A radiant smile, a captivating spontaneity, and of course, a cap on his head — a hat maker's must! In his workshop-boutique in the 20th arrondissement, Chems Smaali, hat maker and designer, welcomes us with a burst of sunny, infectious energy. « I’m really shy», he begins right away. Yet, since he opened his first shop here on Rue du Cambodge in January 2025, this 25-year-old artisan has become a well-known figure in the neighborhood, as evidenced by the many passersby who stop to greet him through the window.
©Jagoda Bartus/Le Bonbon
From this shyness, he shows no sign. Like a fashion designer sending his creations down the runway during Fashion Week, he dives into the tale of a decade filled with passion and a unique story, with the light from his hat-lamp illuminating the way — at least for now, until the flashes of cameras join in — and this hat-lamp, an unexpected home creation, has turned into a real success.
Fashion as a natural choice since childhood
Cowboys — his favorite model — fascinators, berets, caps, in merino wool, felt, recycled fabric, or upcycled denim… The hats are carefully arranged one after the other on the shelves, like works of art in a gallery.
in the museum. These are indeed works of art, these hats. Each one is made by hand, to order, and they are as customizable as one wishes. Despite the hats on his head, ideas are bubbling — perhaps that’s the secret to creativity, after all. Shaping, studding, cutting… This meticulous craftsmanship takes between three and eight hours, and sometimes even longer, all done with the passion of a young adult who views the world through the sparkling eyes of a child amazed by fashion shows, and the grand fashion houses.
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©Jagoda Bartus/Le Bonbon
And while the idea of becoming a pilot briefly crossed his mind, the deep love for creation and the fashion world quickly won the battle. Shy, yes, but above all, boldly ambitious, the teenager who starts his hat-making studies at the Octave Feuillet vocational high school doesn't hesitate to explore Fashion Weeks, expand his network, and hand out his card to the biggest stars. « I gave it to Bella Hadid. There was little chance of it working, but you never know what might happen », he states. Proving that chance has a way of working out, at just 25 years old, he finds himself the owner of a boutique, after ten years of experience in the profession.
Keeping the Heritage Alive and Passing on the Love
Out of a profession
The one that catches our eye after the multitude of hats displayed between the cream-colored walls? The sacred Beyoncé. Not in person — don’t get your hopes up — but framed up high, to the left, like the grail, the ultimate goal to achieve, the one that Chems dreams of crowning with one of his hats. In the heart of the artisan, the American singer must share the place of life model and creative inspiration with Stephen Jones, the master hatter himself. The true throne, however, is reserved for his late father, the man “who only wore hats” and dreamed of wearing one signed with his son’s name.
©Jagoda Bartus/Le Bonbon
If he isn’t afraid to dream big, this artisan hasn't forgotten his roots. Proud of his Tunisian heritage from both parents, he cleverly incorporates elements from this country into the minimalist decoration of his shop as well as in some of his creations, like his hats adorned with Berber brooches — a tribute to Tunisian craftsmanship, reimagined with a contemporary twist. Supported by his family and friends, Chems Smaali has as many glittering ideas as projects in mind. Eager to introduce and elevate his profession, he plans to organize small hat-making workshops starting in February 2026.
And what about the future? This artisan exudes a sense of serenity combined with a determination to carve out his space in this craft. He aspires to ...
to continue to grow, to collaborate with brands and artists as he has already done with Maureen, and maybe even create an entire collection in the near future. What’s certain, however, is that in the face of Queen B, Chems Smaali has all the qualities needed to become the next King C of headwear.
©Jagoda Bartus/Le Bonbon