Founded at the end of the 2014th century by Joseph-Daniel Laffargue, the Basque company Maison Laffargue has been run since XNUMX by its descendants, Stéphanie and Sophie Laffargue, two sisters who perpetuate local know-how while placing the brand in modernity.

Initially specialized in saddlery and ornamental collars for oxen and horses, at the time studded on the occasion of traditional agricultural festivals, Laffargue House has gradually become a benchmark for French leather goods. It was at the end of the XNUMXth century, when the Basque coast became a popular seaside destination for high society, that Joseph-Daniel Laffargue had the idea of ​​creating his own boutique in the town center of Saint-Jean-de- Luz. He first offered belts for men and women, then quickly bags and wallets. " For the time, this choice was audacious and innovative “, recognizes Stéphanie Laffargue, the current general manager of the company. Since 2014, with her sister Sophie now president, they represent the fourth generation to run the family business. If the sisters wish to be part of the continuity of the history of the company, they are still keen to innovate to develop the activity.

Between know-how of excellence and modernity

To do this, at the end of 2017, they opened a new 350m2 workshop in Ascain, a village located between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Spanish border. The number of employees is gradually increasing from 18 to 56. Five recruitments are still planned for the year 2022. “ Everything is done by hand, we use few machines. Our main lever for producing more is therefore to recruit,” adds the general manager. To support these recruitments, the organization is reviewed in order to increase productivity and efficiency, while maintaining artisanal know-how. A commercial website is also online, in March 2018, to offer a new source of growth for the company.

But for the leaders, this modernization of the activity must remain at the service of the company's know-how. The leather used comes from two labeled tanneries, such as Maison Laffargue, Living Heritage Company (EPV). " Our partners share the same values, the same respect for craftsmanship, if possible local and whatever happens French. We work as much as possible in a short circuit “Says Stéphanie Laffargue. The leather arrives at the workshop treated and colored before being cut. Once prepared, the different pieces are assembled, by hand, by the leather workers who each carry out all the stages of the product: nailing, sewing, dyeing of the edges, stitching, zippers, sanding, etc. The simplest bag is made in about two hours, while a satchel can take nearly a day's work. The teams are trained in-house by a leatherworker who guarantees transmission. Focused on increasing production, Stéphanie and Sophie Laffargue are now also developing BtoB while wondering about the best way to further expand their workshop and respond to an ever more loyal clientele, in France and abroad. international.