1969
The story of Ateliers Fourès began in 1969, when husband and wife Rosine and Jean-Louis Fourès founded the company and settled in Graulhet, 40 minutes from Toulouse.
At that time, Graulhet was the leather capital of the world, with over 300 active tanneries and leather goods workshops. Leatherworking was the expertise that sustained the town, and Rosine and Jean-Louis surrounded themselves with the best artisans to craft their small leather goods from exceptionally supple leathers.
Unlike most leather goods manufacturers that produce unbranded products for wholesale distributors, Ateliers Fourès manufactures its products in its Graulhet workshop and markets them under its own brand.
The acceleration of globalization in the 80s and 90s caused enormous damage to the French leather industry. Despite waves of closures and relocations, Ateliers Fourès remained in France, in Graulhet, and employed up to 20 artisans.
1996
It was in 1996 that the couple, André Mazars and Véronique Brogniart, both employees of Ateliers Fourès, took over the company.
Under their leadership, the company recovered and diversified, while continuing to work with the leather industry stakeholders remaining in Graulhet.
To the historic range of small leather goods, lines of bags and a men's range were added, which contributed greatly to the brand's success.
10 new artisans joined the teams to bring these innovative new collections to life.
2016
In 2016, a young entrepreneurial couple took over the company: Amandine Guy-Gras and Logan Guy. Both passionate about leather goods, they dedicated themselves to modernizing the company and its products while preserving the soul of the brand. A great challenge for which Véronique remains by their side.
Artisanal craftsmanship, local collaboration, beautiful materials, and vibrant colors remain the essence of Ateliers Fourès, now and always.
It was also in 2016 that the Ateliers Fourès brand was awarded the state label EPV: Living Heritage Company. This label is the culmination and recognition of over 50 years of unique and rare artisanal expertise.
The company continues to grow and today counts just under 50 expert and passionate artisans. Each person's know-how is rare and precious. It has been preserved and passed down through the generations of entrepreneurial couples who have succeeded one another for more than fifty years.
It is this know-how, which defines Ateliers Fourès, that we wish to show you through our collections of leather bags, our men's and women's wallets, our leather belts…
In short...
Ateliers Fourès is a rich history, passionate entrepreneurs, nearly 50 talented artisans, full-grain leather of exceptional quality, vibrant and subtle colors, and a local ecosystem. Come and discover it in person! 😊
And for the Sherlock Holmes among you who noticed... we are only talking about our Graulhet workshop, even though our name is plural... Click here to solve this mystery
