Bespoke shoemaking was integral to his initial offering, and it wasn't until 11 years later – in 2001 – that a ready-to-wear line was finally introduced. This cautiousness was the result of Corthay’s determination to maintain the highest levels of quality, prompting him to open his own factory on the outskirts of Paris, where he could personally ensure excellence at every stage of the process.
With such passion for artisanship, it's clear that the made-to-measure business forms the cornerstone of Pierre Corthay's ethos: "A made-to-measure shoe answers to a demand which comprises several aspects: first of all the idea of comfort, as the shoe is made to suit the client's exact form; but also his desire to possess an object which is truly unique and made exclusively for him."
According to Corthay, “This generates a relationship between the client and the artisan, which is obviously quite privileged. This is different from our ready-to-wear client, who is looking for an atmosphere and a style that he can access immediately, and who is generally more trend-conscious. I also believe today’s man is much more open to his feminine side.”
Despite the cost differences between the two, the ready-to-wear line is strongly influenced by its bespoke brother. According to Corthay, this is apparent “not only in terms of the different lines available, but also in the quality of shoemaking, which has certainly benefited from over 25 years of made-to-measure experience.”
