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ONCE UPON A TIME A MAN NAMED FRED PRYSQUEL … The bright and sunny days of a St Tropez summer are alive with activity, just as it was in 1971 when a passionate fan of motor racing, Fred Prysquel, took a seat at the Café terrace to watch the world go by. ON THE CAFÉ TERRACE Drawing inspiration from the painters on the quayside, the strolling vacationers and the buzz around Brigitte Bardot, he sketched out a design for swim shorts on a corner of his tablecloth. Combining the inspiration of the legendary Saint Tropez lifestyle with his talent, the Vilebrequin swim shorts came to life. Their color, design and sheer originality made them an instant success. A new style was launched, a brand was born. IMMERSED IN HIS MEMORIES In homage to his passion for the motor car and inspired by the spiral metal staircase in his first Saint Tropez shop, he named the brand Vilebrequin, the French word for crankshaft. INSPIRED BY SAILING Surrounded by the world of sailing , the one activity that reigns supreme in the waters of Saint Tropez, Prysquel decided to make his swim shorts out of spinnaker sailcloth. Designed for use as boat sails and high-flying kites, this textile has unique, quick-drying qualities in the sun and wind. THE MOORÉA EMERGED IN THE SUNLIGHT The colors and motifs of that initial 1970's design, conceived in Saint Tropez, have been constantly re-imagined. Today, the Moorea cut is a Vilebrequin classic, a legendary style that has led its admirers through changing times and fashions. HAILED A UNANIMOUS SUCCESS It was a hit from the start. The cool and the chic, the relaxed vacationer and the fashionista all wore their Vilebrequin shorts on the beaches of Saint Tropez. Everyone was seduced by these practical, comfortable shorts; their elegance and bright colors held an irresistible appeal. On every beach, the sea turtle insignia came to signify the spirit of Saint Tropez. As its success grew, Vilebrequin worked with various materials and designs of exceptional quality to claim its natural place in the world of luxury goods. Within a few years, Vilebrequin swimming shorts became the must-have item for the beach and the inevitable signifier of the man on holiday. PROPELLED FORWARD BY THE FATHER & SON CONCEPT Vilebrequin recognized its customers' youthful energy and dedication to family values and experiences.... this led to the 1995 launch of the Father and Son concept, expanding the range from mens to boys starting at 6 months old. This father-son bond brought a new dimension to Vilebrequin as it took on family values. Much more than a passing fad, the enthusiasm for this range is high and has become a tradition for Vilebrequin clients globally. AND BEYOND TO THE HORIZON During this incredible adventure, the brand has found a way to keep its soul and hold true to its values of elegance and freedom. Today, the Vilebrequin spirit has crossed borders from Miami to Rio, from Dubai to Saint Barthelmy, from Porto Cervo to Shanghai. This spirit shares its values with men of style, who are both demanding and original, who dare to combine relaxed elegance with wit, originality and quality.