Coming from a family of leather manufacturers since 1800 in Cherbourg, Jean-Pierre Yvon creates and deposit the mark The true Cherbourg in 1986. Today, it is taken over by his son Charles; she has become the Umbrella of Cherbourg in March 2020. A tha living heritage company which employs 25 people in the capital of Cotentin, and which sells 20,000 umbrellas each year.
A story of cinema
The history of the brand is closely linked to the success of Jacques Demy’s film. In 1964, Umbrellas of Cherbourg triumph in theaters, and even obtain the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
“My father, originally from the Norman city, was a fashion photographer and traveled the world. When he said he was from Cherbourg, everyone spoke to him about the film, which gave him the idea of create an umbrella brand that he will call The real Cherbourg. The name change is fairly recent, it dates from March 2020. It has boosted sales on the various distribution channels, especially on the Internet where sales have been multiplied by six. “
The company manufactures high-end umbrellas, the price of which varies between 150 and 250 euros. But don’t tell Charles Yvon that it’s relatively expensive when you compare it to the prices you find in the little bazaars around the corner.
“The 5 euro umbrellas will last 5 minutes and will immediately end up in the trash. It’s pollution!, indignant the president of the mark. The Parapluie de Cherbourg will last him for years and will become a family heritage. It has nothing to do with it, it has the same name but they are not the same products. “
And Charles Yvon to highlight the know-how of these employees who have received four years of training to become versatile manufacturers.
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The Parapluie de Cherbourg has also developed a very unique product: the ParaPactum, a protective shield for high-profile personalities. “It is made for VIPs and it is exported all over the world. It is used in particular by the police officers responsible for the protection of the President of the Republic.”
For the sake of confidentiality, no name will be given by Charles Yvon who nevertheless agrees to say that it is necessary to pay 12,500 euros to acquire this shield!