Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting milliner Nick Fouquet in his killer studio space in Venice Beach, California, located on the historical shopping Boulevard, Abbot Kinney. Finding his store is kind of like finding a gem: you have to search. Situated in the back garage of Left.House, a bungalow shop focused on showcasing local artisans, Nick and his team create astounding hats, empasizing on craftsmanship. What sets Nick’s hats apart are the unconventional methods he employs, like setting hats on fire or painting them by hand, leaving each one perfectly unique. Unique enough that Madonna and Pharrell took notice and both wore custom hats on the Grammy’s stage this year. When asked if he could craft a hat for anyone, dead or alive, “Keith Richards,” was his immediate answer, and I think that’s totally do-able. While there, I was able to see Nick do a fitting for a custom hat and throughout the process, I saw his inner “Mad Hatter” come to life. As he says “A hat is your soulmate and finding the right one is like dating.” I would like to date any of Nick Fouquet’s hats, wouldn’t you? Thank you Nick for opening your space to us!
Inspiration everywhere: I find inspiration from traveling, music, nature, movies, homeless people, art galleries, life . . .
Most non traditional tool: paint
The story behind Madonna, Pharrell and the Grammys: they wanted bad ass real handmade hats, so we did just that!
You say you are part human/part animal, so what animal are you? I guess a squirrel.
Dream client: Keith Richards
Proudest achievement: A hat I made for my mother last week.
(Photography by Jessie Webster)
I a big fan of hats, they made you look different and cool!! really interesting post!
http://www.stelstyle.com
Awesome. Great photos! And, uh… Mr. Fouquet is pretty easy on the eyes. Bonus.
His hats look so rad. Thanks for sharing 😀
xx Mira
http://www.glamdevils.com
Awesome pictures, Now I have to date a perfect soulmate type of hat. hahaha
http://thinkworkandgo.blogspot.com/
Such fun seeing this!
really like his hats and he looks cool himself too 🙂
Love your blog!
I’m posting looks from Los Angeles and accessories:
http://www.thegavlaks.com
i like this post! I love hats too 🙂
xxxx
http://www.dominiquecandido.com
These are really cool, I want a hat custom made
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Awesome studio, beautiful hats. What a find!
-Maggie
http://www.maggiefinejewelry.com
Wow!
How cool are those hats?
And how cool is the place where they work?
Absolutely in love!
xx
Novella
http://9lla.it/
A fashion & DIY blog…
Awesome pics. That’s great place. I wanna be there…….
Custom hat!
http://www.jetpic.com
That looks soo creative,
http://www.fashiondenis.com/
thats awesome
Everything from the website on is amazing. I love the creative energy these hats represent. I am going there next time I am in California. Thank you for sharing this creative souls work!!!
It’s so cool to see the pictures and how these hats are made. Love it!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/EarthChildArt?ref=si_shop
Great colors!
Thanks for sharing.. xxx
http://everythingfor10pounds.co.uk
Great post! I love hats and this is pure handcraft and art! Love the photographs
I thought Pharrell’s hat was a Viv Westwood hat? http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/01/pharrells-grammys-hat-not-so-ridiculous.html
Love this story, Honestly WTF and N. Fouquet !
Meet Nick at Barneys NYC while he was doing a trunck show about 18 months ago . Saw his amazing beautiful hats and just felt like it was calling me to wear one . A few months later I went back and my wife bought me my first one for our anniversary, a Bariloche . Then just recently bought a second the Rubin. I wear them all the time rain, sun , winter ,summer always . I think Nicks hats are great they embody a hat that a cowboy would have wore sweating in, workong or riding . I’ll be wearing them as long as I can . I look forward to seeing him again and getting a custom fitted and one when I come to Venice or next time he’s in NYC.
Cheers Nick,
Rob Fuggi