Synonymous with its fish-scale monogram and gun-shaped accessories, ahead of its new launches MOJEH discovers the history of French Maison Fauré Le Page
If there’s one French House with a story for the books, it’s Fauré Le Page. Founded in 1717 as a firearms manufacture, the Maison only made its venture into accessories and bags in 2009, and today pays homage to its rich roots through the likes of its signature gun-shaped pochettes and other popular pieces coined ‘weapons of seduction’. MOJEH sits down with artistic director Augustin de Buffévent to talk love, monograms and why he believes that reinvention will always be the key to success.
First things first — can you start by telling us about the history of the House?
Fauré Le Page used to make weapons for kings and queens—Marie Antoinette, for example, used to have one of their rifles for hunting. The House also supplied weapons to monarchies as well as to the forces for both French Revolutions, so it really is quite amazing.These were weapons of prestige and power, and symbols of seduction. They weren’t meant for fighting. Parallel to this they were involved with leather, crafting goods for hunters and soldiers. Around 10 years ago we decided to rejuvenate the brand, stop all the gunsmith activity and focus solely on leather goods. You have to reinvent yourself from time to time, otherwise you get boring.
View this post on Instagram
Where did the first signature design come from and how has it evolved over the years?
The scale pattern is our signature, inspired by the first animals in history. They are a symbol of strength.We always come back to our motto, ‘Armed for Seduction’, and to be able to seduce you have to feel confident and protected.
What does the House’s fascination with emblems of battle and weaponry represent?
It’s about fighting for love. Nowadays it’s much easier to fight than to make peace, so the message of the House is to love. In the French language, all love expressions are linked with battle. It’s the same reason we developed our medals. Each one is a symbol of love, with each corresponding to a different love story.
How does the brand balance tradition and innovation in its designs?
As a brand, when you have archives, you can either open a museum or you can use them as inspiration to create something new. It’s like making a cocktail. You add a bit of history, knowledge, a dash of your own taste and a new craftsman, then you shake everything up and you see what you get. Sometimes it’s absolutely disgusting, but other times it’s absolutely fantastic.
View this post on Instagram
What can you tell us about the signature colours of the House?
There’s blue because the House was born in Paris, and then we have empire green because Fauré Le Page used to provide weapons to Napoleon, and green was his colour. Walnut brown is reminiscent of the burr found on the butt of rifles, and then there’s a burgundy hue as a reference to French poetry. Steel grey is also important and inspired by the metal used to make arms.
What stands out most about your recent launches?
We have introduced the colour pink—it’s the colour of the heart, so we needed that. It’s also a complex colour as it can often either be tacky or too babyish, so it took us a little while to find the right one. Particularly for the jacquard, it took us more than a year. This hue is also inspired by the colour of biscuits roses. My great grandmother used to have them with a nice cup of tea or bubbles, so there’s sentimental value there. It is a collection full of joy.
How does Fauré Le Page differentiate itself from other luxury brands?
First of all, I think we have the most complex name to pronounce! However once you get it, you will never forget it. Each brand has its own DNA. Ours revolves around a gunsmith who makes weapons of seduction, and it’s all about surprise. I think the essence of Fauré Le Page is the art of surprise, and I hope we are surprising every year.
View this post on Instagram
What does the Middle Eastern woman mean to Fauré Le Page?
The landscape is a challenge because it’s one of the most refined markets in the world. You are spoiled because you have absolutely everything. I mean that in a good way because you could be spoiled and lazy, but that’s absolutely not the case. Middle Eastern women are also so curious and are always researching and learning. Both the Middle East and Dubai mean a lot. Shop now
Read Next: These Are The Most In Demand Products Of 2023 So Far
