Ordinary hats off to Chapi Chapo

October 2005  

I first saw Isabelle Toquet’s gorgeous hats at a Craft Fair in France. 

Her stall was surrounded by excited ladies either trying on her hats with the enthusiastic approval of their companions or others looking on wistfully, perhaps dreaming of the occasion to wear one of these delightful confections.  There were sophisticated hats, pretty hats, fun hats and hats for any possible occasion or season.  The common theme was their total individuality and quality.  The whole stall was a mélange of colour and different fabrics. 

Isabelle told me that she had visited Jersey and exhibited her hats at a Wedding Fair in Grouville and they were very much appreciated. 

Her workshop in France, situated in Les Champs Geraux  on the main road from Dinan to Evran, is in a ancient Pressoir a Cidre (Cider House) which has been converted.  The village close by has been Isobelle’s home since her child hood days.

Isabelle first became interested in designing hats when she was thirteen years old and was given a sewing machine.  She started designing and making hats for her friends and then went on to study at the Musee du Chapeau du Chazel-sur-Lyon.  She went on to buy proper hat making equipment including wooden forms and has worked in her profession for over twelve years.

The creative personality of the vivacious Isobelle is reflected in her hats which are as unique and charming as she.  She is impressively modest as are her prices! 

Contact

Chapi-Chapo Couaqueux

22630 Le Champs Geraux

Telephone: +33 (0) 2 96275105

email: chapo1@libertysurf.fr