By Marie de Picksea
Cycling champion, farmer's son, entrepreneur, Guy Cotten has worn many hats in his life. Born on October 4, 1936 in Finistère, he was part of a large family with 8 children. When he was still very young (7-9 years old), his father died, leaving a large family under the care of their mother. Everyone had to pitch in to help their mother feed the family. Guy Cotten, was an enduring, athletic boy, which led him to become a cross country champion. This cycling discipline consists of a short distance race with extreme conditions: mud, slopes, etc. In the end, he did not pursue his cycling career and preferred to work for a Vosges company.
Originally from Brittany, Guy is used to talking to sailors in the different ports of Finistère. One subject often comes up: clothing is fragile and not waterproof enough. Aware of the progress in innovation and materials, he knows the advantages of nylon and decides to set up his own production of marine clothing. He chose Concarneau as his home port and, with his wife Françoise, launched the production of the famous yellow oilskins Cotten.
The beginnings of the marine clothing company
in1964, sailors' clothes were heavy, impractical and fragile. Guy Cotten and his wife produced the first waterproof jackets and marketed them door-to-door from boat to boat in the port of Brittany. Very quickly, the reliability of these oilskins was recognized, and the company began to receive recognition from sailors. In 1966, the famous Rosbras was created, a jacket with a zipper and double velcro that met the expectations of sailors: it was a light, resistant and above all waterproof jacket. This was also the beginning of the sailing schools. Because of their simplicity and quality, Guy Cotten clothing is highly appreciated by both professionals and young apprentices. And to top it all off, Guy Cotten set up an after-sales service that immediately won over the wearers of the yellow oilskins.
This popular brand serves as a tool for sailors and others. It is common to see yellow oilskins on the backs of city dwellers or other people who use them as fashion accessories. For example, in 2004, Jean Yves Le Drian made his Cotten oilskin campaign. In addition to being interested in the marine world, the Guy Cotten company has also gained a foothold in different professions where conditions can be difficult, especially in the agricultural world. The company develops, creates different ranges: Kid Cotten and Chantepluie for children, for women. Today, more than 200 items are available in different colors. Even if yellow remains the reference color for this brand.
It was on April 3, 2013 (76 years old) that Guy Cotten passed away after a long illness. He left behind an important legacy symbolized by a yellow silhouette proudly wearing his oilskin in all conditions.
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