The French legacy label with a contemporary edge is now on Ounass. We sat down with artistic director Augustin de Buffévent to discuss the brand's roots, and nurturing a label with timeless appeal. Discover the exclusive interview.

Tell us about the history of Fauré Le Page.

I am deeply passionate about art, spending much of my time exploring museums, exhibitions, and auction houses. It was on one of these artistic journeys that I discovered Fauré Le Page, a brand with a legendary story that began in 1717. As former arms suppliers to royalty and revolutionaries, their history is deeply woven into the fabric of French heritage. Acquiring Fauré Le Page in 2011 marked a pivotal moment for me, driven by its rich heritage and potential for renewal. Since then, our dedication has been to revive the house's traditional savoir-faire, pushing it into new realms of innovation and creativity under the motto, “Armed for Seduction.”

How have the iconic designs evolved over the years, and what significance does it hold for the brand's identity today?

The Ecailles scale motif, emblematic of both armour and ornament, is our signature. Created through a meticulous seven-step Lyon Frame Printing process, this pattern not only demands the precision of a virtuoso but also highlights our unique blend of durability and luxury. The house's palette—Mars Ochre, Steel Grey, Paris Blue, Empire Green, Ivress Red—reflects our vibrant history, each color enhancing our designs and embedding the essence of Fauré Le Page's identity through modern craftsmanship.

Tell us more about the brand’s craftsmanship and your creative process.

Adhering to Fauré Le Page's heritage, I maintain an independent and playful approach to creation, never taking myself too seriously. Our design process, stretching up to a year, reflects our commitment to perfection in crafting romantic conquests. This dedication stems from the chaotic archives I found, rich with our legacy as master gunsmiths and sword-cutlers, naturally extending to fine leather crafting. Our range of bags descends from historical cartridge cases and satchels, now enriched with modern ‘weapons of seduction.'

In an evolving fashion landscape, how do you gauge the balance between pushing creative boundaries and maintaining the essence of Fauré Le Page's brand identity?

Heroes never age, and neither do Fauré Le Page's creations. Our timeless leather goods draw on centuries-old gunsmith craftsmanship, originally designed for carrying personal belongings. We blend this historical knowledge with a fresh aesthetic, crafting everything from totes to clutches and lifestyle items like scarves. This allows us to push creative boundaries while honouring our rich heritage.

Crafting pieces that transcends generations and becomes a modern heirloom is a profound accomplishment. How does the brand ensure its creations possess the timeless appeal necessary to be cherished by future generations?

Sustainability and durability are at the core of Fauré Le Page. We are committed to crafting durable, beautiful bags using the finest materials sourced from France, Spain, and Italy. By avoiding transient trends and creating mostly permanent collections, we minimise waste and ensure our creations possess timeless appeal.

The concept of luxury accessorising has evolved over time, becoming an integral part of our everyday lives. In your opinion, what role do luxury accessories play in fusing function with expressing personal style?

Luxury accessories now serve both practical purposes and personal expression. At Fauré Le Page, each accessory is crafted to be both a piece of art and a functional tool, accentuating the wearer's persona and making luxury essential in modern attire.

Do you have a favourite piece? If so, tell us why?

My favourite piece is the iconic "Daily Battle" tote bag, which features a striking pocket emblazoned with embossed leather coats of arms. The design includes seventeen holes for adjustable straps and cartridge belts to attach the house's medals (coup de chance, coup de coeur, coup de pouce, coup de foudre.) I love it because it combines practicality with a sense of personal flair, allowing customisation through the adjustable straps and the ability to personalise it with various medals depending on my mood or the occasion.

What does the brand envision for its future or next chapter?

Looking ahead, Fauré Le Page envisions a future where tradition and innovation converge. Committed to thoughtful growth that respects our artisanal roots, we aim to deepen our sustainability practices, explore new markets, and continue innovating our product lines. This balanced growth strategy ensures we maintain our exclusivity while meeting contemporary needs.