Jean-Charles Brosseau graduated from the Ecole de la Chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne and studied drawing at the Maurice Testard Academy in Paris. He was then an intern under Jean Barthet, undoubtedly the most fashionable designer at that time. Following his military service, Jean-Charles Brosseau was hired by Jacques Fath. In the hat-making workshop of this reputable house, Mr. Brosseau not only received the highest-level training available, he also developed an impressive following of professional buyers who recognized in this new designer an unmistakably fresh talent.

 

In 1954, he created his own label at the age of 25 years old, and immediately became the “must have” accessory designer, sought after by Paris’ most illustrious haute-couture creators. But, preferring the dynamics of the ready-to-wear, he chose to leave haute-couture, and quickly became the most highly-demanded milliner. Praised by the press - Elle, Marie-Claire, Vogue and Glamour - his fame spread from Paris to New York and Milan, where all the major designers were eager to discover his creations. Jean-Charles Brosseau has virtually single-handedly transformed the hat into a practical accessory, at once stylish and eminently wearable - an eye-catcher that won the favors of photographers and fashion-magazine readers alike. The Brosseau client register, his personal livre d’or, is filled with the most prestigious signatures. In the span of only a few years, he has acquired an unquestionably widespread fame, and his influence can be felt around the world.

 

Choosing the right space to showcase his work has always been of major importance, and Jean-Charles Brosseau often ventured into neighborhoods having little to do with his type of business. One could say that he is a pioneer in this respect. In 1970, he left his first charming boutique on the “Rive gauche” in the Rue Vaneau, which had become too small, to set up shop in the sumptuous Place des Victoires. The fashion world soon followed suit, and well-known designers, including next-door-neighbour Kenzo, moved to the illustrious site. The windows of the spacious Brosseau boutique proudly displayed his signature talent, and attracted admirers from far and wide.

 

In 1980, he moved into the superbly romantic Galerie Véro-Dodat, little known to foreigners and even to some French esthètes. In this glorious space he created his first perfume, Ombre Rose, whose immense international success not only exceeded Mr. Brosseau’s expectations, but virtually stunned the entire perfume world. Other equally famous perfume lines followed: Ombre Platine, Ombre Orientale, Ombre Rubis, Fleurs d’Ombre  (a collection of 7 floral fragrances: Ombre Bleue, Violette-Menthe, Jasmin-Lilas, Rose, Bergamote, Nymphéa and Thé Poudré), and Collection Homme , made up of 4 very original and inspired men’s fragrances (Thé Brun, Atlas Cedar, Fruit de Bois and Bois d’Orient).