Over fifty years ago, Guy Cotten set up a small workroom at the back of a garage in Concarneau. Today the company employs over 300 people throughout the world. These have been more than fifty years of ideas, innovation, and experiments in search of greater comfort, wear, and safety, withstanding foul weather and protecting men at sea, as well as in farming, industry and outdoor leisure activities.
History
Guy Cotten– more than 50 years in all weather
1964 : Success at sea
From 1965 to 1970: Once upon a time, a fine garment was designed!
Later to become the emblem of the company, with these words you could begin the story of the creation of:
THE ROSBRAS JACKET
1974: Once upon a time a little yellowman was born and he travelled the world!
It is 1974. A lot was happening in Sailing Schools: Classes de mer (seaside trips) attracted sea and sailing enthusiasts and there was an atmosphere of creativity. At Rosbras-Brigneau, near Concarneau, Guy Cotten remained constantly in touch with the Sailing Centre’s manager, Yvon Hemery, the inspiration behind the Rosbras Jacket.
Alain le Quernec, who became a well-known and talented designer and poster artist, was a voluntary instructor there.
Guy Cotten wanted to create a signature for the company, which already had an international reputation. Since Alain Le Quernec had already created an attractive logo for the Sailing School, Guy Cotten asked him, Guy Cotten asked him to work on a visual creation.
“I have little experience, but I have a fierce appetite to do things. What would you really like to spring to mind?”
Alain le Quernec asked
“They say that my clothing is as practical as a jacket and as effective as a smock. So I think it would be good to have a little man skipping around in the rain”
answered Guy Cotten.
Very quickly the Little Yellow Man emerged as an idea. Within a week, he suggested a project to Guy Cotten, in the shape of some well advanced sketches. After a moment of silence, he asked him “isn’t that a little stiff?”
“The strength of a logo is to see far ahead. I’m sure we will reach our target with the yellow and black. You need to get used to it. If you like, we can review it in two years, but I’m not changing anything” said Alain le Quernec. The steadfastness of the professional designer unsettled Guy Cotten. Despite a variety of opinions from friends and family, he decided to accept the project. He had no idea that he would be establishing an incredibly strong image that would be associated with his clothing.
Shortly afterwards, the logo was personalized to include the words “Cotten Oilskins”. This later became “Guy Cotten” in all simplicity
A slogan is added to the logo:
From 1976
An increase in the number of large offshore races and a real enthusiasm for the sea, as well emergence of partnerships with important names in sailing was to accelerate the company’s success.
The 1980s to 2000s
The “original” models of the initial years were continually improved as time went on, creating highly specialized ranges for specific sectors such as fishing, yachting, farming, leisure activities. Quality was always the watchword with the aim of offering clothing at the top end of the market. Many innovations took place over the years and they were the company’s driving force. They rendered the clothing more comfortable and provided its wearers with greater safety. Several patents were registered such as the yachting trousers for women or with a belt harness, the TPS suit, OTARIE swimsuits, flotation jackets, X Trapper bib and braces, Top 3D, to name but a few.
2002 Nadine Bertholom-Cotten took over management of the company
Her father, Guy Cotten, remained President of the Supervisory Board. This change came about naturally. It was the concrete expression of a successful partnership between Mr Cotten and his daughter, who had worked as his right hand for nearly 20 years.
2004 Guy Cotten celebrates 40 years
Spurred on by Nadine Bertholom-Cotten, the company launches new ranges:
2005 New technology, called Isolatech, is being studied
This patented system is marketed in 2007. Little by little it is included in all the ranges.
2010 A whole range of working garments by the brand name of La Torche
It aims to provide its customers with a comprehensive offer. It includes 1 and 2-zip suits, multiple-pocket trousers, sleeveless jackets, T-shirts, etc.
2011 First research into assembling fabrics reputed to be incompatible
Dremtech+ waterproof-breathable 3-layer fabric and Nylpêche PVC, withstanding fishing industry requirements. This is an innovation in terms of comfort for professionals in the years to come.
2012 The range of professional quality GC boots is launched
The feedback on the various markets is very good.
2013: The research begun in 2001 is successful. HybridPro+ heavy duty breathable all-weather gear comes on the professional market
A new Generation of all-weather gear is launched: the Drembib bib& braces and the Drempro jacket.
April 2013 Death of Guy Cotten, the company founder.
The original skipper leaves the cockpit. Nadine Bertholom-Cotten, his daughter continues to maintain the company’s course and guide it in its choices. The boat is in good experienced hands, involved in the company history for more than 30 years,
Guy Cotten, father of the Little Yellow Man.
Guy Cotten, born into a farming background, he lived for the sea and its sailors. He spent and incredible amount of time and energy in designing clothing that would protect them from the elements, and comfortable floating wear to keep them safe.
He spent time walking along the quays listening to users.
“By remaining close to people, we saved a lot of research time and had good feedback”
Guy Cotten
He created such a strong brand that it has entered the language. It has replaced the word “oilskin”. You often hear people say “Put on your Cotten”. “You haven’t forgotten your Guy?”
2014-2015 : The Company is fifty years oldand is still a small family-run business
Guy Cotten sponsored Gilles Gahinet in the 1980s, on the Figaro Bénéteau circuit, and wanted to create a connection by competing with a boat in the brand colours in the seasons of 2014 and 2015. Safran followed us on this project. The name of the talented Gwénolé Gahinet stood out, and was a nod to the past! In two years, Gwénolé won the Transat AG2R brilliantly with Paul Meilhat, was crowned First Rookie in the Solitaire du Figaro 2014, came second in the event in 2015, and took a very nice 5th position at the end of the Generali Solo, in the French elite single-handed ocean racing championship. What success!
These were two intense and highly rewarding years. I feel that I have made progress sailing, but also in the way that I handle a professional project. Safran and Guy Cotten gave me all the keys to progress and have marked the way forward.
Gwénolé
The oilskin becomes a work of art: The Academy of Maritime Arts and Science decorates a range of clothing. The sale will be made at the AG2R La Mondiale village in aid of the SNSM (Sea rescue).
Guy Cotten and CLM BBDO launched the video “A trip out to Sea” to raise the public’s awareness of the importance of wearing a life jacket at sea. More than 7 Million participants in 220 countries.
Already present in many countries, the little yellow man has boldly set a course for the export market. Scandinavian countries, Italy, Australia, South America, and Japan are the challenges of the future.