Nick Fouquet and his father, Bernard Fouquet, model pieces from Nick’s fall/winter ’22 collection. PHOTO BY BOO GEORGE
From Los Angeles to Aspen and beyond, it’s Nick Fouquet’s world—we’re just living in it.
Nick Fouquet PORTRAIT BY KRIS BROCK
Nick Fouquet may be known best for his hats, but don’t be fooled—his brand encompasses an entire lifestyle. “It’s always been my dream to expand beyond headwear,” says Fouquet from his Venice flagship. “Headwear was the steppingstone platform to create more of the universe I envisioned, which is a bit Southern California meets Southeast France meets preppy New England. That’s what everything spawned from, but in the back of my mind, I’ve always wanted to create a whole Nick Fouquet universe.”
Hats from the spring/summer ’22 RTW (left ) and Aspen summer ‘22 collections PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Fouquet, who has stores in Venice and Aspen, is certainly on his way to doing just that. The expansion beyond headwear really garnered speed at the start of the pandemic. “We were all put in a situation where we thought it could be the end of the world. I’ve worked so hard and there was a part of me that thought if I’m gonna go down, I’m gonna go down kicking, punching and screaming,” says Fouquet, who expanded his business significantly at the time, even embarking on a partnership with heritage Western boot brand Lucchese. “Boots and hats go together like peanut butter and jelly,” says Fouquet. “When I started making hats, it was an overlooked and undersaturated category, and when I started looking at boots, I had the same feeling. Everything was leather or suede and just so mono,” he continues. “There was an opportunity to make things more fun without getting too cheesy or theatrical.” While inspired by the American West, the boots, loafers and other items have a decidedly chic edge.
An outfit from the spring/summer ’22 RTW collection PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Along with the Lucchese collaboration, Fouquet expanded his ready-to-wear collection, adding more outerwear, knitwear, tops, bottoms and more. “You can see this denim jacket has handmade embroidery,” he says, pointing out a perfectly worn piece. “A lot of the collection is handmade. It’s important to emphasize that these items are unique and special. That’s how we differentiate ourselves and bring what we do to headwear to our garments.”
Additionally, Fouquet is presenting Venice and Aspen capsule collections that are exclusive to the respective stores. “We create the Aspen headwear collection exclusively for Aspen and some knitwear pieces that are available only there,” he explains, noting that the L.A. store has its own exclusive pieces.
The Tranquilo hat from the 2022 Venice capsule collection. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
So, what’s next for Fouquet? “I have some ideas,” he quips. “It would be great to do something in Europe eventually. I like the sound of L.A., Aspen, Paris.” Beyond that, the sky’s the limit. “I’ve got such big, grandiose dreams but I want to do things right. I’m a bit overwhelmed, but feel comfortable and confident to continue on the trajectory I’m on. Things don’t happen overnight.” nickfouquet.com
NICK’S PICKS
Whether he’s in L.A. or Aspen, Fouquet has definite opinions on where to dine and hang out.
ASPEN
“When it’s winter season, I love going into Bonnie’s (aspensnowmass.com) and getting their epic pancake.
Also, Poppycock’s Cafe (poppycocksaspen.com) has the most insane oatmeal pancakes. Now I’m sounding like a pancake connoisseur.”
“My friend has a coffee shop called Local (localcoffeeaspen.com) and I love going there. I met her when opening the shop. I get an iced Americano with oat milk, even if its under 20 degrees outside.”
“J-Bar at Hotel Jerome (aubergeresorts.com) has a real Western feel that’s pretty cool.”
LOS ANGELES
“Surfrider Beach in Malibu is so California and so iconic. It’s a pilgrimage for surfers and such a dream. I also love Leo Carrillo.”
“For lunch, I love the pizzas at my friend’s restaurant Great White (greatwhite.cafe) and also love the La Isla Bonita taco truck (@laislabonitatacotruck) in Venice.”
“For coffee, I go to my neighbors across the street from the store. It’s called United States of Espresso (usofe.co).”
Photography by:
