Vilebrequin

Saint-Tropez, 1971. Daytime, outside. View of the port. Cafe Senequier, meeting place of the happy few on the French Riviera.

In the background, the village is abuzz with the news of the imminent arrival of Brigitte Bardot with her admirers, to spend a night at one of the legendary Saint Tropez nightclubs. Music and champagne, non-stop! The stars have their own country here, governed by the laws of pleasure, carefree living and legend.

Sunlight... Back to the port. Close-up of a terrace cafe where a young man is sketching an original design for swim shorts on a checked tablecloth. Inspired by surfer's trunks, the design takes shape, very different from the traditional swim briefs of the time. Colourful and original, a new style is set!

Made out of spinnaker canvas (sailing is, after all, the king of sports in the gulf of Saint-Tropez), the new swimsuit dries more quickly in the sun and wind. Close-up of the first Vilebrequin, the French word for crankshaft and a reference to its designer's passion for automobiles.

On the beaches of Saint-Tropez, the new swim trunks are an overnight success. Practical and comfortable, colourful and tres chic, a trend is launched, a new brand is born.