Moynat F/W16 Gabrielle

IMAGE: MOYNAT

Whilst many here know of atelier Moynat and its French origins, not many (including myself) remember that it was actually established by a woman back in 1849. Her name was Pauline Moynat, the only known woman trunk-maker of her time. And maybe because she was a woman, her first muse was also a lady (yes, none of that macho ‘yes our trunks are made for the men who are setting forth to explore the world’ bull), and she was Gabrielle-Charlotte Reju (or simply Gabrielle Réjane).

A successful French stage actress and early silent film actress, this bag, Moynat’s new Gabrielleis christened after her. A woman who travelled extensively for her craft, she had performed in London, New York and even as far as Quebec, no mean feat considering this was the late 1800s. And if she wasn’t in large ships crossing the oceans, she would be in a car, which I’m assuming is also the inspiration behind the bag, its clean graphic lines a play of the curves of the Limousine trunks she might have owned and used, with the stylised M that’s both the bag’s clasp and a reference to Moynat’s name.

IMAGE: MOYNAT

The Gabrielle is not a big bag, measuring 31 cm by 21 cm for the Gabrielle MM and 26 cm by 18 cm for the Gabrielle PM, both sizes perfect for everyday city use. Hold it via its top handle, or use it with its additional shoulder sling, it is one piece from Moynat that in my books would be another classic-in-the-making.

Priced from EUR2900 for the smaller of the two, the nearest Moynat boutique to us in this region would be in Hong Kong, but if you’re heading to Paris, all the better; their store is located at 348 rue Saint-Honoré.

Images: Moynat

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