Mascot-making ‘is an Olympic sport in itself’
“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, a dream come true”, says Alain Joly, president and founder of Doudou et Compagnie. “It’s a great source of pride for the group and it’s unprecedented challenge to produce this mascot 100 per cent made in France.”
For Joly, making the mascot is like an athlete preparing for competition, which is natural considering how important the challenge is for his company.
It takes 35 people up to an hour to make the Phryges. There are nine stages involved with forty pieces of fabric cut to create this “little baby”.
“We have a production line to make this beautiful item [but] it is more than a plush toy. It is a mascot,” adds Vital. “For the athletes, spectators and partners, it is something unique.”
The manufacturing process requires constant attention to detail with precise handiwork needed for the “super soft material” to be crafted into shape.
At the beginning of the process, 48 punches are used to cut all the pieces of fabric with a dedicated team assembling the pieces together while the logo of Paris 2024 is embroidered.
The Phryges are first sewn inside out and then inverted. They are stuffed, closed, brushed and quality-checked before being carefully wrapped.
Similar to the preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, every detail matters.
“I check to see if there are any holes, if the seams are well done, there are no loose threads. I brush them to hide seams and make it beautiful. It’s like our own Olympic Games. We love it,” explains Jessica, who works in the factory.
2024-06-06 20:46:40
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