For a weekend, escape the city, drawn by the damp earth still carrying the smells of a lingering winter, reluctant to give way to the powdery scents of dust beneath our wheels. Two days of trails, two days of knobby tires, of paths, of woods in the silence that only our engines break.
1978 Suzuki SP 370CC, 1975 Montesa Capra 250cc, 2003 Kawasaki W650 GF—three different machines but one goal: pleasure! It was with Vic, Anthony, Pia, and myself that we set off across the Flanders countryside, dressed in our latest collection of T-shirts, polos, shoes, scarves, shirts, approved motorcycle gloves, Bell and Ruby motorcycle helmets for men and women. This ride, which seems quite peaceful in the photos, presented us with a few challenges, mainly due to our excessive impatience; we wanted to quickly leave the tarmac for rough terrain. Loosely tightened parts on the bikes, overinflated tires, no gas in the jerry cans, and a tiny tool kit that could have fit in a thong! Usually, the oldest guy (me, over 45) serves as the reference and organizer while the younger rascals (not yet 30) have a good time, but those who know me know that I shouldn't handle the organization because my brain isn't formatted to think practically!
What can I tell you, that shortly after fooling around on the Suzuki SP 370, we lost the kickstarter—it's true! Try starting a single-cylinder by pushing it on dirt and grass... Well, you'll break a sweat! The kickstand of the Montesa? Here's the address to send it back to us: Gentlemen's Factory 7 rue Victor Hugo 59350 Saint André! I'm offering a T-shirt as a reward!
[caption id="attachment_1260" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Montesa Capra Gentlemen's Factory[/caption]
The gas cap of the Kawasaki W650 must be within a 300-meter radius of a place called "le Chemin Vert de Longprès." The gas quickly evaporated and spilled while drifting on the paths, which explains the famous gas breakdown on the fast road back, loaded like donkeys with Vic.
Anyway, all these silly things didn't diminish the joy of riding together; it's just good to shed your jacket, find yourself in a T-shirt under the not-yet-scorching sun, with cold beers in a net trailing in a stream. Here, apart from a few hikers, cows, or sheep, no one to disturb this privileged moment of freedom. I haven't forgotten that I came to present the spring/summer collection that Vic, Anthony, and Pia are kind enough to wear for my lens, and that these few photos shouldn't spoil the pleasure of riding. Our textile cottons are organic, the weights are thick, and that's great when you're riding, because it's soft, comfortable, and absorbent! The Montesa is a light, robust, powerful, and suitable enduro bike compared to the heavier Suzuki with its lower ground clearance, comfortable on paths but much less so when it's less passable! Wheeling with the Montesa is also easier. As for helmets, the Bell Moto 3 is beautiful, very vintage, and consistent with the design of the Montesa and Suzuki; the longer the visor, the cooler the look. However, it tends to hurt the temples, so a little tip: slightly crush the foam with your fingers. The black and white checkerboard Ruby that I bought in 2014 is perfect, excellent soundproofing, I like its visor which protects well from the sun's rays.
[caption id="attachment_1262" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]
Casque moto Bell Moto 3, casque vintage + Tee-shirt Gentlemen's Factory en coton bio[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1261" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Vêtements Gentlemen's Factory, casque moto Ruby Victoire[/caption]
The designs of our T-shirts are more understated this year; the more discreet patterns have been designed to be worn every day, at work, at the restaurant, and on a motorcycle. Inspired by retro motifs from the 30s or 60s in washed tones with faded prints to highlight the product rather than the designs. We might be accused of a certain conservatism, it's true, but we wanted to respond to our customers' demand for "clothes, not costumes." Vic tried to wear out his Chippewa boots, apparently impossible; Chippewa Shoes have been handcrafting shoes since 1901 in the USA, using the best leathers, non-slip Vibram soles, heel support, high-tops to protect the ankle, oiled laces... Some models are waterproof! Vintage look enthusiasts will appreciate them!
[caption id="attachment_1257" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Vic wears Gentlemen's Factory clothing with Chippewa shoes.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1259" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Vic wears Gentlemen's Factory clothing with Chippewa shoes.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1264" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Vic wears Gentlemen's Factory clothing with our 90x90 cotton scarf.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1265" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Montesa 250 cc, Ruby helmet, walk in the woods[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1266" align="aligncenter" width="1121"]
Montesa 250 cc, Ruby helmet, walk in the woods with Gentlemen's Factory, French brand of chic and casual clothing and accessories for motorcycling[/caption]
We improvised a small makeshift camp in the middle of nature (for the photos), the reality is that we had a girl with us and a minimum of comfort was essential... Especially for me, actually :)! In short, we built a cool little hut for our picnics in a wood where the tender green and buzzing vegetation let through a soft light that the smoke from our cigarettes disturbed with a ghostly veil. I'm writing pastoral poetry with a few beers, aren't you? I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about a new product, all leather and handmade: Our Gentlemen's Factory branded cigarette case with only 10 cigarettes, just to limit your consumption! Small, elegant, it slips into your pocket, it's a great gift idea.
[caption id="attachment_1268" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Gentlemen's Factory leather cigarette case, holds 10 cigarettes[/caption]
In the vintage spirit, here are our black and khaki US bags with Made in France embroidery, sturdy and classy, they will follow you everywhere. Two positions, high for large loads, musette version for everyday, it can carry a 14-inch screen and some belongings for workers!
[caption id="attachment_1271" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]
Gentlemen's Factory black US bag and Made in France embroidery.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1273" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Gentlemen's Factory black US bag and Made in France embroidery.[/caption]
This collection of t-shirts is produced, as always, with organic cottons. We have also dared to use more earthy, deliberately vintage colours to break away from the colours usually popular in the motorcycle and custom scene. You have the right to follow trends or not, but adding a little colour to your wardrobe feels good!
[caption id="attachment_1274" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]
Gentlemen's Factory long-sleeved t-shirt with Skull typos[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1275" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Gentlemen's Factory, French custom culture brand[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1277" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]
Gentlemen's Factory Khaki T-shirt with Flat track motif[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1279" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Wheelie with Anthony, Gentlemen's Factory rider[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1281" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Clothing and accessories collection for chic bikers, Gentlemen's Factory[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1283" align="aligncenter" width="1463"]
Organic cafe racer t-shirt for custom motorcycle enthusiasts[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1284" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]
Collection for cafe racer, scrambler and other character motorcycle enthusiasts[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1286" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Gentlemen's Factory women's collection for girls who ride motorcycles[/caption]
We've also thought of those who work and need more discreet patterns but want to show their preference and love for motorcycles and mechanics! Models of shirts, motorcycle jackets, accessories, and of course, t-shirts with more discreet designs printed on the heart or back.
[caption id="attachment_1287" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Vic on the Kawasaki W650 Gentlemen's Factory[/caption]
This year, ladies are in the spotlight with a wide range of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweaters, polo shirts, and scarves, which you can discover here. Very modern cuts, organic cottons for rock looks but always with elegance! Whether you ride yourself or accompany your significant other, and style is as important to you as the look of your bike, then splurge on this collection that has neither flowers, nor roses, nor corny patterns!
[caption id="attachment_1293" align="aligncenter" width="1028"]
Tiger t-shirt for women on organic cotton![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1294" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
collection for girls who ride motorcycles.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1295" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
collection for girls who ride motorcycles.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1297" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
collection for girls who ride motorcycles. Gentlemen's Factory dresses biker girls, female motorcyclists, and all girls who love bikes[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1298" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Suzuki SP 370 Gentlemen's Factory 1979[/caption]
Great new additions, 60s jacquard polo shirts from Steve McQueen's wardrobe – you can be stylish in any circumstance! It's not just t-shirts that are comfortable; a beautiful, high-quality polo, well-inspired by the king of cool, looks great with jeans or chinos. GF crests embroidered by French artisans, vintage cuts – you've never been so elegant on your bike! Blue, grey, beige... discover them!
[caption id="attachment_1300" align="aligncenter" width="1068"]
Reissue of Steve McQueen's 60s jacquard polo shirts.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1303" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Reissue of Steve McQueen's 60s jacquard polo shirts.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1304" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Reissue of Steve McQueen's 60s jacquard polo shirts.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1306" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Reissue of Steve McQueen's 60s jacquard polo shirts.[/caption]
