THE PEARL COAST - THE SHORTY
On the beach, the delicate foam dances,
The free waves sing in rhythm,
Under the sun caressing her bare legs,
Her short shorts float, light, as if suspended.
POP-UP BOUTIQUE "POINT PHYSIQUE"
FROM DECEMBER 2 TO 7
Discover an exquisite collection of clothing and jewelry, perfect for offering exceptional holiday gifts. Explore Virginie Voncken's collection in the Point Physique pop-up boutique, located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, from Monday, December 2 to Saturday, December 7.
POINT PHYSIQUE
10 rue du Four
monday 2 pm - 7.30 pm
thusday to saturday 10.30 am - 7.30 pm
The production of each product is entirely carried out in France, covering cutting, knitting for the fabric, assembly, finishing, and ironing.
No subcontracting is allowed by contract. I personally visit the workshops to supervise the process and meet the people who work on my products.
The denim is made in Normandy.
The knitwear is produced in Troyes.
The knitting is entirely done in Normandy.
The flowy garments (blouses, dresses, and tops referred to as "flowy" made from delicate woven fabrics) are made in Nantes. The scarves are woven and embroidered in Lyon with French thread.
The classic 2/2 ribbing gets its name from its knitting technique, which alternates two solid columns with two hollow columns. This fabric softens with wear and tightens after each wash. The 2/2 rib used for the Écume crop top, the t-shirt, and the Mer shorty is knitted in Portugal from GOTS-certified organic cotton yarn. This fabric is produced without bleaching or dyeing, which may leave small shell residue (micro dots) that give the material an authentic character. These residues will gradually disappear with washing.
Choosing not to bleach or dye materials is a radical decision to minimize water pollution, as these treatments are often heavy and harsh on the environment.
The waistband elastic of the Mer shorty is made in France from unbleached cotton and natural rubber. This element embodies the brand's values. While the majority use elastics made from polyester derived from fossil fuels and manufactured in Asia, Virginie Voncken extends her commitments even to the hidden details.
The labels of my brand, woven in Portugal, are made of Tencel. This artificial fiber is considered one of the most eco-friendly options available. It is derived from wood or wood waste sourced from sustainably managed forests, using non-polluting processes. Tencel was chosen in its unbleached form. Avoiding bleaching and dyeing materials is a radical way to minimize the impact of water pollution, as these treatments are often heavy and aggressive to the environment. To ensure their durability and legibility over the long term, there is no option but to weave the labels on a recycled polyester base. However, I am working to eliminate this last touch of polyester from my collections by following technological advancements. The size is included on each label to avoid having a brand tag and a size tag, thereby reducing the resources and energy required for their production. Learn more about Tencel
The composition labels are made from unbleached Tencel ribbon, woven and printed in Portugal. Tencel is an artificial fiber produced without toxic substances in a closed-loop process. This quality is used for lightweight and fine products. For items requiring a thicker label, a cotton quality is used. Tencel, an eco-friendly fiber, is made from eucalyptus pulp, which requires less water and energy than other fibers. Biodegradable and sustainable, it offers a softness and silky touch similar to silk, while being durable and easy to care for. In France, I have not found a flexible label made of either cotton or Tencel. For logistical reasons, I grouped both qualities with the same Portuguese manufacturer. Learn more about Tencel
The Écume & Mer line is finished with a dense zigzag stitch, blending sewing and embroidery. This stitch requires a strong thread to slide through the fabric and minimizes breakage during both production and long-term wear. The use of polyester thread is preferred over cotton due to its superior strength. This thread is spun in Europe from recycled polyester. I remain attentive to technological advancements concerning new, more natural fibers that are equally strong.
The bubbling foam along the beaches inspired the wavy finish of the Mer shorty, crafted in a bourdon stitch. Slightly flared, small godets ripple like tiny waves on the upper thighs. The Mer shorty features an elastic band made in France from natural rubber and cotton. Instead of opting for a readily available stock elastic made from polyester, which is cheaper but more polluting, I had a custom one produced using biodegradable natural materials. This approach allows me to extend my concept to the smallest details, even those that remain hidden.