A must-read publication for denim fans, military uniform enthusiasts, and vintage workwear fanatics!

Avant is a biannual magazine founded by Frenchman Eric Maggiori. It traces the clothing of various classes and industries throughout history, from ancient times to the present day, and even to future trends. It is rich in content and illustrated with pictures. The editorial team uses a pragmatic spirit to trace the evolution of history for readers.

In our third installment, An Anthology of French Workwear , we delve into French history, focusing specifically on the lives of workers, farmers, and peasants in the 19th and 20th centuries.

We interviewed Tom Gruat , known as the "King of French Workwear," Denis Bruna , Chief Curator of the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, and Frédéric Marc Marion, a French workwear collector and vintage dealer. We also spoke with six experts specializing in French workwear in Japan, sharing their insights on how this culture is flourishing in the country.

We visited Euro Costumes , a clothing rental company in Pantin, a suburb of Paris, and spoke with founder Pascale Bourtequoi to learn how she built her vast collection of vintage clothing.

In addition, we also teach you how to identify buttons on French hunting coats and explain what real "Moleskin" fabric is.

STORIES & TALES

• Miners and the Blue Overalls (bleus de travail) : Exploring the history of miners in northern France and the representative overalls they chose.

• The Firemen's Ball : A 19th-century indigo linen firefighter's jacket, now a collectible favorite among fans of French workwear.

• Le Mont Saint-Michel and Breton History : This legendary brand has clothed the farmers of Brittany for decades (and continues to do so today).

• "French Fever" in Japan : French workwear has truly exploded in popularity in Japan in recent years. Six shop owners share the stories behind this social phenomenon.

• Visit Euro-Costumes : discover the vast inventory of France's largest clothing rental company.

INTERVIEWS

• Tom Gruat : He's the ultimate authority on French workwear. This interview is not to be missed.

• Douglas Gunn : Co-founder of Vintage Showroom (with Roy Luckett), they published two books dedicated to French workwear.

• Denis Bruna : Chief curator at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, his research covers the evolution of working-class clothing since the Middle Ages.

• Frédéric Marc Marion : Founder of Bazar des Poilus, he takes us back and relives his professional journey.

ART & ILLUSTRATIONS

• La Moisson (The Harvest) : Cover painting created exclusively for Avant Magazine by Geg Newbokld.

• Douce France : Vintage French images from the archives of Tom Gruat, Romainville's town hall, and the Museum of Bretagne.

• Private Collection : Rare French workwear pieces from Tom Gruat's personal collection.

AND MORE…

• Moleskin jacket

• Animal buttons on a French hunting coat

• What is Indigo Linen

• La France Travail – A Beautiful Collection of Antiquarian Books