A ARNYS PARIS Forestière Jacket, circa 1990s.
An exceptional arrival.
We have been searching for this for some time, and we are pleased to finally offer it—ARNYS PARIS, the legendary maison that no longer exists.
The Forestière, flagship model of ARNYS, remains rare. Its design sensibility distinguishes it from other houses, which is precisely why many continue to seek it out.
Once known as 'the ARNYS of the Left Bank, the Hermès of the Right Bank,' it was the defining house of the Seine's Left Bank.
Where the Right Bank embodied aristocratic conservatism, the Left Bank represented something more popular, innovative, and artistic.
ARNYS eventually dissolved through distribution changes and acquisitions.
Several years ago, its trademark rights were sold to Berluti, so the brand no longer exists as an entity.
Comparable to Hermès in its era, every piece reflects first-class construction.
The commitment to manufacturing was evident in their practice of selecting different factories for different items—a refinement that ensured exceptional quality across all work.
Today we present the masterwork: the Forestière.
Sometimes known as 'the Guardian of the Forest Jacket.'
It remains the most sought-after model within the ARNYS archive.
Most Forestière jackets in circulation carry their label at the neck. This example is distinguished by its vintage label placement at the chest pocket—a detail rarely encountered in this model.
This particular Forestière was created at the request of Le Corbusier, the visionary twentieth-century architect, who commissioned it from the founding owner of ARNYS.
While teaching at the Sorbonne, he requested a jacket that allowed ease of movement when writing on the blackboard.
His inspiration derived from the gamekeeper's jacket—
what one might call a hunting jacket.
The armholes are generously cut to facilitate movement. Though decidedly casual in spirit, there is an unmistakable elegance, a quiet refinement.
It carries the ease of a French vintage work coverall.
This particular example is rendered in a medium-wale brown corduroy.
The elbow patches are finished in leather—a luxury detail.
While it lacks the distinctive color sensibility ARNYS was known for, this monochromatic approach may in fact be what many seek: a foundational Forestière.
Such single-color Forestières, pieces that transcend seasonal fashion and sustain use across time, are rarely encountered.
Beautiful. There is no other word for it.
Of course, all buttons are original ARNYS hardware.
Marked size 48.
Most ARNYS pieces in circulation are marked 50 and above. A Forestière in this proportional size rarely appears on the market.
One might call it miraculous.
For those of typical Japanese proportions, this represents an ideal size.
Period photographs show the style worn with dropped shoulders and loose fit, so even smaller frames will find it wearable and flattering.
The condition is exceptional. The previous owner appears to have worn it minimally. There are no conspicuous soiling or damage marks—it exists in a near-mint state.
There are no significant structural defects, so it remains ready for use.
This is not something one procures with money alone, nor can we promise future availability.
It holds value both as a functional wardrobe piece and as a collectible object, a source of design reference.
ARNYS PARIS rarely surfaces in the vintage market, regardless of era or model.
Tailored jackets appear occasionally, but casual, wearable examples suitable for town use are virtually nonexistent.
The Forestière, in particular, is all the rarer.
A piece conceived, one might say, by Le Corbusier himself.
For those with an affinity for architecture or professional engagement with the field, it is an essential acquisition.
The brand has enjoyed renewed attention through recent magazine features. The fact that it no longer exists only serves to heighten its trajectory. We anticipate its value will increase significantly, so those seeking it should act accordingly.
