1905

Messrs. S. BLANC and F. FONTVIEILLE are the founders of BLANC et FONTVIEILLE, manufacturers of fabric for corsets.

1920

Velvet makes its appearance among the products in the form of ‘plush for corsets’, intended to cover the corset whalebones.

1930-1940

The velvet factory is built at 272 Cours Lafayette in Lyon. It will manufacture plush for corsets, artificial fur for toys, velvets for garments, fashion-wear and furnishings. These fabrics are sold throughout the world.

1980

Fabrics for corsets evolve into the technical-velvets market. BLAFO discovers new markets, delivers a brand-new product to RVI (Renault Industrial Vehicles) and creates a new distribution network for its furnishing velvets, in particular a revolutionary velvet in Tergal, the first-ever machine-washable velvet. This is the starting-point of the major contracts with the world of public buildings.

1993

A sparkling new factory is built at Décines, where Velours Blafo can still be found today.

1999

The company branches out in a new direction, public transport.

2000

Perrin & Fils joins up with BLAFO as the majority share-holder.

2005

Velours Blafo celebrates its centenary.