival.
We have long sought pieces from ARNYS PARIS, the legendary maison now defunct, and at last one has come to hand.
The Forestière, flagship model of ARNYS, possesses a design vocabulary rarely encountered elsewhere. Many collectors remain in quiet pursuit of such pieces.
Once known as "ARNYS on the Left Bank, Hermès on the Right," this was the defining house of the Seine's Left Bank.
While the Right Bank held to aristocratic, conservative sensibilities, the Left Bank embodied popular, progressive, and artistic values.
ARNYS has since vanished—through changes in distribution, acquisitions, and eventually the sale of its trademark to Berluti years ago. The brand no longer exists as a functional entity.
Having once stood alongside Hermès, the tailoring remains uncompromising across all examples. The dedication to craft was such that different factories were engaged for different pieces—a commitment to quality that speaks clearly through every stitch.
The present piece is the celebrated Forestière—
colloquially known as "the Gamekeeper's Jacket."
It remains the most coveted ARNYS model, sought by collectors worldwide.
This Forestière owes its existence to none other than Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret), the towering architectural theorist of the twentieth century. He commissioned it from ARNYS's founding proprietor.
While teaching at the Sorbonne, the story goes, he requested a jacket that would allow him to raise his arms freely when writing upon the blackboard.
The inspiration derived from the gamekeeper's jacket—
the hunting jacket, in other words.
The armholes are generously proportioned for ease of movement, lending a casual air, yet simultaneously there persists an elegance, a quiet refinement that elevates the whole.
There is something of the ease one finds in French vintage workwear.
This example, though its label has faded beyond legibility, is constructed in a softly napped fabric suited to cooler months. The detail extends to suede leather at the elbows and throughout—a luxurious undertaking.
A deep, restrained khaki-green forms the base, set against suede tones of brown, accents of yellow and red in the lining—a composition that is unmistakably ARNYS, expressed in a language only ARNYS possessed. It reads as a work of art.
The distinctive palette for which ARNYS became known—its designer Jankel Granbiel's wife was Japanese—drew inspiration from the kimono, from the chromatic wisdom of traditional dress.
Beautiful. There is little more to say.
All buttons are original ARNYS, naturally.
The delicately carved buttons with their green-edged bezels possess considerable value in themselves.
Marked size 48.
Most Forestière pieces appear in sizes 50 and above. To encounter this model in this proportion is scarcely credible.
Truly remarkable.
For those of typical Japanese frame, this is a golden size—readily wearable.
The archive shows the jacket worn with dropped shoulders and generous ease, suggesting that even slighter wearers will find it entirely appropriate.
There is surface soiling and minor fraying, but no substantial damage that would compromise wear.
This is not the manner of piece one simply purchases. Future arrival cannot be assured.
It holds value both as a wardrobe piece and as a collectible—a design source of considerable significance.
ARNYS PARIS, across eras and models, appears but seldom in the vintage market.
Tailored jackets surface occasionally, but a casual, wearable piece suitable for town—this is virtually unknown.
The Forestière in particular remains exceedingly rare.
It is scarcely an overstatement to say this jacket was born from Le Corbusier's vision.
For those drawn to architecture or working within the field, this is an object worth securing.
ARNYS has experienced renewed attention in recent periodicals and publications. With the brand now extinct and recognition growing, appreciation in value is assured. Those in pursuit are advised not to delay.
【Size Details】
Marked 48
Length 81cm
Shoulder width 53.5cm
Chest width 59cm
Sleeve length 61cm
※ Minor variance is expected.
【Condition】
USED
※ Surface soiling and minor fraying present.
【Wear Reference】
Model frame: 165cm, 50kg
【Returns and Exchanges】
Given the nature of vintage goods, we do not accept returns or exchanges.
Please examine all details carefully before purchase. Should you have concerns, inquire before ordering.
Marks, wear, and patina resulting from age are not considered defects and are not grounds for return.
Color variation between image and garment is not grounds for return.
Returns based on fit or expectation are not accepted.
We ask only that those with understanding of vintage goods proceed with purchase.
【Inquiry Code】
J0405
