We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our collective: Ateliers Fey. Specializing in the mastery of leather craftsmanship, Ateliers Fey enriches our collective with its exceptional French savoir-faire. We recently had a conversation with Christophe Fey, founder of Ateliers Fey, to learn more about the art of leather sheathing and his passion for his craft.
Welcome to Par Excellence! It’s an honor to have Ateliers Fey join our collective. What do you hope to achieve through this collaboration?
Joining Par Excellence represents an exceptional opportunity for Ateliers Fey to shine on the American market. Our goal is to showcase the excellence and finesse of French craftsmanship, highlighting the richness and diversity of our work. It will also allow us to forge close ties with other exceptional French houses. Together, we can share our experiences, combine our expertises, and find guidance in our expansion on the American market.
Your diverse range of specialties, from leatherwork to gilding, is truly impressive. Could you please explain what each of them involves?
Our range of specialities is the result of years of experience, of dedication to the craft, and a passion that the entire team shares for our savoir faire. Artistic leatherwork, our core expertise, requires a deep understanding of the leather. Working with this material requires not only an understanding of its unique characteristics but also great manual skills. Our expertise spans from selecting the leather and cutting it to its final assembly, ensuring impeccable quality and finishes. Gilding, on the other hand, is another specific craftsmanship, a traditional technique passed down by my grandfather. It enhances the sophistication and elegance of an object or piece of furniture.
What unique qualities or characteristics do you believe distinguish Ateliers Fey from other artisans in the industry ?
First, our dedication to quality and craftsmanship sets us apart. We make no compromises on the quality of materials we select or the techniques we employ. This discipline is what makes every piece we create special.
Next, creativity drives our workshop. We approach each new project as an opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Our team is constantly innovating, whether through design, the use of new materials, or the integration of more modern techniques.
Last, I would mention our expertise. Our unique expertise, passed down through generations, is the key to our reputation.
With such a rich legacy and traditions, how does Ateliers Fey ensure the transfer of knowledge and expertise to the next generation ?
We welcome apprentices and people following a professional retraining in our workshops. That way, they have the opportunity to work alongside our artisans. This allows them to discover our craftsmanship and to become familiar with all aspects of our profession, in the hope of inspiring future callings.
Transmitting our expertise also involves refining traditional techniques. By encouraging our artisans to keep developing their skills, we ensure the vitality and relevance of our profession.
In this process, we meticulously documented our methods and creations, maintaining detailed archives of the techniques used.
How does Ateliers Fey stay ahead of innovations while also honoring its rich heritage ?
We rely on a blend of tradition and modernity. We preserve the artisanal methods that have built our reputation while integrating contemporary techniques. We are constantly seeking to improve, both in terms of design and in the techniques employed.
Could you tell us more about a challenging or intricate project that Ateliers Fey has successfully executed ?
We had the honor of contributing to the creation of an exceptionally complex parchment marquetry ceiling with different volumes aboard one of the most prestigious yachts. This ambitious project included 8000 parchment pieces.
What methods does Ateliers Fey employ to ensure that every finished product upholds its rigorous standards of excellence ?
We apply a multi-step verification process involving several artisans to ensure that every detail meets our quality standards. Once production is complete, each piece undergoes a series of quality checks. I personally carry out the final inspection for our most important projects.
Can you share a memorable anecdote or story that illustrates the dedication and passion behind your craftsmanship ?
One day, we received an unusual request at the workshop: to fully upholster a bathtub in crocodile skin. To meet this challenge, our expertise was essential. We had to develop a specific varnish capable of withstanding cleaning products and moisture. The final result was stunning.
Are there any collaborations that Ateliers Fey is particularly proud of ? What made these collaborations so special ?
We had the honor of collaborating with the National Assembly, renewing the leather of the presidential desks and delicately applying gold leaf decorations. The work was entirely carried out on-site, in such a mythical emblem of the French Republic. It was an exceptional opportunity and a privilege to bring our expertise to such an iconic venue.