France-made necktie and beyond – Cinabre Paris
Dear readers, as contemporary life continues to evolve — and as technology-driven industries and new professions shape the way we work and live — simplicity and comfort have gradually become the default language of day-to-day menswear. Traditional soft accessories such as neckties, pocket squares, and silk scarves appear less frequently in the modern wardrobe, raising the question of whether these once-essential details, so familiar to our fathers’ and grandfathers’ generations, are slowly disappearing altogether. In my opinion, I do not believe they are; certain formal occasions still call for them, not merely as decorative additions, but as quiet expressions of respect for tradition, refinement, and social occasion. They form an almost invisible language — one that communicates sophistication, civility, and a sense of ceremony without saying a word. Perhaps this explains why I find myself irresistibly drawn to buying at least one well-made necktie whenever I visit Paris; in my last two trips, including this most recent one, I once again felt the familiar temptation. Maybe it is the elegant atmosphere of the French capital that encourages me to dress with a little more intention — or maybe it is the handwork, sumptuous fabrics, and subtle details that catch my eye. In any case, I had promised myself that I would visit Cinabre Paris during this trip, one of the most distinctive contemporary Parisian maisons devoted to men’s accessories. I had long admired its neckties and other refined pieces, and was eager to discover the world behind them.
Located at 14 Cité Bergère in the 9th arrondissement, a tranquil address within easy reach of several historic Parisian landmarks, including Bouillon Chartier and the Passage des Panoramas. Its ivory façade and chic light-grey-and-ivory-striped canopy immediately convey a polished yet welcoming character, with the assured charm of a modern Parisian gentleman. Stepping inside felt rather like entering the elegant home of a contemporary French dandy. Accessories and menswear were displayed with an ease that made the space feel personal rather than overly commercial. I had first come across this brand a few years ago through its beautiful ties and accessories, but it was only during this visit that I realised the maison had developed a ready-to-wear collection as well! Although the range is intentionally focused, it offered a delightful surprise beyond the accessories I had originally come to see.
Cinabre was founded by Mr. Alexandre Chapellier, a French-Swedish entrepreneur who began his career in finance before turning his attention to men’s accessories and menswear. Before the launch of the brand, Alexandre was under the guidance of the late French designer, Mr. Michel Goma, whose influence helped shape his understanding of color, materials, and artistic sensibility. The brand’s history dates to 2011, while its current boutique at Cité Bergère opened in 2022. The maison began with finely crafted soft accessories, including neckties, bow ties, lapel pins, and scarves. Over time, these creations attracted a discerning clientele that has included fashion designers, artists, celebrities, and later, the current French president Emmanuel Macron. What makes Cinabre particularly appealing is its belief that luxurious men’s accessories still have an important place in contemporary life, yet the house presents them in a way that feels liberated from rigidity and cliché. Its vision is rooted in Parisian elegance and traditional menswear, but interpreted with a fresher, more expressive attitude.
That philosophy is evident in the boutique itself. The entrance is furnished with a celestial blue-and-white striped fabric by the celebrated French textile house, Pierre Frey. Beyond it, a refined selection of well-made accessories — from scarves to hats — is arranged with understated charm. Passing the concierge-style counter, I reached the rear of the boutique, where warm wood lacquered furniture displays, two stylishly designed moss-green velvet armchairs, cream-toned walls, and a soft beige carpet created a calm and intimate setting; it was an inviting environment in which to appreciate the craftsmanship of the accessories and explore the ready-to-wear collection at a leisurely pace. Nothing felt rushed; the atmosphere encouraged curiosity.
Cinabre’s neckties are handmade in France, and they are produced in an atelier in Loir-et-Cher using discreetly selected fabrics, including Italian silk. Each piece is hand-cut, reflecting the traditional savoir-faire and attention to detail associated with French craftsmanship. The designs reminded me of the classic gentlemen’s club and the Ivy League wardrobe, although they are interpreted through a distinctly French lens. Stripes and solid colors appear in a broad range of shades, making the ties both timeless and versatile. The bow ties share the same sense of proportion, quality, and understated elegance, allowing them to be exchanged according to one’s mood, occasion, or attire.
What surprised me most was the ready-to-wear collection; suits and tuxedos were displayed along the spiral staircase in a variety of luxurious fabrics, from fine wool in restrained solid colors to sumptuous velvet. Their presence gave the boutique an even stronger sense of a complete wardrobe rather than an accessories-only destination. I could not resist trying on a classic navy double-breasted blazer. Its cut was structured and sculptural, with its smart peak lapels, padded shoulders, and a slender silhouette that reminded me of a polished military uniform. It created a confident, upright masculine profile while remaining surprisingly comfortable to wear. The luxurious full lining, carefully considered construction, and timeless proportions made the piece especially memorable. In my opinion, there was also a subtle 1970s influence in the silhouette, giving it personality without making it feel dated.
Their shirts were equally noteworthy; made from fine cotton poplin with a particularly pleasant hand-feel, they feature the house’s distinctive “Cocteau” collar — a long point collar with a subtle spread, conceived as a tribute to the refined elegance of the French artist Jean Cocteau. They are offered in classic solid colors as well as a variety of striped patterns, including versions with matching collars or contrasting white collars. Paired with one of the brand’s neckties, they would create an effortlessly polished Parisian look — somewhere between an upscale private club, a discreet business setting, and a sophisticated cocktail evening.
Above the boutique are two furnished guest apartments known as “Les Suites Cinabre”, they offer those discerning visitors the opportunity to experience a more complete expression of the Cinabre lifestyle, extending the maison’s vision beyond clothing and accessories into the broader art of living.
Since I had been planning the visit for some time, naturally I did not leave empty-handed. I chose a luxurious navy silk tie decorated with fine red and white stripes and a tiny golden anchor at the front. It belongs to the “French Navy” collection, created in collaboration with the French Navy, or Marine Nationale. The golden anchor is a historic symbol of the French Navy, while the red and white stripes echo the colors of the tricolour French flag. This tie is designed in the maison’s Paris studio and entirely handmade in France, with navy matte silk and a signature red twill-silk lining. For me, this was more than simply another tie, it became a refined souvenir of the visit — a small, quietly expressive reminder of Cinabre’s craftsmanship, French savoir-faire, and understated sense of prestige.
If you have an appreciation for neckties, bow ties, or discreetly made menswear, this is certainly worth a visit when you are in the neighborhood, as this boutique offers something unique: an opportunity to rediscover the pleasure of dressing with intention, without sacrificing modernity or ease. And if you are fortunate, perhaps the Founder himself may be there to welcome you, introduce you to the collection, and maybe offer a glimpse into the elegant world of “Les Suites Cinabre”!