Claire Daubé – Made-to-measure patternmaker and bootmaker

Pays de la Loire – 1993

Claire Daubé began her bootmaking apprenticeship at the age of 15. She trained with the Compagnons du Devoir in Paris under the mentorship of  Jacques Zakoyan  and Philippe Atienza, award-winning bespoke bootmakers. Her apprenticeship included a work-study program at Maison Massaro (Chanel), where she specialized in upper making (pattern-making and stitching) for six years. In 2015, she became a freelance artisan and collaborated with prestigious footwear houses such as John Lobb, Massaro, Berluti, Atienza and Christophe Corthay. From 2019 to 2024, she also shared her knowledge at Atelier Maurice Arnoult, a Parisian bootmaking association.  

While continuing her collaboration with Philippe Atienza, she founded Façons de Bottière, a company specializing in angora indoor slippers in Fougères, with a workshop-boutique that unfortunately closed shortly after due to the health crisis. In 2023, she established Atelier Claire Daubé, also in Fougères, where she takes over sub-contracting in boot-making, as well as ecological experiments. The following year, she co-founded Tranchets Français with Gérard Heutte, a company that produces contemporary leather cutting tools for discerning craftspeople. Claire is currently a teacher at Massaro and manages her three companies: Tranchets Français, Façons de Bottière, and Liseré d’Or (specializing in vegetable-tanned piping).
 

Research and innovation  

Claire is commited to eco-responsible production for her brands Façons de Bottière and Liseré d’Or, emphasizing material quality and origin. She meticulously selects and even crafts ecological materials such as leathers, wools, threads, dyes, glues, and packaging, with a preference for local and artisanal sources. Her ecological philosophy involves seeking healthier materials, the choice of noble materials with traceable origins, the use of vegetable tanning and French silk thread, and the sourcing of cork from a French manufacturer.  

Animal welfare is also a major concern for Claire, as she uses leathers from responsible farms to produce high-quality felt. Additionally, she raises angora rabbits to utilize their wool, which is felted on linen for specific designs. Aware of the difficulties faced by artisans, she has created a support network among them. 

Transmission  

Claire now focuses on passing on her know-how, conducting workshops in her studio, training centers, and companies. She offers specialized training for those seeking careers in luxury and bespoke bootmaking. Chanel also uses her services to train Massaro employees. 

Claire intends to keep producing her ethical and ecological shoes. She aims to expand the use of wool from her Angora rabbit farm and introduce a new, less damaging sowing method.. To support her workshop, she requested the Foundation‘s support in acquiring modern equipment and tools.