When you say Nick Fouquet you think about gorgeous hats worn by celebrities and the one item that’s constantly on your birthday wish list. You also think about the super cool guy who is making them.
Nick is definitely a man of the world, who, according to his website, lived in Southwest France, then Palm Beach, Florida, ran to Patagonia with his mother’s credit card, graduated from Rollins College and then traveled the world (Nepal, Morocco, New Zealand, Thailand, Peru, Brazil etc).
And yes, for the ladies who are still wondering, he speaks fluent French.
I met Nick in Nashville, where we shot a great Guess Jeans campaign with Ellen von Unwerth. We had dinner the night before the shoot and I enjoyed talking to him about his craft – at the time he had just started making the hats, about food and travels and lifestyle, in general.
Nick is a very positive man with an effortlessly cool style. Maybe living in Venice Beach helped. Follow his ‘rebel journey’ on Instagram.
Nick Fouquet: “I feel success is self contentment. I don’t see success in monetary means, it’s hopefully a byproduct. To me, success is feeling good inside about what you’ve done and in a humble way.”
ST: Nick Fouquet! Long time! Thanks for writing for silviutolu.com! Please describe to our readers your version of what you do.
NF: Thanks Silviu, I appreciate the generous introduction… Basically I’m a haymaker and accessories designer. I’ve taken an old craft thats over 100 years and used very similar techniques but applied them in a contemporary setting. I’ve basically put my twist on hats.
ST: Can you give us some background info like how did you get started and if this is something you’ve always dreamed of doing? What did you do before starting making hats?
NF: I started by accident, hats were never on my radar so to speak, I just saw them as an accessory, they were overlooked by so many people in the industry. I always had an appreciation but didn’t know there was an art and craft behind hats, it was just a new world that opened up. I never dreamt of doing this job, I fell into it, and it became my passion. I feel very fortunate to be where I am today, and am constantly learning and pushing the boundaries of hats.
ST: What does being successful mean to you?
NF: I feel success is self contentment. I don’t see success in monetary means, it’s hopefully a byproduct. To me, success is feeling good inside about what you’ve done and in a humble way.
ST: How would you describe your style?
NF: My style is personal, I have classic/ traditional elements mixed with a bohemian comfortable vibe. I feel though it’s changing right now, I’m in this awkward phase… But it’s European bohemian vibe, with an East Coast prep splash, and a California heart.
ST: Let’s say you are in Cannes and you’re invited to dinner with a bunch of other creative people. What are you going to wear?
NF: It really depends on the location, but regardless I would wear something relaxed and that’s me, I try to be authentic. If the occasion calls for a tux I will do a tux but my version, with stubbs and cotton slippers and a velvet bow tie… But in Cannes I would be laid back, open shirt with jeans, my hat and a cigar hahahah thats how I envision it when I’m writing this.
ST: Do you have any daily habits or rituals that help you being productive and/or creative?
NF: I meditate, I think that helps a lot and I try to jump in the ocean – it clears my soul, music is a huge help too.
ST: Any tips or advice on how can someone develop a cool personal style?
NF: I think it’s about being authentic with yourself and don’t follow the norm of what’s cool out there. Be honest with your self, that’s it. Wear what you want, and wear colors, not just black.
ST: You’re going to a friend’s birthday party. What are you bringing as a gift?
NF: A coffee table book or the desert, I have a huge sweet tooth so its like a gift for them and me too ;).
ST: What is a clothing item that every man should own?
NF: A hat…. But seriously yeah a hat, hopefully mine.
ST: Who is the first person you think when you say Iconic?
NF: I don’t know, I think of Keith Richards, he was authentic.
ST: Favorite watch?
NF: That’s tough…. I love my Hermes Cape Cod watch.
ST: Car or motorcycle? The ideal model?
NF: Car – Aston Martin, not sure about model just needs to be English green with tan leather seats.
ST: Your favorite clothing item?
NF: My scarfs.
ST: What’s a movie you think everyone should watch?
NF: The Big Blue by Luc Besson.
ST: Who is your female inspiration?
NF: There’s so many, but I love Monica Bellucci.
ST: If you would be stranded on an island and you could pick one book (fiction or non-fiction), one music album and one personal item, what would these be?
NF: Herman Hesse – Siddhartha, Bob Marley – Legends album, and a surfboard hoping there’s a killer left port break on the island.
ST: You’ve been all around but settled in Los Angeles. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
NF: LA, when I’m traveling I just want to go back.
ST: What would be your favorite place in the world to have breakfast?
NF: In a Riad in Morrocco, somehwere near Essaouira.
ST: What are your plans for the future?
NF: I’m just trying to live today, I can’t think of the future, it’s overwhelming for my mind… But to have kids.
ST: And lastly, is there anything you’d like to promote on this page? It can be an idea or a quote, or anything at all you’d like to share with the readers?
NF:
Keep on keepin’ on!
Keep on keepin’ on! Perfect!
Thank you for taking the time, Nick, always a pleasure to hear from you!
