The History of the Marcel Establishments
From Hosiery to Fashion Icon
Les Établissements Marcel is above all a beautiful story of family, audacity and creativity. It all began with Marcel Eizenberg, born on February 1, 1920 in Warsaw. This visionary entrepreneur left his mark on the textile industry in France by launching a garment that became a must-have: the famous "Marcel" tank top. A look back at this adventure that has spanned generations with brilliance and enthusiasm!
From Warsaw to Roanne: The First Steps
After the upheavals of the Second World War, Marcel Eizenberg returned to his father in Roanne, a dynamic textile town where entrepreneurship was in the air. In 1946, he married Liba Skorska, and together they embarked on a promising adventure. They opened a small workshop on Rue Chassain de la Plasse, where they made hats and underwear. It was the middle of a period of reconstruction after the war, and France was short of everything, including clothes!
This is where a bright idea germinates in the minds of Marcel and Liba: why not create a practical, sleeveless "undershirt", made of soft and resistant cotton? This simple and functional product immediately finds its audience!
1949: The Birth of Marcel
On May 1, 1949, Établissements Marcel officially came into being. Their flagship product, this simple tank top, was all the rage. Knitted in Richelieu knit, with its tight ribbing and soft texture, it was available in two colors: white and navy blue.
It didn't take long for the success to spread beyond the borders of Roanne. In Paris, wholesalers in the Sentier district, a real textile hub, were excited about this innovative underwear and decided to give it the first name of its creator: the "Marcel" was born!
Marcel Conquers the World
It's not just in France that the Marcel is making waves. In the United States, the tank top became a style icon after being worn by Marlon Brando in the cult film *A Streetcar Named Desire*. In France, actors like Yves Montand and Charles Vanel contributed to its aura by proudly wearing it in *The Wages of Fear*.
Business is booming for Établissements Marcel, which moves to a larger factory on Chemin d'Oudan in Roanne. With a sense of innovation always at the forefront, the company specializes in the production of quality underwear, thus appealing to an ever-wider audience.
The "Marcel" Enters the Dictionary
In the 1980s, a new milestone was reached. The word "Marcel" entered the French dictionary, now designating this tank top that made its creator famous. It is a symbol of recognition for this simple but timeless garment, adopted by men all over the world.
A New Beginning
Although Établissements Marcel closed its doors in 1997, the adventure didn't end there! In 2019, Thomas Sardi, an entrepreneur passionate about the history of textiles and local traditions, decided to relaunch Établissement Marcel. He brought the legendary Marcel tank top back to life, keeping the same values of quality and craftsmanship, while adding a touch of modernity.
Today, Établissements Marcel produces not only the famous tank top, but also an elegant collection of merino wool sweaters and undershirts, all made locally in Roanne.
Les Établissements Marcel are much more than just a clothing brand. They embody the spirit of an era, the ingenuity of a couple, and the desire to reinvent a simple garment to make it a timeless icon. Even today, the Marcel remains a symbol of style and comfort, worn with pride by entire generations. With the relaunch of the brand, the history of Marcel Eizenberg continues to be written, mixing tradition and modernity to offer everyone a piece of history to wear every day.
What if, after all, the Marcel wasn't just a tank top, but a real fashion and lifestyle statement?
