Local pride on the loom

FRENCH regional pride has many manifestations, from a belief in only putting local wines on a restaurant carte to fierce retention of provincial dialects.

Clothing manufacturer Epicus taps into this adherence to local traditions and regional roots with men’s and women’s knitwear that features an embroidered cultural symbol on the right sleeve. Most areas are covered, including Alsace, Pays Basque, Brittany, Corsica, Provence, Lorraine, Lyon, and Occitanie. Even Ile-de-France is represented, with a Fleur de Lys.

The concept was originally aimed at those who had moved away from their place of origin for work reasons and wanted to express an attachment to a regional culture, or who were seeking a comforting point of reference. However, newly resident locals can also show pride in their adopted area by donning the quality, stylish jumpers.

In keeping with their patriotic stance, all Epicus items are entirely knitted in France using 100% pure merino extrafine wool. Even the presentation boxes and labels are created locally.

The navy blue or anthracite grey sweaters come with a round collar and a vignette embossed with the brand name at the bottom. Price €149.
www.epicus.fr