It is amazing what is possible today and what innovation in fabrics and materials can accomplish in fashion. BDMOTP was lucky enough at the Paris men’s fashion trade show to run into a state of the art fashion product innovation called FURTIV which is a cooperative effort between designers (Fizal Khan / UK), high-end clothing manufacturers (La Rocca / Italy), specialists in ballistics, armored protection and law enforcement (PROTECOP / France), and a fashion house specialized in urban chic outerwear (Inventive Citi / France). This is a unique combination between a practical solution and a serious style statement with the additional quality that besides being stylish and bullet proof FURTIV is well … very furtive, hidden, and discreet. Call it fashion stealth technology if you want.

The ‘integrated’ solution

The items come in parka, blouson, and trench and in the stealthy colors of black, navy, and blue mezzanotte (midnight blue). Its main feature is an authorized level of civilian ballistic protection provided by a virtually unnoticeable integrated solution of 1.8 kg except for that you slightly feel the weight. And yes we did try it on. Other elements part of the package are hidden sleeve pockets, thermo-regulation, removable pieces to improve mobility, reversible reflective cuffs, zipped side vents, faux-pockets, and a 100% cashmere insulation. It’s really the gadget you always wanted to have when imagining you are James Bond or Ethan Hunt in a mission impossible.

From left to right: Fizal Khan / designer, Alton Barber / BDMOTP and Nicolas Bert / Inventive Citi

But besides stealth and protection, the element of style is not forgotten. Made in Italy/France and designed by Fizal Khan from Britain these are stylish pieces of outerwear designed for the civilian market. The look is minimalist, sporty, discreet and has a look of urban chic and thus could be worn in any type of outdoor environment for that very reason.  Despite being ready-to-wear the solution can be individually applied and made for measure so that it can be worn under your existing clothes, or, alternatively be made-to-measure using the fabrics of Loro Piana, a well-known high-end fabrics company. Prices hover around the 3000/ 4000 euro mark per item, which, truth be told, is a stealthy steal for giving you the security and safety you will not be able to purchase anywhere else.

Posted by Sandro and photos by Mous.