HOBBEMA – French Elegance and Gentlemanly Style

With more than 80 years of history in fashion, HOBBEMA is representative of French elegance and style. The name HOBBEMA is a tribute from founder Baron Gustave de Nerval to 17^th Century painter Meindert Hobbema.

In 1928 Gustave de Nerval was invited to host a royal art salon at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. One of the works on display was the "The Avenue at Middelharnis” by Meindert Hobbema. Its changing natural scenery left an indelible impact on de Nerval and over time helped him form a unique world-view.

Gustave de Nerval drew his inspiration from the painter and incorporated French

aristocratic spirit in the HOBBEMA brand. The outcome is a brand which shows the classical spirit in a modernist manner. Each of the works in the collection represents a spirit of “self-confidence and ambition”. They have enabled HOBBEMA to be the bellwether menswear for the French middle-class, with a solid reputation that passes by word of mouth.

Since its founding in 1928 as a private fashion house HOBBEMA has been devoting much of its creative energy in French modernism fashion for middle-class and high-society urban males. The latter are known their penchant for fashionable taste. As such HOBBEMA’s clothing lines have a style that is suitable for the experienced career men and those who prefer urban casual look. French design details complement their contemporary slim-fit design and proportions and topped off with bold mix-and-match colors and accessories to create a simple, elegant and exquisite style that HOBBEMA calls ‘Chic & Stylish’.

HOBBEMA creations are varied and novel in details. These are matched with unrivalled quality. The brand's designs appeal to urban men who pursue an inpidualistic look. They befit the latter’s multi-faceted lifestyle and aesthetic preference. There are two major collections which cater to the fashion requirements for different contexts, and cover nearly 20 different lines including polo shirt, t-shirt, business shirt and accessories. Shirts, leisure jackets and polo shirts are de riguer for European men.

HOBBEMA’s Urban Chic Line is designed specifically for urban men in their early 30s with business entertainment in mind. Their high quality and refined details are the major features for this line.

And then there is the Urban Stylish Line which is aimed more at the fashion sense of urban men in their early 30s in casual occasions. Like the Urban Chic Line, it looks to satisfy the wearer’s preference for inpidualistic expression and takes into consideration their lifestyle and aesthetic preference.

Worthy of note is HOBBEMA’s outlets which are also designed with a retro-futuristic look that is unique to de Nerval. Traditional spatial concepts are discarded, and in their place is a visionary fashion space that possesses at once French elegance and futuristic look of modern technology. The coldness of technology is tampered by the warmth of large swaths of matt gold wall, not to mention the feel of luxury that they bring. The brand’s unique image is further fostered by a contemporary theme that transcends history. To do this, HOBBEMA employs subtle means that hint at its cultural heritage. Place them in such a futuristic setting and the result is a strong visual impact to anyone who enters the outlet.

 

HOBBEMA devotes considerable attention to customer experience. The overseas outlets are the first to adopt advanced technologies such as lighting sensor system and lifestyle window-display, with every detail designed to showcase the brand's French elegance.

 

The emergence of a new generation of middle class in China gives rise to an increasing sophistication in fashion attitude and style for Chinese men. HOBBEMA recognizes this unprecedented opportunity and has commissioned a flagship store in Shanghai. To be opened in 2013, HOBBEMA’s maiden flagship will be sure to bring French ‘Chic’ style to the modern metropolis.