A man close to the heart of every fisherman who has sailed from Newlyn died today.
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| The little man in mourning. |
Guy Cotten died at the age of 77 years in Trégunc, near Concarneau. The man, fascinated by novelty and innovation, created a symbol for Brittany and seafarers. Cotten clothes are sold in 27 countries.
The eldest son of seven children, his farmer father died when Guy was just seven years old. The youngsters first career was as a racing cyclist, before he turned to selling overalls.
He started the Guy Cotten safety clothing range from a workshop in Concarneau. In 1966 Guy invented the Rosbras, a jacket with a double velcro and a zip fastener designed never to let in water through the seams.
In 1974, Alain Le Quernec drew the little yellow man ‘le bonhomme jaune’ which became Cotten’s famous brand logo.
In the 80s Guy took over Pirelli’s survival equipment company Piel – for four years he laboured to create the ‘Thermal Protective Survival’ suit – a piece of clothing credited with saving the lives of Raphaël Dinelli and Thierry Dubois in 1996′s Vendée Globe Race.
Guy’s multi-national company today owns factories across France and as far flung as Madagascar, employing around 300 people.
On their website this afternoon the firm wrote: “Today, the little yellow man has his eyes full of his tears – but, faithful to the spirit of his creator, he’ll not lower his outstretched arms. All of Guy's family and the workers for the company would like to thank you all for your numerous messages of support.”
Guy Cotton, died today aged 77.
He's either in black...
or in yellow...
the most famous name on oilskins in Europe!