Joseph Duclos de Bouillas, born in Toulouse in 1719, hailed from a prosperous and esteemed merchant family. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to inherit three tanneries in Lectoure, which he astutely merged into a single manufacturing facility. In his pursuit of excellence, Duclos commissioned the renowned architect Pierre Racine to construct a grand edifice capable of accommodating one hundred craftsmen. This vision allowed artisans to innovate and create the finest leather goods while upholding environmental sustainability and ensuring a distinctive finish.

Duclos’ exceptional craftsmanship caught the attention of Louis XV in 1754, who recognized the unparalleled quality of his work. Impressed by Duclos’ expertise, the king granted him Letters Patent, endorsing his pursuit of perfection and urging him to develop the most exquisite leather in all of Europe. Thus, the Royal Leather Manufacture was established in Lectoure, attracting the finest artisans from across France, whose mastery in handling this delicate material remains unsurpassed in Europe.

However, with the absence of a successor, the activity of the Royal Leather Manufacture ceased in 1850. The magnificent Lectoure factory, a testament to historical significance, gained recognition as a classified monument in 2018. It continued to hold a prominent place in the town until its revitalization in 2021.

On September 23, 2021, the French brand Joseph Duclos made a triumphant return, inaugurating its headquarters at 54, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. The brand’s offerings include four distinct collections of leather bags, clutches, small leather goods, and jewelry. Distinguished by their connection to Lectoure, a commune in the Occitane region renowned for its natural water springs and thermal baths, these collections bear the names reminiscent of the town’s heritage, where pilgrims of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle have sought respite for centuries.

To complete the sensory experience, four signature fragrances bearing the Joseph Duclos name, meticulously crafted by the esteemed perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer, accompany both men and women on their journey to express their bold individuality.

Joseph Duclos represents a fresh fragrance brand that launched in 2021. Designer Joseph Duclos boasts a repertoire of four perfumes, all introduced in the same year. Collaborating with renowned perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer, Duclos has successfully created a range of scents that embody sophistication and allure.