About craftsmanship, confidence, and building a modern menswear brand.
An international background as a foundation
Laurent Vergne grew up with a dual cultural background that still forms the foundation of his vision on fashion today. With a French father from Gramat and a Dutch mother from Dordrecht, he developed a sense of style early on that is rooted in tradition, yet open to outside influences. “I grew up in The Hague and now live in Amsterdam, but France will always remain an important part of who I am and what I create,” he explains. This blend of cultures not only shapes his identity but also forms the basis of his brand, Laurent Vergne.
From retail experience to his own brand
Laurent took his first steps in fashion at the age of 18 in a womenswear store in The Hague. There, he learned the trade from the inside out—from administration to styling and buying. “That was really my training ground. I learned how important it is to understand customers and to have an eye for detail,” he says. The next step followed on P.C. Hooftstraat, where he worked with French luxury brands. This period gave him deep insight into quality, service, and brand experience, and strengthened his ambition to one day start his own label. In 2020, that ambition became reality.
Rooted in craftsmanship and family
What sets Laurent Vergne apart is its strong connection to craftsmanship and family history. From his father’s side, making and creating is literally in his DNA. His grandfather was a pastry chef and a great-uncle worked as a tailor, making attention to detail and craftsmanship second nature. “The idea of creating something with your hands, with precision and love for the process, has always been part of my family,” Laurent explains.
A collection with meaning
The collection consists of timeless menswear pieces that can easily be combined. Think checked and herringbone jackets, flannel trousers, polos, and cable knit sweaters. What gives the brand additional character is that each item is given a name and meaning, often referring to personal or cultural elements. “It turns a product into something with a story. It adds depth and makes it easier for customers to connect with it,” Laurent says. Some items also feature subtle quotes that contribute to the wearer’s confidence. “I want someone to feel stronger the moment they wear something from the brand.”
French inspiration and timeless style
Much of the inspiration for his work comes from France and its associated lifestyle. Sports such as tennis and equestrian activities, life at country estates, and the aesthetic of cities along the Côte d’Azur all play an important role. Classical Parisian architecture is also a recurring source of inspiration. Although the ‘old money’ style is currently trending, Laurent does not see it as a trend, but as a timeless way of life. “For me, it’s not about fashion that shouts, but about clothing that radiates calm and confidence.”
Visibility and growth
An important step in increasing the brand’s visibility came through his participation in the television program Bij de Jonge Adel: van het jacht tot het bal, which highlighted both his personal background and his entrepreneurial journey. “It was a great opportunity to share my story and show what the brand stands for,” he says. The exposure it generated, including features in Quote and Beau Monde, contributed to the brand’s growing recognition.
Pride in impact and experience
What Laurent is most proud of is not only the development of the brand, but especially its impact on the customer. “The moment someone looks in the mirror and is visibly happy with what they’re wearing – that’s what I do it for,” he says. “You can see it does something to a person, that it builds confidence. That is ultimately the essence of clothing.”
Looking ahead and wholesale growth
Looking forward, the focus is on further developing the brand, with new collections in which the Laurent Vergne signature becomes even more pronounced. In addition, he aims to expand the wholesale network within the Netherlands. “There are many strong menswear stores where the brand fits perfectly. I look forward to building partnerships with retailers who value quality and storytelling.”
Collaboration with EK Fashion
The collaboration with EK Fashion plays an important role in this. Laurent particularly values the personal approach and the support in building new connections within the market. “The advice and introductions to retailers have been incredibly valuable to me. It truly helps take the brand to the next level.”
A brand with a clear vision
With a strong personal background, a clear vision, and a collection rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, Laurent Vergne is steadily building a brand centered around identity and confidence – fashion that is not only worn, but also tells a story about the person behind it.
