THE HIDDEN LITTLE HANDS OF LUXURY HOUSES
In the world of luxury, behind the exquisite creations and prestigious brands, are talented artisans, the hidden hands of luxury brands. Their expertise and dedication are the pillars of excellence and quality that characterize these renowned brands.
These artisans are guardians of centuries-old traditions, passionate craftsmen who dedicate their lives to their craft. They master rare and precious skills, passed down from generation to generation, and work with unparalleled meticulousness and attention to detail. Among these talented artisans, the hatters of Maison Courtois hold a special place. Masters of the art of millinery, they create unique pieces that combine aesthetics, quality, and tradition.
An ancestral craft
Hat making is an ancient craft that dates back centuries. The first " hatter " guilds date back to the Middle Ages. In the past, hatters were subdivided by specialty: these included Peacock Hatters, now called "feather hatters," or "felt hatters," for example. Their expertise was sought after to create hats for all occasions, from elaborate headdresses for formal occasions to practical hats for everyday use.
Crafting a quality hat requires meticulous attention to detail and precise technical skills. The process begins with selecting the finest materials, such as straw, felt, silk, or satin. The hatter then shapes the crown and peak using molding, pressing, and sewing techniques.
Courtois know-how
At Courtois Paris, our artisans are the guardians of manufacturing secrets, precise gestures, and traditional techniques. Their skilled hands transform raw materials into works of art, using artisanal methods that require patience, precision, and immense technical mastery. Felt, sisal, Panama straw, or even fur—each material is crafted with love and dedication, respecting the traditions and heritage of the Hatter.
These little hands are often overlooked by the general public, but their contribution is invaluable. They embody excellence and the quest for perfection, creating unique pieces that push the boundaries of aesthetics and craftsmanship. We are very proud of the know-how we share through our headwear and confections. We are also very proud that our little hands, at Courtois Paris, are recognized as exceptional thanks to the recognition of the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV ) label.
The passion for transmission
In the hatter-milliner's workshop, expert hands, guided by a deep love for this craft, pass on precious know-how, a legacy of a long tradition. Secrets are delicately whispered, techniques are shared with kindness, because transmission is at the heart of this passion. Each creation is the fruit of meticulous apprenticeship, where the threads of the past are woven with the inspirations of the present. A passion passed down from generation to generation, where respect for tradition and creativity intertwine to give birth to timeless works of art.
At Courtois Paris, we are committed to sharing this expertise. Every day, we engage our teams in strong, interactive collaboration. We are also committed to the future artisans of tomorrow by forging close ties with training institutes such as the Octave Feuillet high school.
