Porthault luxury brand celebrates fine French linen

Porthault’s boutique is located in the aptly named “Golden Triangle” in Paris, were luxury is found in every establishment that occupies the space. The house was founded in 1920 by Daniel and Madeleine Porthault, and considers itself a haute couture brand, not in fashion like its neighboring boutiques, but in linen. Connoisseurs appreciate the quality of the French made luxury linen as well as the beautiful designs of the textiles which express a sophisticated living style. The manufacturing process is fully integrated with quality details, starting with delicate weaving process and including traditional sewing and embroidery techniques that have been in place for decades.

For many decades in France, the month of January is nicknamed le mois du blanc (“the month of the white”) that is to say the month dedicated to all things linen. The tradition originated in the 19th century, with Aristide Boucicaut, the founder of the famous department store, Le Bon Marché desperately trying to find a way to get his customers back to his store after Christmas when typically, the cold weather and the snow prevented them from leaving their houses. M. Boucicaut decided to launch a huge linen sales operation and suggested the clients refresh their collection of bed sheets, napkins and towels, unaware that he was inventing a long-lasting tradition that continues to exist today. 

January is the best time to refresh your household linen

Although it is still called “white”, most linen collections are typically found in various colors and prints, in addition to the classic blanc. At Porthault, the designs are very sophisticated and artfully imagined, always elegant and timeless, they fit in all types of houses and settings, grand châteaux but also cozy little flats. The extreme sophistication and the high level of quality certainly contribute to the nearly 100 years of experience of the house. For those who will not have a chance to visit Paris, the sumptuous linen products are also sold at its boutique in New York as well as in other countries. Considering the upcoming Haute Couture fashion week in Paris, a visit to Porthault’s boutique or website can be an interesting way to discover what haute couture means when it comes to luxury linen.