STYLE: L’HOMME INVISIBLE.
Parisian designer, Sandpeed Shani has worked with Armani and Lacroix. Now he’s taking a unique vision of men’s underwear to the world with his own brand, L’homme Invisible.
DNA: When did you start designing men’s underwear? Sandeep: I started designing underwear in 2002, but was working for other brands.
L’homme Invisible ranges use unique fabrics that are rarely seen in mainstream men’s underwear. Where do you find these?
I meet suppliers from across Europe: mainly Italy, France and Germany but also Austria. I look for the unusual. Even the manufacturers themselves have no idea that their fabrics could be used for men’s underwear. I think everyone probably sees these fabrics, but you have to have an imagination for things to see how you’re going to transform them into a garment.
Lace features heavily in your collections. What is it about the fabric that inspires you?
There are other fabrics but, yes, the lace takes a prominent role in each collection. I think we are the only brand that presents lace in such a masculine way. Lace is a work of art – how simple yarns are linked together to give such beautiful motifs. And with a simple change in yarn density we are able to create different levels of transparency. I love the intricacy and all the imagination and hard work that goes into making this fabric. It is very sensual the way it >>
>> drapes the body, revealing some and hiding some! From where do you draw your inspiration when designing your collections?
Art plays a very important role. My references are usually linked to different art movements. When I see a print or touch a fabric it just speaks to me and I know there and then what I will do with that fabric. Who is the L’homme Invisible man?
He is a confident, well-travelled, well-read man who loves art, culture and architecture. He appreciates the fine art of living. He doesn’t go by the trends but is looking for something different to express his personality and his style. He’s not afraid to express his individual taste and his masculine sensuality. And the inspiration behind the latest collection? Comfort and sex appeal are the most important ingredients that I look for before designing any collection. For Christmas we are looking for some rich, luxury velvet fabrics both in underwear and loungewear. Indulgence is the key word.
You’ve just launched a sports and fitness collection; what’s next?
In the coming season we plan to develop a new range of Resort Wear. We already did few tests and our clients just love it. These are hand embroidered tunics, trousers, and ensembles for destination holidays or to just lounge around at home, in style.