Quentin Planchenault
October, 2025
MEET THE BOULEVARDIER
Quentin Planchenault might be an old soul, but he’s an undeniably modern man (with the wardrobe to prove it). Catch him in an exquisitely tailored suit around town or out on the dance floor. When he’s not showcasing Parisian craftsmanship at the French maison Aubercy, he’s living by the rhythm of the 1920’s. For Quentin, the boulevardier lifestyle is not an indulgence, but a guiding philosophy. Below, this modern day dandy reveals his secrets to mastering timeless, irresistible style.
THE MODERN DÉFINITION
Arthur Moss defined a boulevardier in 1927 as “a permanent fun seeker. Their life is a perpetual holiday.” What's your definition?
For me, the definition of a boulevardier is the pursuit of refinement and self-improvement, and therefore a certain permanent pleasure.
THE SPARK OF THE CITY
Which street corner, café, bar, or park in Paris constantly sparks your creativity?
The Serpent à Plume for its refinement, La Coupole for a journey back in time to the 1930s, and Harry’s Bar for its conviviality.
THE ESSENTIAL DEMANDE
The original Boulevardiers demanded “wine and a song” to set the scene. What two things (physical or metaphorical) do you “demand” to keep your life feeling like a perpetual holiday?
For me, it would be the simple luxuries: a well-rolled cigar, a glass of fine whisky, and music that makes you want to dance the Charleston. Add to that the pleasure of wearing a beautiful suit and, most importantly, sharing it all with good friends—that’s what keeps life feeling like a perpetual holiday.
SILENT MUSE
Describe the single, most elegantly designed object at your desk or in your studio that affects your concentration and creative workflow.
My glasses from Maison Ingénieur Chevalier, along with my ST Dupont lighter and pen.
THE SIGNATURE STEP
What is the small, daily ritual that makes you feel instantly well-dressed or put-together and the one thing that completes your look du jour?
Having well-polished, perfectly shiny shoes instantly makes me feel well-dressed and put-together. The one thing that always completes my look, no matter the outfit, is a pocket square—even without a tie. All my pocket squares are from Simonnot Godard, a French Maison.
LEISURE & L'INSPO
How do you integrate aimless wandering or quiet observation into your creative process? Which street, in any city, is your favorite for an aimless stroll or flânerie?
Quiet moments allow me to reflect on creative ideas with the goal of future self-improvement. For example, I listen to a lot of music—sometimes the same piece repeatedly—so that later I can reinterpret it on the drums. I go through a quiet listening phase, allowing myself to absorb everything calmly, which then helps me develop my own style when playing the piece. I often wander aimlessly at home. I’ve created my own little world at home. Every year wander around Venice., especially in the Dorsoduro district.
L’OBJET DU DESIR
What have you had your eye on lately?
I feel like buying a brown three-piece flannel suit, probably from the house of Fratelli Mocchia di Coggiola.
L’ART OF JOY
What is happiness to you? Do you find your truest sense of joie de vivre in your work, your relationships, or your passion projects?
For me, my work, my relationships, and my passion projects are all interconnected. My work brings me happiness because it is my passion—I’m deeply passionate about tailoring and shoemaking, the worlds I work in. My friendships revolve around this same universe, and my other personal passions, like drumming and dancing, also bring me a great deal of joy.
“QUOI DE NEUF ?”
What’s inspiring you lately or something you’re excited about?
I often draw inspiration from films and literature. Recently, both the series A Gentleman in Moscow and the book itself have been great sources of inspiration for me.
LAST CALL
In the spirit of The Boulevardier tradition, leave us with a drink and a song.
I recommend listening to “Another Way to Die” by Jack White and Alicia Keys while enjoying, of course, a Vesper cocktail.
As told to Paige N. Miller
