Hat designer Nick Fouquet.
One of the many headlines that have gone around the world about Nick Fouquet reads like this: "Every cool person you know wears one of his hats." We don't know if all, but of course they do look Jared Leto, Pharrell Williams and Justin Bieber, among others. They are also worn by the designer himself, who is sure to be as cool as them or more and reminds us a bit of a young Chris Hemsworth in the forge.
What makes your pieces so special? The young Californian, who designed a collection of hats for Givenchy and whose flagship you can (or will soon be able to) visit in Venice Beach (2300 Abbot Kinney Blvd.), makes models made from 100% beaver fur felt, which is sustainably sourced. Very few hat makers use it, and each hat, he explains, is handcrafted to fit its owner perfectly.
One of Nick Fouquet's designs.
Right now California sounds a bit unattainable for many, but you can get one of his creations –which They cost between 750 and 1,500 euros approximately. on multi-brand fashion websites like Farfetch and Net-a-Porter, where you'll also find t-shirts, belts and other accessories.
"I think it's something that deep down I've always wanted, to be able to create and translate an idea or vision into a tangible product and this firm is a dream for me. It's something I've always wanted to do, and my form of expression."
Nick Fouquet's handmade hat workshop in L.A.
His project has many aesthetic nuances in its DNA: The world of surfing, travel, art... “but, fundamentally, it is a luxury brand from Los Angeles. I like to play with the elements of my natural environment to shape my creations. A mix of different quirky characters.”
Nick Fouquet's hats are made by hand in his L.A. workshop.
Of the. Nick loves the food – “There are so many fresh natural products...” – but also the vast and different landscapes. It is a city with a lot of things to do and, in addition, you can go to the beach and surf anytime".
Nick Fouquet's hat shop in Venice.
"I'm lovin 'it Topanga, where I live, a hippy area in the mountains, near Santa Monica. Chateau Marmont to meet friends, the Italian restaurant Barrique, in Venice, is delicious; 1st point Malibu for surfing; the La Isla Bonita taco truck, also in Venice, is legendary.”
recommend us visit the Elder Statesman concept store in West Hollywood, and go see a concert at the El Rey theater. “Broken Spanish is fantastic for dinner, in Downtown, and Nathan Kostechko to get a tattoo, on the east side.”
a methodical traveler
Nick is one of those who conscientiously prepare all his trips. “I've been traveling for light years, so I already know the tricks. If the trip is only three days, I only carry hand luggage.”
Among his five favorite hotels around the world is Gramercy Park in New York. He was the one who designed the interior design of his Rose Bar, with its cozy bohemian atmosphere. "Velvet curtains make me feel at home."
Nick Fouquet is based in L.A., a city that he loves.
“A year ago I stayed at Cotton House in Barcelona, where I did an ad for Mercedes. I was impressed with the design of the space. I love the city but the hotel is special”.
Chateau Marmont, an L.A. classic, could not be missing from his list. where he often goes with his friends. “The gothic vibe and energy is like no other, sometimes I spend a long weekend there, without leaving it. It is essential if you travel to this city, the staff is the best and they are like friends to me; and my girl Anya, who I adore, works at reception.”
“I haven't stayed at La Mamounia in Marrakech for a couple of years, but I feel like a pasha when I go there, I love the geometric designs and of course the hammam”.
Finally, he recommends us to book sometime at L'Hotel, in Paris. “It's on rue des Beaux Arts, in the neighborhood of st. Germain. My great-uncle ran it for a while and Oscar Wilde stayed there once. It's a secret gem."
“All these places made me feel at home and the staff made me feel like family, That's the main reason I love them."
One of the creations of Californian Nick Fouquet.