(c)LifeLayer : A discussion with Paul Obermosser from PAG Neckwear

Can you please introduce yourself ?

My name is Paul Obermosser, I am 27 years old and I come from the Southern Alps. I am the co-founder of the PAG brand and I am in charge of product development and design (head of design) and all the marketing part of the brand.

PAG is a brand of technical textile accessories for mountain activities. Our goal is to provide the most technical materials possible on accessories to help our users maintain the ideal micro-climate during their sports outings in the mountains. We are committed to providing technicality, functionality and comfort with a special relationship to design. We have a wide range of technical neck warmers and balaclavas 100% made in France in the heart of the Alps where we are from. Today we present © LifeLayer our first 4-season, multi-activity technical textile layer.

How did you come up with the idea for this project?

I would say that it is by looking at the athletes that we sponsor in their overall lifestyle. Today they practice  different outdoor sports each season. They use different first layers according to the seasons and their activities.

I have been working for a long time on a new fabric with 37.5 Technology. The idea is to recreate a 4.0 skin by using a specific code to wick away moisture and create a top and bottom set that can accompany these athletes all year round in all their activities.

The desire to combine my two passions in textiles, fabric and model making on a global whole.

Tell us more about the conception process.

Personally I think that the material is the key to a technical garment. It is the starting point of all development for me. We have designed a fabric from A to Z. The idea of ​​a performance-oriented pattern based on the pores of human skin to speed up the process of wicking away moisture. A fabric with a pattern is a long story. In 1801, jacquard textiles were invented in Lyon (our offices were founded there), a revolution at the time. We decided to give a nod to our adopted city by making a 4.0 jacquard this famous honeycomb pattern on the inside. We have selected the best thermoregulating textile fibers from 37.5 Technology, composed of an elastomer in order to have a 4-way stretch followed by a finish with UV50 protection and a water-repellent treatment without PFC. A fabric called F-Skin Jacquard Technology.

For the design of the set, we worked in collaboration with a panel of athletes from different backgrounds in order to have feedback on their desires, their needs and above all list the essential needs for each practice. From trail running, to paragliding, including snowboarding, yoga and even fishing!

We have collaborated with Jonathan & Fletcher a design office based in Annecy for over 30 years in order to find the perfect fit and include functionality in the products. We also created a complete branding around the concept with Robin Janvier (a graphic designer and above all a good friend). In terms of colorways we wanted something new so we worked with Juliette Rodriguez who is based in Annecy and her agency Synesthesie Design. Collaborative development with the best in each field. Long months of testing and thinking to find the right formula.

What are your ambitions for the brand?

We really want to mark the occasion with this development because we are really proud of it. It is important for a young brand like us to do fabric + product development on such a scale. We therefore launched this project on pre-order in order to test its popularity and present the concept, it is pre-orders will allow us to launch production and bring this project to life. At the same time, we continue to develop balaclavas and accessories for the mountains and lifestyle. The goal is to always be able to develop and create the products that make us want!

Do you already have other products in mind?

© LifeLayer is a concept, and yes the range will really grow (today it's Top + Bottom), we are going to develop several products around this textile technology and this 4season concept. And a lot of news for spring / summer 22 on page we will keep you informed!

What can we wish you for the future?

To continue to create, research and develop new materials and products for the outdoors. Continue to make us happy in our work and collaborate with other brands, athletes and even you Fasunaa!

Thank you so much !