Bensimon

For over 40 years, the French family brand Bensimon has inspired an appreciation for the art of living, going far beyond the borders of textiles. Between fashion, decoration, and design, Bensimon transcends the idea of a brand and becomes a concept.

”There is a taste for style passed down from father to son.” Serge Bensimon grew up wearing secondhand clothing and exploring the military surplus store started by his father in the 1960s. His path to success began shortly thereafter, when he brought military-chic styles to the mainstream. His father purchased soldiers’ sneakers in large quantities, and Serge decided to dye them in a variety of colors. This simple, playful idea was the beginning of Bensimon…

In 1989, Serge opened the very first French concept store in the Marais. Serge's wish? To mix fashion and furniture in the same shop. While this may seem commonplace today, for the time, it was unheard of. He took the opportunity to present handmade furniture made by the Pennsylvania Amish, with whom he also organized a collection to recycle wood from their farms. In 2004, the Bensimon tennis shoe is exhibited at Galeries Lafayette. For the occasion, it is rejuvenated by the biggest names in fashion. Among others: Jean-Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan, Agnes B and Cacharel. This was the starting point for numerous collaborations and the first limited series.

Together with his brother Yves, Serge has upheld the Bensimon Apparel Collection and La Tennis Bensimon. They are featured in luxury concept shops in across Europe and the US, and are beloved by celebrities such as Liv Tyler, Jane Birkin, and Natalie Portman. The brand combines simplicity and luxury with its all-natural shoe collection, and Serge continues to share his unique vision with the world.