Over 60 years of extreme sports clothing
Henri-Lloyd, an iconic brand in the world of waterproof clothing, was founded in Manchester in 1963 by Henri Strzelecki, affectionately known as "Mr Henri". A pioneer in his field, Mr. Henri revolutionized rainwear with his innovations, such as the use of Bri-nylon to create lightweight, flexible garments suitable for sailors and mountaineers. His innovative technique of sealing seams with adhesive tape set a new standard in waterproofing. The brand was also the first to incorporate Velcro and non-corrosive zippers into its designs, which attracted the attention of adventurers of the day, marking a golden era of circumnavigation and glacial exploration.
Over the years, Henri-Lloyd has continued to distinguish itself, equipping legends such as Sir Francis Chichester and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston for their sea voyages. The brand also distinguished itself by supplying equipment for major expeditions such as that of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and for major events such as the Olympic Games and the America's Cup. In the 1980s, Henri-Lloyd made a remarkable foray into the world of fashion, capturing the spirit of Milan's youth with the Paninaro style. Today, while remaining true to its heritage of innovation and quality, Henri-Lloyd adds a connotation of environmental responsibility, marking its sustainable footprint in the apparel industry.
The Yachting range for sailors
The current range clearly meets yachtsmen's expectations. It covers activities such as coastal or motor sailing, offshore sailing and, last but not least, sport regattas. These technical ranges include watch jackets, dungarees and overalls, as well as thermal under-layers. Finally, a range of sportswear such as shirts, polo shirts, T-shirts and shorts will be more suitable for sunny conditions or for disembarking in the evening.
Henri Lloyds remains highly technical in the design of its garments. The manufacturer uses a 3-layer Dri Pro membrane for waterproofing and breathability. This membrane is used throughout the waterproof range. The side windows in the hoods ensure good visibility, even when turning the head. For underlays, the Dry Fast solution eliminates sweat to keep the body dry at all times, ensuring a warm layer on the skin.
Collections that last
Henri Lloyd's strength is that it doesn't play with trends, offering collections that last up to 5 years. With only 4 colors per model, this reduces stocks and enables the distributor to be reactive in restocking, offering a quality service to the end customer. Finally, for crews, Henri Lloyd reserves space for embroidery or branding.
A win-win partnership
With its 25-strong sales team and marketing support, VDM-Reya offers Henri-Lloyd the opportunity to expand throughout France, with strong development potential. A Henri-Lloyd corner will be present on the VDM-Reya stand at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle. A new story begins for the famous English manufacturer.
