Two Brands, One Philosophy

Lavenham began with a practical innovation. Our founder, Mrs Elliot, set out to create a lightweight, durable and quick-drying alternative to the traditional horse rug. The result was the first nylon quilted horse rug, laying the foundations for a brand that would become synonymous with British quilted outerwear. 

From the stable to the wardrobe, our approach has always been rooted in function, quality and considered construction.  

Arpenteur was founded in Lyon in 2011 by Marc Asseily and Laurent Bourven. Its collections occupy a space between respect for tradition and creative exploration, drawing inspiration from outerwear, workwear and sportswear. Utilitarian garments are reinterpreted through studied cuts, understated details and clean finishes, balancing everyday function with a distinctly French sophistication. 

The commitment to manufacturing is equally central to Arpenteur’s identity. In keeping with its aim of preserving the heritage of local menswear production, all its products are made entirely in France.

Different histories, different perspectives, but a shared belief in the value of making things well.

A Collaboration Built on Mutual Respect 

Arpenteur is selective about the brands it collaborates with, choosing a small number of factory manufacturers whose craftsmanship and heritage it genuinely respects. Alongside Lavenham, these include French shoemaking specialist Paraboot and Japanese footwear brand Moonstar.

The brand’s connections extend to some of the world's most respected independent retailers, including Beige Habilleur in Paris and Maidens Shop in Tokyo, both mutual stockists, as well as our now-resurrected friends at Oi Polloi.

These relationships reflect a common appreciation for independent businesses with a clear identity, a commitment to quality and a point of view that extends beyond seasonal trends.

For Lavenham, the collaboration is a particularly natural fit. It grew from a genuine connection between Marc and our history, rather than a desire to simply bring two names together. The shared respect for factory manufacturing, specialist knowledge and purposeful design provided the foundations for everything that followed.

Three Pieces, Two Perspectives 

The collection explores three different approaches to the same shared philosophy. Two styles reinterpret established designs from both brands, while the third introduces an entirely new Arpenteur design, bringing its own perspective to Lavenham’s quilting expertise.

The Loft Jacket 

The Loft Jacket combines elements of Arpenteur’s own Loft Jacket with Lavenham’s signature Raydon Jacket, creating a contemporary interpretation of one of our most recognisable silhouettes.

An off-centre organic corduroy placket and two front patch pockets retain the familiar language of classic outerwear, while a rolled collar in 100% merino wool adds texture, warmth and a distinctly French character. Merino wool cuffs continue the material contrast, complemented by organic corduroy binding and co-branded finishing.

Its boxy, slightly oversized proportions reflect Arpenteur’s approach to silhouette, offering a relaxed alternative to a more traditional Lavenham fit. The result feels recognisable yet refreshingly different: a meeting of two established designs rather than a simple reproduction of either.

The Zip Gilet 

The Zip Gilet takes a different creative direction. Rather than combining two existing styles, Arpenteur has developed a new design inspired by its own overshirts, translating the brand’s approach to workwear into a distinctive contemporary layering piece.

Generous through the chest and slightly cropped through the body, the silhouette references traditional French workwear. Oversized side-entry patch pockets provide a practical focal point, while a V neckline and two-way zip make the gilet particularly versatile beneath outerwear or worn independently. 

Organic corduroy binding and subtle co-branded details connect the design to Lavenham, while its proportions and pocket treatment retain a distinctly Arpenteur identity. Constructed from 100% recycled Lavenster, it offers a fresh interpretation of layering that is less about revisiting an existing garment and more about creating something new from shared design principles.

The Hooded Car Coat 

For the third piece, Arpenteur brings its perspective to Lavenham’s longer Brundon coats, reworking the silhouette into a contemporary, oversized car coat.

An off-centre placket introduces a distinctive detail, while generous proportions allow for comfortable layering. A grown-on hood adds practicality, complemented by two large external patch pockets and an internal chest pocket.

At its core is Lavenham’s iconic two-inch diamond quilting, finished with organic corduroy binding. Stitched-shut corduroy back vents provide a subtle reference to our equestrian heritage, preserving a connection to our origins within a clean, modern silhouette.

The coat brings together the practicality of traditional British outerwear and Arpenteur’s relaxed approach to proportion. Familiar in its foundations, it is reinterpreted through a contemporary French lens.

Craftsmanship Without Compromise 

For both brands, craftsmanship is not an added selling point. It is fundamental to how the clothes are conceived and made. 

At Lavenham, more than fifty years of specialist quilting expertise inform the construction and finishing of our outerwear. Our Suffolk factory remains central to the brand, preserving the manufacturing knowledge that has defined our products since 1969. 

For Arpenteur, production in France reflects an equally strong commitment to preserving local manufacturing expertise. Both brands understand the value of the skills, processes and attention to detail behind a well-made garment, and the importance of retaining those traditions while continuing to evolve. 

That shared outlook is reflected in the collection’s considered details: the contrast of merino wool and corduroy, the placement of oversized pockets, the balance of familiar quilting with new proportions, and the choice of materials.

The objective is not to reinvent outerwear for the sake of novelty. It is to understand what makes a garment enduring, then explore how thoughtful changes in construction, shape and finish can give it a new identity.