It's an EVOLUTION

LOFFICIEL caught up with Augustin de Buffévent, creative director of Fauré Le Page, to talk about his inspiration and vision for the French luxury brand.

- By JOHN NG

L'OFFICIEL: How did the transformation of the brand from a gunsmith company to a luxury fashion brand come about?

AUGUSTIN DE BUFFÉVENT: I see it as an evolution more than a transformation. We've always wanted to create long-lasting products which essentially provide continuity to history.

Although Fauré Le Page started as a gunsmith company, we were also engaged in the production of leather goods used for firearms and over time, we basically chose to maintain the leather production part and not the other. You must constantly be ready to reinvent yourself, or you will risk becoming irrelevant.

LO: That's very true. What were some of the challenges that you faced during the evolution of the brand? ADB: You know, when you feel excited when faced with a challenge, it's not a challenge. That's why I don't see challenges as such.

First and foremost, you should know that I am not alone. People tend to think and believe that all the ideas are from me, but that's not true. I'm constantly exchanging information and ideas with my team. After I've sketched a bag on paper, I begin a dialogue with the craftsman. There are continuous conversations, and I just so happen to be in all of them.

LO: How does French craftsmanship impact your design philosophy at the brand? ADB: I believe, living in Paris, you are always inspired; you only have to look around to be inspired. Plus, I spend my time at museums, exhibitions and auction houses, as well as, you know, because of my upbringing, I'm very sensitive to history.