It was 40 years ago. Vilebrequin’s founder Fred Pryskel was sitting at the Senequier Café in St. Tropez, when the inspiration to design his first boxer-cut swim trunks was before his eyes: a red and white checkered tablecloth.

Vilebrequin was born.

“The company expanded globally in the 1990s. The prestigious history of Worth Avenue drew us to open our third U.S. store on the Island in 2000. Florida men are a natural fit for us,” says Karen Young, Vilebrequin’s Retail Director.

Today’s Vilebrequin also features beach accessories, and ready-to-wear, including linen shirts, shorts and cotton tees.

“We’re venturing out into the cold for the upcoming season on Worth Avenue, unveiling our collection of down jackets and vests for men and boys,” Young says.

To commemorate its 40 stylish years, Vilebrequin has partnered with Fabien Cousteau, grandson of world-renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau.  “Fabien founded Plant A Fish, a not-for-profit initiative to restore and protect endangered sea species, including the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (which is our iconic insignia),” Young says. “We now offer a ‘Vilebrequin Plant A Fish’ collection each season, from which we donate from each product sold to Plant A Fish.”