Daniel Faret: “Techno Chic”
By Mari Davis
Photos courtesy of Daniel Faret

PARIS, Jan 24, 2004/ FW/ --- This season, Paris-based designer Daniel Faret opted for a presentation instead of a runway show to introduce his latest fabric invention, the AVANTAGE/Lycra.

Developed with Dupont’s Investa, this new fabric exploits Lycra’s stretch ability, adding a “breathable” quality yet impermeable to the cold, hence giving comfort to the wearer.

With looks ranging from metallic to chromed distressed leather, there is a futuristic quality to the collection.

“The future is now,” Daniel Faret told FW when we were visiting his showroom. “A long time ago, we can only see these things on sci-fi movies. Today, these fabrics are a reality, thanks to advances in technology.”

Daniel Faret who is known for his cosmopolitan menswear line, Daniel Faret also designs the men’s line of Milan-based La Perla.

Considered a scion of fashion (his family operated an apparel manufacturing and owned the Jacques Fath label which had been eventually been sold since then) Daniel Faret’s innovativeness with fabric is in his blood.

“To appreciate this fabric, one has to feel it and see it up close,” commented Daniel Faret as he showed us the versatile the gray tweed pants made of Avantige/Lycra.

The material is soft to the touch and very pliable, yet strong and can withstand the elements whether you are in the city or the slopes of the Alps.

But the collection is not all high tech fabric. Understanding that his clientele will want traditional fabrics, the designer also used cashmere, wool and leather.

One stand out is a leather bomber jacket wherein the lambskin was cut into strips and then reconstructed with minute stitches giving it a “stripe” quality. Up close, the details are just fantastic.

Then there are the costume velour suits, which changes colors depending on how the light strikes it. This will be a hot seller in Los Angeles and New York with the club going set.

Definitely a winner of a collection, and Daniel Faret will be filling up orders from U.S. retailers with this innovative collection come fall.

Daniel Faret

Daniel Faret

Daniel Faret

Daniel Faret