Pauline Brosset

Milliner

Unique hats for unique clients

Pauline is the last milliner to work with a conformer
She uses old tools with new materials
She considers fixing is better than changing

Pauline Brosset first studied clothing design. Then, in 2007 she met the famous milliner Fernand Sebbah, former director of the Gélot department of Lanvin. This encounter prompted her to begin training as a milliner at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne school. Years later, after the death of her former master, she took over his old tools and opened her own workshop in the heart of the Parisian Marais. Pauline also contributes her know-how in several collaborations, notably working with designer Jean-Michel Policar in the creation of the MADRE outdoor armchair. As well as the work in her atelier, she also participates in international events such as the FAJR festival in Tehran where she shares her knowledge with the public.

Interview

How did you get into millinery?: I started working for Fernand Sebbah during my work placement. He was a milliner for the house of Gelot which belonged to Lanvin. I worked alongside him for three years before he passed away. I then bought all his tools and set up my own workshop.
Why did you choose this craft?: I chose this craft because I particularly enjoy making unique hats that will be worn every day. I think long and hard with the taste and needs of my customer so that each of these creations is different and corresponds to their identity, I like to make them happy.
What was the first object you made on your own?: A woman had a very specific idea, she wanted something very specific: a panama hat with silk on the brim. Several times I had to try again because it didn’t suit her, but after the third fitting the customer cried with joy saying “I finally have the hat I wanted!”
Have you mastered any specific techniques?: Yes, I am the last person in France to work with a conformer. This tool allows for the shape of the skull to be determined with great precision. The custom-made hat is then made from a wooden mould and adjusted after the fittings.

Pauline Brosset is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2007