3 questions à . . . Corinne Farace, Techtera general manager

Since 2005, Corinne Farace has directed Techtera, a state certified competitiveness pole in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region that’s dedicated to technical and functional textiles. Techtera’s mission is to increase business competitiveness through collaborative innovation. The association currently has over 130 members including public universities, grandes écoles, research centres, and small and medium sized business, all uniting to work on different projects, including fashion for the future.

Can you tell us about Techtera? What are technical textiles?
Our core business is knowing about the problems of small and medium sized businesses and the public financing options that support innovation. The Techtera association was set up 12 years ago to improve business performance through a collaborative innovation system. We’re based on today’s concept that we’re more innovative working in a group as opposed to alone. We provide consulting for the development of new fabrics and flexible materials for markets such as aeronautics, tarpaulins, and awnings and blinds. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has a high concentration of research centres and businesses specialising in these sectors, so we’re an entity that brings people together and always in a spirit of cooperation.

The primary function of a technical textile is, of course, not fashion related. Waterproof qualities, heat or flame resistance, and non-polluting standards are the primary criteria that define these textiles. But the newest products have an aesthetic aspect that interests more and more fashion designers. In fact, over the past two or three years Techtera has been meeting with designers looking for new materials or innovative manufacturing techniques. Because, even if they always have a lot of new ideas, they lack knowledge about textiles. In short, they have an aesthetic sense and we have the materials. It’s up to us to make the connection.

What type of innovations does the Techtera association bring to the apparel industry?
We recently organised a fashion show that, for the most part, used technical textiles, including basalt filament knits. It’s amazing to see how this volcanic rock has been transformed and can be used to create clothing. The result is a naturally coppery and completely surprising colour. I also like the idea of a shirt that’s easy to iron and fabrics for children’s clothes that change colour with changes in body temperature.

We’re also seeing an increase in new start-ups such as Duoo, an underwear line founded in 2015. Their idea is based on the fact that today men’s fertility has dropped 30 percent, due especially to carrying mobile phones in their trouser pockets. In response, the trio of product developers behind Duoo had the idea of creating a collection of elegant boxer shorts in technical textiles (silver yarns are used in weaving) that give men 99 percent protection from the waves emitted by their connected devices.

How do you see fashion in the future?
We’re entering a new era, one of ultra-rapid consumption. Today clients’ desires have changed. They want a personalised product that’s one of a kind, but still with a visible brand identity. This idea of being different within a community is gaining ground non-stop. For example, if consumers want trainers from a famous brand, it’s the possibility of having a customised pair that will push them to the purchasing act. It’s mass customisation. This new way of consuming, in and of itself, redefines ideas about stock and brands’ reactivity. The fashion and textile industry is going to have to work on demand and to order. So we have to think about a new way of manufacturing. Production sites need to be closer to brands. And what’s interesting is that this system will also play a role in fighting counterfeit goods. This is the future of the industry. And our profession is to anticipate it.