Maison Courtois:
an authentic hatter in Paris
Courtois Paris takes you on a true journey through the world of hats, to discover the hatter’s savoir-faire and what lies behind it...
Its History, its Materials and its Artisans!
AN ANCESTRAL HISTORY
Archaeological excavations in Anatolia show that felt dates back to the Neolithic period (7,000 to 3,000 BC), making it one of the oldest man-made materials. The felting technique emerged in Central and Western Asia and spread rapidly to Europe, which from the Middle Ages onwards became a master of hat-making techniques. The number of hatters grew, and some French towns lived from this craft alone.
After the war, fashion let the hat fall out of use, and the hatter’s trade gradually disappeared in France and across Europe. Yet the knowledge continued to be passed down by word of mouth, from hatter to hatter, all the way to us.
And so Frédéric, a master hatter for more than 40 years and one of the last in France, creates hats to be admired and worn that remain faithful to the hat-making tradition.
He still shapes each hat by hand on wooden blocks, after stiffening it with a brush.
THE HOUSE
Courtois Paris was born of this love of craftsmanship and the ambition to restore the hat to its former glory.
The House reinterprets tradition with a modern eye: every day it passes on and evolves a heritage of beauty, drawing on the excellence of the past while offering the very best of the present.
Exceptional and rare materials, refined making and stitching, impeccable quality: Courtois creations stand the test of time.
Through Courtois Paris, the art of hat-making shines once more, thanks to you.
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same” – Coco Chanel
THE COURTOIS ART
The art of hat-making extends to the choice of the hat itself, a unique moment for everyone.
Courtois Paris has therefore placed service at the heart of its values. “Not having a face for hats” is simply the conclusion of anyone who has never been offered the right shape. A hat is born of a true alchemy between silhouette and personality: being guided in this choice is essential.
The Courtois family has built its team around the values of expert advice, honesty and dedication, so that together we can find the headwear that suits you.
