Here, every article is written by those who believe that bulletproof and stab-proof vests can be reinvented: welcome to VEST PARIS , where elegance and innovation discreetly meet.
VEST PARIS is the only brand in the world to have developed a discreet protection solution against urban threats. A jacket incorporating NIJ IIIA-certified knife and bulletproof protection.
Since 2015, the V007 model has been used by many personalities who need to protect themselves from bullets without having to wear a classic, heavy and restrictive bulletproof vest.
In this interview, we will present to you this unique model in the world intended for civilians.
V007, the story of an exceptional jacket?
We're going to talk about an extraordinary model. A bulletproof, lightweight, comfortable, and chic model that can be worn every day like any classic jacket.
From Paris to Las Vegas, via Doha and London, we have scoured all the Armament and Security fairs, there is no equivalent to this jacket.
In the V007 model we have brought together the best of French flagships: luxury, technology and weaponry.
This bulletproof jacket, created in 2015, is aimed at private civilian customers who need to feel discreetly protected without having to endure the constraints of a bulletproof vest.
How did this idea come about?
– At the request of a VEST PARIS client in 2013. They challenged us because they needed such equipment. The idea took root, and we embarked on the project without really knowing if we would succeed and if there was a market.
The future has given us positive answers to these two questions.
So we created the V007 jacket , an extraordinary model that brings joy to those who wear it and pride to our design team.
Was the challenge difficult to overcome?
– On paper, there was a quadruple challenge to overcome: bulletproof, aesthetics, lightness and certification. A real unnatural cocktail.
It took us over two years to develop the perfect product. There were over 15 contributors: stylists, creative workshops in France and Italy, model makers, our partner Protecop, etc. We even benefited from the expertise of the greatest and most famous French criminologist today - who also happens to be a consultant for the FBI.
Thanks to all these energies, we have created a jacket that can be worn every day like any other garment.
Do these jackets meet all required standards and certifications?
- It's a must! This jacket meets current international standards. Since October 2021, they have also been certified for the American market.
The standard is NIJ 0101.06 . This is THE key! If your product does not meet this standard, you cannot market it.
The certification tests were carried out by our partner Protecop at the National Test Bench in St Etienne, France. This ballistic pack, developed and patented by Protecop in 2012, is a unique hybrid solution that combines two aramid materials: Kevlar and Polyethylene.
This major innovation offers a trauma rate much lower than that required by the US standard and, above all, results in a unique weight-flexibility ratio.
What do security professionals say?
– Do you know the “wow” effect? Well, it’s all summed up in that word.
And I'm not just talking about close protection professionals. I'm also talking about all the private clients who buy it and all those who ask to try it.
They are all amazed by the lightness, discretion, quality of finish and comfort that this jacket provides. At trade shows, we always have the smallest stand but it is often the most crowded.
How many models do you offer?
- Our range is made up of 2 models: a very fine, dressy summer jacket and a more sporty sleeveless down jacket model .
We are considering creating other models, sometimes it is the customers themselves who bring us a jacket of their choice and ask us to adapt it for ballistics. This has a cost because it requires development but it is not always feasible.
Tell us about PROTECOP
- Protecop is a family-owned company based in Bernay, Normandy. It is the French leader in protection, both in terms of law enforcement and ballistics.
Protecop equips the French army, the police and the gendarmerie, it exports to 60 countries and was notably present in Afghanistan.