SINCE THE MIDDLE AGES
Establishing an ancestral craft
1160 - 1396: SAINT JAMES, CLOTH & WOOL MANUFACTURING VILLAGE
In 1160, William the Conqueror established the village of Saint-James on the Mont Saint-Michel bay. The sheep bred in the local salt marshes provide the ideal strain of wool for knitting sweaters, hats and nautical gear to keep the local sailors and fishermen warm on stormy expeditions.
Birth of the Fisherman Sweater
1858: THE BRETON STRIPED JERSEY AS OFFICIAL UNIFORM IN THE FRENCH NAVY
The 1980's
Expanding Horizons
1980: PIONEERING EXPORTS
Saint James is one of the oldest French garment houses to have taken on the international market. It began with Tokyo as early as 1980 and expanded to the rest of the world. The brand is the French maritime tradition ambassador.
1989: A 100 YEARS OF HISTORY
This year marked the 100-year anniversary of a historic craftsmanship. The company celebrated by breaking a new record: it knitted the biggest sweater in the world that was 26 feet tall and 45 feet wide from one end of one sleeve to the other, as acknowledged by the Guinness World Records.
The 1990’s
"Human Capital" Above All
1990: THE COMPANY IS BOUGHT BACK BY ITS EMPLOYEES
Under the impulse of Bernard Bonte and its management team determined to keep jobs and workshops in France, a majority share of Tricots Saint James is bought back by the company's employees. After Julien Bonte, Bernard Bonte steps down to let Yannick Duval take over as president of the company.
1994: EXPANDING THE ATELIER
Despite a challenging economy, the company's activity
keeps on growing and the new management decides to build nearly 50,000
square feet of new buildings. In 2011 they add an additional 118,000
square feet.
The 2000's
Growing Business Responsibly
2005: SAINT JAMES IS AWARDED THE "ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE" TROPHY
In January 2005, Saint James' knitwear is awarded the "Ethics and governance" trophy by the business school Ecole des Dirigeants et Créateurs d'Entreprise (EDC) sponsored by Jean-Pierre Raffarin, France's Prime Minister at the time.
2005-2010: LOCAL BOUTIQUES
A new concept of retail pervades Saint-Malo, Paris, Rennes, Nice all the way to New York. Saint James is among those stores that value the notion of local commerce: entering a shop is like walking down a boardwalk and getting a whiff of sea mist. Designed with simple materials, light hues and clear-cut lines the shops opens up a welcoming space where the collection can breath with the ruffle of a bona fide sea breeze.
TODAY
A Source of National Pride
2012: CREATION OF THE HERITAGE COLLECTION
Saint James developed a line entirely devoted to its iconic pieces: the fisherman sweater, the breton striped tee and the peacoat are featured as unique, simple objects nearing perfection.
2013: A SYMBOL OF FRANCE IN DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES
Saint James products are officially included in diplomatic gifts given by the French government to foreign ambassadors.
2013: ENTREPRISE DU PATRIMOINE VIVANT
With the arrival of Luc Lesenecal at the head of the company, Saint James emphazises its unique local craftsmanship in nautical apparel of more than 120 years. The company receives France’s most prestigious government recognition: “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”, a label distinguishing the nation’s artisanal and industrial excellence.
2017: THE STORY GOES ON…
Free Shipping
On all 150€+ orders
Secure Payment
By Credit Cards, PayPal, ApplePay
Returns
Within 30 days of purchase. Conditions apply.
Living heritage company
A unique know-how since 1889
Newsletter
Be the first to know about new collections, exclusive events and promotions
Our Retailers
Find us IRL. Search by zip code or city