It's impossible for us to revere our distant ancestors without taking care of their land and their memories. That's why we use only the finest natural materials, such as brushed organic cotton.
Back then, finding a supplier with good labels was complicated, but since then we've been proud to work with big names like Stanley&Stella.
The prints are home-made, by Tanguy, who joined the adventure along the way; and all our deliveries are made from our premises above Nice, in the village of Contes (06). They, too, are guaranteed plastic-free.
But what about the brand's history?
In the beginning, there are two people. Uriel and Gautier. One is a mix of Breton and Italian blood, the other has a Viking physique but has always grown up in Provence. One thing unites these two companions: a particular sensitivity to their ancient European roots. For history, for myths, and also for those old and sometimes little-known legacies to be found in the dark pages of books. They sometimes find refuge there from a world turned to concrete and gray, and are fond of wide open spaces and forests, epic tales and fireside songs. Their inspirations are diverse, and they have built their lives by reading Homer, Tolkien, Marcus Aurelius and Odin.
In 2017, still students, they had the unreasonable idea of launching their own clothing brand. At the time, it was called North Wanderers. Their minds undoubtedly sharpened by a glass of booze, they had no idea what they'd just unleashed. Neither the troubles. Nor the great moments.
Over time, the brand evolves. Refined. While the desire to re-enchant the modern world has not changed, the themes have diversified. Motifs are refocused, no longer dealing solely with Northern Europe, but also with other heritages, such as the Celts. After a hiatus, and Gautier stepping away from the company to found his own publishing house, Bilskirnir, Uriel took over the project on his own, changing the Anglophonic name for a more French identity: Runes de Chêne. He had been dreaming of this for a long time, and wanted to turn the project into something bigger.
The name was simple. The Oak, because it's the sacred tree of the Druids; runes, because our symbol "La wanderer's rune" is a mixture of ancient glyphs from the 4 corners of Europe. And, not to lie, we thought wearing an OakRune was a classy touch!
The name was simple. The Oak, because it's the sacred tree of the Druids; runes, because our symbol "La wanderer's rune" is a mixture of ancient glyphs from the 4 corners of Europe. And, not to lie, we thought wearing an OakRune was a classy touch!
As far as ambition is concerned, we've had it all figured out since 2020. In this pivotal year, the brand launches its mobile application: Wanderers. A community map to bring together ancient & magical places of heritage. The desire to encourage people to set off on adventures is obvious.
But it's not until the end of 2023 that the final vision takes shape. This is the vision of the Travelers' Guild (or the Wanderers Fellowship, we didn't decide yet in english). A community phenomenon combining a mobile app, a community of artisans, and a host of innovative projects. The goal? To create a modern brotherhood of adventurers and enthusiasts of history and fantasy, around the brand. Right now only available in French langage, but the app works worldwide.
Today, the brand is evolving online and at events all over France. And you can meet Uriel, Gautier, as well as Katia, Thibaut, Mathéo and Charline at certain events!
One thing's for sure, we hope to create one of the most iconic brands ever launched!
- Uriel,
Creator and Artistic Director,
on June 28, 2024
- Uriel,
Creator and Artistic Director,
on June 28, 2024
