In 1979, the young Pierre began his apprenticeship with the famous French Compagnons du Devoir, one of the most rigorous and demanding training schools for craftsmen in the world. Thus began Pierre’s journey in boot making. 

Having learnt the trade from the world’s best, Pierre opened his own atelier in 1990 at the age of 27. Soon after, Christophe Corthay, his younger brother, joined Pierre. Together, the brothers began designing and crafting the most audacious shapes and glazing them with the most subtle patinas imaginable. This was the start of a wonderful journey.

Known for his talent, Pierre Corthay received the distinction of Maitre d’Art in 2009, which was presented by the French Minister of Culture in 2009 to the ‘crème de la crème’ of French craftsmen. To this day, Pierre Corthay remains the only men’s bootmaker to have been awarded with this prestigious honour.