A question often arises when we introduce ourselves, “Where does the name Rat des Champs come from?” The answer is, it’s a fable! And, in all its simplicity, this little fable illustrates our core values.

It began as a tale told long ago by Aesop which was reimagined by French fabulist Jean de La Fontaine in the 17th century, “Le Rat de Ville et le Rat des Champs”, or “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”. It tells the story of two genial mice; the country mouse who invites the city mouse over for a simple country meal, and the city mouse who declines and in turn invites the country mouse to experience a finer occasion in the big city. 

While beginning to enjoy their lavish feast in the city, a cat disrupts the meal and the mice must flee to safety with empty bellies. The city mouse explains that they are often the target of attack and the country mouse realizes they prefer the security of being in the country over the stress of the city. Even if the humble country meal doesn't appear to be of great taste or value, being secure with a full belly at the end of the day is more valuable than extravagance. The moral of the story is about appreciating what you have and resisting temptations of shiny and new things that come at too high a cost. This is the Rat des Champs philosophy: Slow, comfortable style with high regard for life and the true value of things.

This humble little story is the heart of our brand, Rat des Champs, and vintage aesthetic and everyday comfort are where fashion and function meet so that our line of garms is always a  fitting integration of style and everyday life.