Serge Savini: Chief Designer & Founder of Bête Noire
I’m Serge Savini, the founder and chief designer of Bête Noire. My mission? To leave a lasting mark on the automotive world — not for fame, but to truly revolutionize custom car design. Years of dedication have sharpened my craft, and my relentless drive to push the limits fuels everything I do.
At Bête Noire, this passion has become a shared vision. I’m leading a team of automotive enthusiasts who are as committed to innovation as I am. Together, we’re creating custom body kits that are not only intricate but bold in their design.
Every month, new designs are unveiled, each one more daring than the last. In this article, you’ll discover more about my approach and the ideas I’m shaping that redefine what’s possible in custom automotive design. And believe me, this is just the beginning. We’re not stopping until Bête Noire becomes a movement that transforms the industry.
Why I Started Bête Noire
The automotive industry is filled with talent, but too many designers never get the chance to showcase what they can really do. The jobs are limited, and even if you land one, you’re stuck following someone else’s vision. The creative freedom that true designers crave is stifled by corporate guidelines.
I wasn’t willing to settle for that. The solution? Build something myself. Bête Noire exists because I wanted to create a space where design leads, not profit margins. This isn’t about adding a spoiler or some flashy accessory; we’re redesigning the car itself. We’re changing its entire form. We take risks that others won’t, and that’s why we stand apart.
I founded Bête Noire to inspire other designers to break out of the mold and create their own brands. My vision is to help at least 100 designers find their voice in the next 20 years. Together, we’ll push automotive design to new heights.
The Vision
Bête Noire is the leader in custom body kit design. We don’t just push boundaries — we shatter them, constantly redefining what’s possible with unparalleled complexity and craftsmanship. We set our own rules, creating a new standard for an industry that didn’t exist until we came along.
But we aren’t for everyone. We choose to work only with those who share our vision — clients who are more than just customers, but co-creators. They bring their cars, their resources, and their trust in our artistry. Our work isn’t meant for the masses; it’s for the select few who truly grasp the essence of what we create.
The Origins of Bête Noire
Let’s be clear: the aftermarket automotive industry is packed with companies chasing easy profit. They churn out cheap add-ons that do nothing to enhance the car’s original design. This isn’t design — it’s laziness. At Bête Noire, we’re doing something different. We overhaul the entire car, from the front bumpers to the rear arches. We don’t take shortcuts because real design takes effort, time, and skill.
It’s not easy, and it’s not always profitable — but that’s what makes it worth doing. Bête Noire is about going all in, no matter the risk. Our mission is to create something that stands out in an industry full of copycats.
From Designer to Entrepreneur
Starting Bête Noire wasn’t a walk in the park. I faced every challenge you can imagine: design hurdles, manufacturing nightmares, and endless hours of problem-solving. But I’ve always had one thing in my corner: belief. My first clients saw my vision and backed me when no one else would. They trusted me with their cars and gave me the freedom to create.
This isn’t just a business for me. Every customer that orders a kit from Bête Noire is buying into my vision. They aren’t just clients — they’re collaborators. Together, we’re changing the game, one design at a time.
What Sets Us Apart
We don’t just create body kits at Bête Noire — we create something new every single time. The goal isn’t to do what’s been done before but to find forms and designs that have never existed. This brings immense manufacturing challenges, but it’s worth it. We’re not interested in easy. We’re interested in extraordinary.
The Role of Innovation & Technology
At Bête Noire, technology forms the core of everything we do. Our innovative remote manufacturing model allows us to design and deliver custom kits to cars around the world, ensuring flawless fitment without the car ever needing to come to us.
We’re constantly expanding our in-house capabilities, producing parts from basalt fiber, fiberglass, carbon fiber, metals like steel and titanium, and LED light panels to be integrated into our designs. Our projects often demand manufacturing techniques that don’t yet exist, so we invent them, ensuring that every design can be fully realized within our own facilities.
Safety and functionality are just as vital as aesthetics. While our products can be TÜV-certified (upon customer request) for countries that require it, every kit is engineered for everyday driving — not just for the track. Each design undergoes rigorous wind-tunnel testing to optimize performance, ensuring that our kits not only elevate your car’s appearance but also enhance its handling and efficiency, allowing you to experience its full potential on any road.
Inside Bête Noire
Bête Noire wouldn’t be what it is without my team. We are a small, passionate group driven by a singular goal: to push the boundaries of design and manufacturing. Each member brings their own expertise and dedication, ensuring that our work remains cutting-edge and uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence.
We reject the typical corporate model, instead embracing a more personal, relationship-focused approach. For us, it’s not just about the work — it’s about the connections we build and the quality we deliver. Every project is an opportunity to surpass the last, constantly raising the bar for what we can achieve.
Major Milestones
At Bête Noire, every project we take on blends scale, complexity, and innovation. We thrive on challenges others avoid, and each project forces us to grow, pushing our expertise to new heights.
Notable Creations:
- BMW M8 Coupe F91/F92/F93 GTR — Custom Wide-Body Kit “Apex” by Bête Noire (Release: September 2024)
- Mercedes-Benz G-class G63 AMG — Custom Design Wide Body Kit “Monolith” by Bête Noire (Release: October 2024)
- BMW M8 Coupe GTE — Custom Wide Body Kit “Icarus” by Bête Noire (Release: November 2024)
- BMW XM — Custom Design Wide Body Kit “Summit” by Bête Noire (Release: October 2024)
- Audi RS6 — Custom Design Wide Body Kit “Shift” by Bête Noire (Release: December 2024)
- Lotus Eletre — Custom Design Wide Body Kit “Strata” by Bête Noire (Release: May 2025)
These milestones demonstrate our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, consistently setting new standards for what’s possible in the custom automotive world.
The Future of Bête Noire
I’m not here to just sell products — I’m here to build a movement. My focus is on partnering with clients who understand our vision and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I’m also constantly on the lookout for young designers to join the team. I believe the future of automotive design will be shaped by bold creators willing to take risks.
We’re not just creating kits — we’re redefining what it means to own a car. In the next decade, I see a world where cars aren’t just modes of transportation; they’re art, they’re collectibles, and they’re extensions of personal expression.
Advice for Future Designers
If you want to leave a mark as a designer, stop waiting for permission — take it. Build your brand, master your craft, and commit to your vision without hesitation. Success doesn’t come to those who follow the rules; it belongs to those who create their own. Surround yourself with those who push you further, seek mentors who challenge you to rise above the ordinary, and never accept anything less than excellence.
I’m here to mentor those bold enough to take risks and create something remarkable. If you have the vision, the talent, and the drive to redefine what’s possible, contact me. Together, we can shape the future of automotive design on our own terms.
Final Thoughts
Bête Noire is not just my life’s work — it’s a movement, and I’m leading it with everything I’ve got. If my designs strike a chord with you, then don’t just watch — take action. Share them. Talk about them. Let the world know that something new and bold is being built, and be a part of it. Creating from the ground up takes relentless effort, but with the right people by my side, we’re unstoppable. If you share this vision, I welcome you to join me as we push the limits of what’s possible in automotive design.
Stay Connected
I’m active across various platforms, each with a unique purpose. Here’s how you can stay connected and engaged:
- Exclusive Designs: For designs that aren’t published or finalized, follow me on Telegram: https://t.me/bete13noire
- Finalized Creations: My completed designs are showcased on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bete13noire/
- Daily Thoughts: Stay up to date with my personal insights on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/Bete13Noire
- Released Projects: All released projects are featured on our company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bete13noire/
- Personal Moments: For personal pictures, check out my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergesavini/
If you need to contact me directly:
- Email: Reach out via hello@betenoire13.com
- Telegram: Send me a message at https://t.me/sergesavini — I personally respond to every message.
Reach out if you want to be a part of something different.
