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Check out our new 2023 lookbook now!
Check out our new 2023 lookbook now!
Our story begins in the village of Saint-Pierre d’Entremont in Normandy. Marcel, the young son of a clog maker, meets Emilie, the daughter of a fabric merchant and garment maker. This was the start of an inspiring love story.
Marcel and Emilie got married on this day, and the company Letard Degasnewas revived thanks to their union.
Marcel registered the Kiplay trademark at Flers Commercial Court; his choice of this pun on the French expression “qui plaît” (literally “which pleases”) reflected his firm belief in marketing and advertising.
Marcel had to leave Normandy because of the Occupation during the war; he wanted to set up a garment workshop south of the River Loire to produce clothing for the French army, refusing to produce for the Occupying forces.
Despite the curfew, Marcel hung fabric sheets from the windows to hide the lights on in the factory which worked at night: this was known as passive defence. He even made parachutes for the Allies.
Hubert Pradal married Jeanne, Marcel’s daughter, and became first the Sales Director then the Managing Director of the company. The company grew with a 350-strong workforce.
Market developments and the refusal to relocate brought about a challenging period. Hubert, known for his deeply compassionate nature, was moved to action. He reduced the company’s staff from 350 to 150 members.
Marc Pradal, Hubert’s son, joined the company as a sales representative.
Hubert retired when he was 61 years old, and Marc stepped in as the new Managing Director at 30 years of age. A few years later, his wife, Corinne, joined him.
Corinne and Mark’s three children joined the company, making it a fully family affair! They represent the 4th generation. The eldest, Clément, started up the workshop and French production again. Kiplay is the only French company to produce its jeans in its own workshop.
Kiplay Vintage celebrates its hundredth anniversary! All sorts of events and changes are rolled out to mark the occasion, including an exhibition going back over the brand’s remarkable history. But this centenary is only the start of a new chapter filled with many exciting things to come…
49 employees
1,800 garments produced in our workshop this year
500 sq.m.
surface area in our workshop
