One Day : Felix Jouanneau - Bootmaker
Location : London, UK
Profession / passion : Bootmaker
Website : www.felixjouanneau.com
Instagram : @felixjouanneau
One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.
A text, song or film that everyone should experience.
Song
Eric Burdon & the Animals - Good times
Film
Paris, Texas directed by Wim Wenders
What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
I was fairly young, trained as a Chef for 4 years and had recently decided this wasn’t for me and went travelling in Europe. I discovered shoemaking during a trip in Florence, Tuscany.
I got inspired and later down, back in London, started an internship in a shoe making factory while working at Berwick street market making sandwiches part time.
Long story short, trained more and more as an apprentice shoemaker, testing my skill regularly and flling my urge to create my own designs, inspired by my regular motorcycle rides, trips to the garage, and vintage american workwear.
I had made myself a couple of pairs of boots that prompted my entourage to want some. Fast forward a few years, I decided to open my own workshop, thinking that ofering a made-to-measure boot service in London, in a globalised economy was stupid enough to give it a go!
How has the current situation afected how you work?
The lockdown, like everyone else, has afected my work, it is more expensive and unlikely to get the materials I need, since I am observing social distancing, I am not able to receive customers for measurements, fttings, or collection of their orders. However I have been feeling very lucky that I can still access my workshop (my studio mate, and fellow shoe maker Sebastian Tarek, is alternating so we don’t work there at the same time). This means we can still access our equipment, and maintain a safe and secure environment. It is rather more quiet than normal, and it is a very diferent ambiance to get used to, but I get things done which is cool.
Your greatest achievement?
Starting my own company.
Function or form?
Both, when you’re making a last, you’re not doing an exact copy of the foot, it’s an adaptation of the foot, and you still have to fnd beautiful lines that form a good looking boot. Function should always follow form and vice-versa, as design is mastering the balance between the two.
Your most treasured possession?
My 1971 Ironhead sportster, my Pederson Rapid D outsole stitcher and my skateboard.
My Pederson is special to me because it is one of the frst machine I bought when opening my workshop, which I always wanted. It is a great testimony to the industrial and machine assisted era.
My 1971 Ironhead sportster is the machine that takes me on holidays, and takes me away from the stress and distress of everyday life.
My skateboard is a safe tool to unwind, socialise and a great reminder that nothing comes easy, you have to train and practise lots to get what you want!
Quality or quantity?
Quality! When I think about it, I have always been attracted by professions that involve using my hands. I am far more interested in spending my whole life perfecting an art form and reaching a masterful level of my craft rather than changing the world of footwear.
Who do you miss?
I certainly miss my studio mate and master Sebastian Tarek who is always nice and supportive, he is very patient and always keen to give guidance and advice. I have been very lucky to share a space with him and noticed sharing a workspace with someone who understands what you do creates a great work dynamic.
When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
I am currently trying to evolve my pattern making via a very old book I recently found though another great boot maker I admire (Lee Miller) and have been learning these past few days from home, which is much slower than it should be!
How do you relax?
I have always been told I am very chilled person. I usually relax by going for a ride on my motorcycle, working on my bike and other people's bikes with friends in the garage and skateboarding with friends. Finally making boots! I am very lucky that I still find my work very relaxing, and enjoyable. Making boots in my workshop with music on feels like my own little bubble, which is very relaxing.
What does freedom mean to you?
Waking up everyday and being able to make my own decisions!
Lastly, how do you see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
I think this can bring compassion. This is a good chance to slow down, and improve on yourself and the environment, and appreciate what you do have. Sadly not everyone can aford to do so, some are less fortunate and this could bring more people together and help where they can.