FRANÇOIS GIRBAUD PRESIDE LE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DES JEUNES CREATEURS DE MODE DINAN 2017
FRANÇOIS GIRBAUD PRESIDE LE FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DES JEUNES CREATEURS DE MODE DINAN 2017
FRANÇOIS GIRBAUD – FOUNDER AND OWNER OF MARITHÉ + FRANÇOIS GIRBAUD (Jan., 2017) Since meeting in 1967, and their invention, in 1968, of the industrialisation of the washing process to artificially age denim, rebels and out-of-the-box thinkers, Marithé Bachellerie and François Girbaud have been at the forefront of innovation in their experimentation and development of materials, treatments, techniques and shapes, creating a global brand that transcends time. From stone-washing to engraving with light, they have transformed and revolutionized the world of jeans and radicalized its traditional silhouettes, constructions, and codes. Appropriating high-performance sports fabrics and avant-garde technology such as laser-blading and ultrasound, they created a new generation of modern tailoring; comfortable, versatile, and easy to take care of, it has influenced the market for over 20 years. Since 1989, they have focused their research on ecologically and ethically conscious techniques, perfecting the use of lasers and ozone to treat denim, and removing hazardous chemicals and processes. Their eco-friendly Wattwash™ method, named after the unit of measurement for energy and heat, creates a targeted, faded effect on denim, allowing a multitude of different patterns and textures to be designed. Importantly, this technology uses 97.5% less water than traditional methods and is far better for the environment, as well as the health of the 2 million factory workers around the world who are involved in denim production. In November 2015, Marithé Bachellerie and François Girbaud returned under the guise of "MAD LANE" (Madeleine), with a more personal direct-to-consumer approach, taking to the road to bring the brand to their legions of fans. 2017 will be marked by the launch of their new e-business. François Girbaud is currently based in Los Angeles, keeping his finger firmly on the pulse. He continues to invent and innovate, responding to the various changes which move and influence society and industry. He endeavours to advance the cause of sustainability within the fashion industry, creating techniques to save water and energy, and a gateway to the future for the younger generations, who will be able to endlessly transform the appearance of fabrics with the technology he has developed.
