French men's couture essential – Lutays, Paris
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Dear readers, I have recently come across several YouTube vlogs about finding souvenirs in Paris that feel neither touristy nor cliché, but instead unique, thoughtful, and memorable. They were interesting, yet surprisingly, almost none of them spoke to refined menswear, especially in the world capital of fashion and couture. That made me wonder where one might find a piece of Parisian elegance in the form of beautifully made menswear, something to bring home as a lasting reminder of the city’s style, history, and art of living. If you share that same desire for something distinctive, refined, and quietly luxurious, then you are in for a treat today, because I recently found one.
Lutays may be a relatively new name to some, but this refined menswear maison already carries the depth of a much more seasoned house. Founded in 2020 by Belgian-born Jean-Baptiste Rosseeuw, Lutays is the result of a long career devoted to exceptional craftsmanship. After studying law, Jean-Baptiste moved to Paris and began his training at the bespoke shoemaker, Corthay. He later worked at Bottega Veneta, before going on to direct the couture glove maker, Lavabre Cadet. After more than a decade spent working with some of the finest artisans in menswear, he founded Lutays, as the maison’s Founder and Creative Director, with a clear and elegant vision: to bring a distinctly French sense of style back into the modern masculine wardrobe.
The maison celebrates quintessential French style and craftsmanship, with a particular focus on men’s jackets and coats. Lutays combines modern comfort, versatility, and understated Parisian elegance with discreet material selection and meticulous construction, resulting in menswear that feels both distinctive and timeless. Its Paris boutique, located at 18 rue de Saint-Simon in the 7th arrondissement, reflects the quiet prestige of the Left Bank, where literary charm and cultivated calm create the perfect setting for a maison of this sensibility.
The boutique’s interior is as tasteful as the menswear themselves; crisp white walls, terracotta flooring, vintage furniture and decorative pieces create a calm backdrop for the collection, allowing each piece to be appreciated without visual clutter. Rather than overwhelming the visitor with excessive merchandising, the space invites a slower, more intimate experience, where one can truly observe the refinement of each piece of refined menswear up close. It feels like a contemporary couture house for men with a discreet sense of luxury: elegant, welcoming, and discreetly considered.
The maison takes pride in its French identity, with all pieces made to order in France by local expert artisans. The “Made-to-Order” line includes signature belted jackets, A-line coats, knitwear, trousers, and small leather goods, all offered in versatile shades such as navy, charcoal, olive, khaki, and deep indigo. The materials are sourced with equal care, drawing on textiles from France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, including silk, merino wool, wool gabardine, and flannel. For those seeking something even more personal, the maison’s “Grande Couture” service provides a more tailored experience, with special requests and bespoke orders available for their existing customers. In both cases, the result is the same: a piece of Parisian menswear that feels quietly luxurious, carefully made, and deeply individual.
As a summer recommendation, the maison’s signature Boutet jacket and Eternal knitwear in silk or cotton are particularly appealing choices for anyone looking for a memorable souvenir from Paris. They capture the spirit of the city without resorting to obvious clichés, and they carry the sort of craftsmanship that makes a garment feel worth keeping for years. If you are planning a visit to Paris and would like to experience Lutays in person, it is best to make an appointment in advance.
Image courtesy of Lutays, Paris.
Photo credit: Benjamin Boccas