For generations, our passion has been simple yet powerful: to create exceptional hairbrushes that turn daily routines into rituals of care.
Since 1875
6th generation of brushmakers
Our history
( 6th generation of brush manufacturer )
Treat your hair to the excellence of our Exception hairbrushes. Designed as genuine treatments, they reveal your hair's natural beauty, day after day.
Discover our memories, that of the last French Brushmaker in our workshops in the Hauts de France region, a guarantee of our quality and tradition.
French creator and manufacturer of hairbrushes for six generations, we perpetuate the tradition of the brushmaker's craft thanks to ancestral know-how and respect for criteria of excellence.
In 2022, with our Altesse Studio brand, the art of hair care enters a new era, that of exceptional brushing.
We believe in creating objects that last.
A RITUAL OF CARE
( MANIFESTO )
In a world of fleeting moments, our brushes are made to endure. To be passed down. To be treasured. Our commitment to our craft is unwavering.
Since 1875, in the heart of France, we have devoted ourselves to mastering the art of brushmaking, where tradition inspires innovation and true craftsmanship endures.
This is our legacy—built on artistry, innovation, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
Every hairbrush tells a story. Every detail counts. Every choice is intentional.
From the way the olive wood handle feels in your hand to the gentle massage of bristles against your scalp and body, we design with your wellbeing in mind.
We continue to refine, to perfect, to push our craft forward. Because a brush should be more than a tool.
It should be a lifelong companion—elevating the simple act of brushing into a daily ritual,a profound act of self-care that nurtures both hair and body.
A Ritual of Care. A Legacy of Craft. A Gift for Life.
A journey through a legacy of transmission, passion, and French excellence — where the humble hairbrush has always held a central place in beauty rituals.
( key dates )
( 1875 )
The story begins in the heart of the Thérain Valley in Picardie — the birthplace of French brushmaking — where Léon Etienne Fournival, the first generation, founded the Fournival workshop. In its early days, the Maison crafted toothbrushes from bovine and equine bone, and even ivory.
( 1920 )
A focus on luxury hairbrushes. Our craftsmanship is embodied in a collection of hairbrushes fully shaped and assembled by hand — staying true to the finest French brushmaking tradition.
( 1963 )
After learning the craft from his father and grandfather, André Jean Fournival — third-generation brushmaker — founded the ALTESSE brand. Much like haute couture creations, our hairbrushes stood out for their exceptional quality and soon found their place in Parisian perfumeries and professional salons.
( 1983 )
François André Fournival joined the family company as the 4th generation of brushmaking artisans. He carried forward the ancestral know-how of hairbrush craftsmanship, expanding the Maison’s reach through private label production for leading names in the world of hair and beauty.
( 2005 )
Jacques Gaillard — himself the grandson of a brushmaker and former head of La Brosse et Dupont — acquired the company during judicial liquidation to preserve France’s last remaining hairbrush manufacturer and its ancestral know-how. In 2016, his daughter Julia Tissot-Gaillard took over, becoming the 6th generation to carry on this unique tradition — while embracing a spirit of innovation to shape the future of French brushmaking.
( 2017 )
Our exceptional know-how was officially recognized by the French State with the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label. This prestigious distinction celebrates the excellence of French craftsmanship — and in the case of Fournival Altesse, honors our traditional brushmaking expertise.
( 2022 )
French group Chargeurs, a global leader in niche markets, set out to enter the personal care and lifestyle sector by acquiring companies with exceptional craftsmanship. Their first move: investing in Fournival Altesse, with the ambition to elevate its visibility in France and beyond.
LIVING HERITAGE LABEL — FRENCH CRAFTMANSHIP AT ITS FINEST
( Living Heritage Company )
Celebrated for Art and Expertise
Preserving heritage, welcoming innovation
At Altesse Studio, craftsmanship isn’t just part of our story — it’s our essence. We are proud to hold the prestigious Living Heritage Company label, a mark of excellence awarded by the French State to recognize exceptional artisanal and industrial savoir-faire.
This recognition celebrates our commitment to preserving rare know-how, mastering traditional techniques, and continuously innovating to meet modern needs. Every brush we create reflects not only generations of expertise, but also a deep respect for the art and care that define true French craftsmanship.
With every brush, you hold a piece of living heritage — crafted with passion, passed down through generations, and made to stand the test of time.
Discover
( CRAFTSMANSHIP SINCE 1875 )
THE BRUSH OF A LIFETIME.
A legacy of craft