Augustin de Buffévent on the Design Philosophy of Fauré Le Page
From crafting weapons to producing luxury leather goods, get to know the storied French brand Fauré Le Page more intimately.
Fauré Le Page Opens in Malaysia
To mark the opening of Fauré Le Page’s first boutique in Suria KLCC, Malaysia, creative director Augustin de Buffévent delves into the brand’s rich legacy, design philosophy, and the art of seduction that lies at its heart.
Congratulations on the opening of Fauré Le Page’s first boutique in Kuala Lumpur! What inspired the decision to bring the brand to the Malaysian market?
It felt like a natural choice. Everything starts with passion, and I absolutely adore Kuala Lumpur. The city is a beautiful cultural melting pot, brimming with inspiration. I’ve been here before and fell in love with its energy — and of course, the food! It’s some of the best in the world.
Our brand motto, Armes pour Séduire (Armed for Seduction), embodies the idea that love is a battle. In a multicultural city like Kuala Lumpur, this philosophy resonates deeply. Moreover, Malaysians are known for their sophisticated tastes, which align perfectly with our brand values.
What’s the story behind Fauré Le Page’s unique design aesthetic?
Every luxury brand has its own story, but ours is truly exceptional. Fauré Le Page started as a luxury gunsmith, crafting weapons for aristocrats, kings, and emperors across Europe. Marie Antoinette herself was a client, as she was an avid hunter.
In addition to weapons, the brand created leather goods to carry them — lightweight, durable bags for ammunition and personal items. Over time, we chose to leave weapon-making behind and focus solely on bags, reimagining them as “weapons of seduction.”
Our iconic scale motif reflects this heritage. It resembles armour, symbolising strength, protection, and allure. Every detail — such as shoulder straps inspired by military uniforms or clasps resembling revolver barrels — pays homage to our history while adding a fashionable, modern twist.
Looking back at the brand’s legacy, is there a story that holds special meaning for you?
There are so many! However, one of the most striking is Fauré Le Page’s role in the French Revolution. The Le Page family supplied weapons to the revolutionaries — a pivotal moment in history. It’s incredible to feel connected to such a significant event, especially as the French Revolution led to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens. To have been part of this epic chapter in history is deeply meaningful.
What’s your approach to designing and launching Fauré Le Page items?
We don’t follow the fast pace of fashion. As a small, exclusive maison, we take our time to perfect each product. Every item undergoes rigorous durability tests. For example, our canvas printing process requires precise levels of humidity and pressure — it’s almost like an art form.
We launch products when they’re ready, not according to seasonal schedules. This reflects our philosophy: love takes time. Each piece is crafted with care and exclusivity, making it more than just an item. And of course, the art of seduction always involves an element of surprise.
How would you describe the new boutique?
Our boutique is designed to feel like a home — an inviting, intimate space that reflects the values of our family business. We worked with Jean Gatineau, a talented French architect, to create an atmosphere that combines the charm of a Parisian apartment with playful, unexpected touches.
For instance, there’s a daisy-shaped table where customers can “test their love.” This isn’t just a shopping space; it’s an experience that invites you to immerse yourself in our world of history, craftsmanship, and romance.
This article was first seen on Elle Malaysia and translated from Bahasa Malaysia to English.
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