Maison Gatti History
Maison Gatti: Tradition, Excellence, and Craftsmanship
Since 1920, Maison Gatti has upheld a legacy of unique craftsmanship, shaped by a century-long history. Renowned for its iconic outdoor rattan dining chairs, the brand embodies the pinnacle of French excellence and the unmistakable "Parisian Spirit." Three generations of devoted artisans have carried forward Maison Gatti's success, preserving unmatched quality and exceptional technical skill through every detail of their work.
Today, the manufacturing process remains faithful to the rigorous standards set over 100 years ago, ensuring the same high-quality materials, detailed finishes, and enduring elegance. This dedication guarantees not only exceptional durability but also the timeless aesthetic that Maison Gatti is known for around the world.
A Century of Craftsmanship
1920: Joseph Gatti, a young immigrant from Italy, moved to Paris and introduced a distinctive collection of rattan dining sets, specifically designed for the bustling terraces of the Grand Boulevard brasseries. Lightweight, durable, and elegant, these rattan chairs quickly gained popularity, attracting skilled artisans from across France to meet the growing demand.
1950: Following Joseph Gatti's untimely death, his daughter, Odette, took over the workshop, continuing the family tradition by developing innovative designs. The workshop began experimenting with new materials such as nylon in the 1960s and Rilsan—a polyamide made from castor beans—in the 1980s.
1992: Hervé and Benoit Maugrion, with their extensive experience in rattan furniture manufacturing, assumed leadership of Maison Gatti. They introduced semi-industrial production methods to meet increasing demand while maintaining artisanal quality. The workshop expanded its offerings to include 80 different chair, stool, bench, and planter designs, with over 30 weaving and color options.
2019: Alexis Dyèvre took over the company, expanding Maison Gatti’s reach beyond Parisian cafés and restaurants. Maison Gatti began working with interior designers worldwide, providing bespoke furniture solutions for the hospitality industry as well as individual clients.
2022: Christian Louboutin joined forces with Alexis Dyèvre, bringing his creative vision and passion for craftsmanship to Maison Gatti. With Louboutin’s support, the brand continues to evolve, blending traditional expertise with modern innovation.
Exceptional Materials
Rattan: A flexible and durable climbing palm native to South Asia, rattan has been a favorite among furniture makers since the 17th century. It is particularly suited for outdoor furniture due to its resilience against temperature changes and humidity. Rattan is a sustainable resource, as it regenerates within 6 to 8 years.
Rilsan: Derived from the castor oil plant, Rilsan is a polyamide fiber renowned for its resistance to impact, abrasion, and UV rays. First produced in France in 1947, Rilsan is a key material in Maison Gatti’s outdoor furniture, ensuring long-lasting performance in various climates.
Meticulous Manufacturing
At Maison Gatti, every piece of rattan furniture is meticulously handcrafted, requiring years of practice and experience. Each chair takes around 6 hours to craft, involving 112 meters of Rilsan and 40 nails, screws, and staples. With a team of 28 artisans in its workshop, Maison Gatti offers 34 unique weaving patterns and produces over 10,000 pieces each year, all characterized by impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Carbon Neutral Commitment
Maison Gatti is committed to sustainability, beginning with its responsible approach to rattan harvesting, which helps preserve forest ecosystems in Southeast Asia. In 2021, Maison Gatti purchased 250 trees in the forest of Le Faouet, Morbihan, as part of its efforts to offset the CO2 emissions related to the transport of raw materials. By creating its own carbon sink, Maison Gatti is contributing to environmental conservation while continuing its legacy of exceptional craftsmanship.