[Possible?] Multiple Texture per item

Im currently running a server with multiple factions in it, but I dont like how every factions items look the game (weapons/armor wise) So i was wondering if it was possible to create a way to work with permission so that depending on what faction(group) you were in it would render differ texture for the same item?

For example I have Factions A and B both are wearing leather armor, but on faction A i want it to render out to everyone it looks like a robe while B to be like a studded armor set. Both wearing the same items but looks completly different to the users around.

 

N0, unfortunately. This would require client mods.

 

Yea that sucks, hate the idea of client mods for SMP cause it means everyone must do it lol

 

Is the client mod available? It would be great to have it as optional to improve the game, maybe tied in with a server mod (to get positions of different texture zones) - the server mod could also detect if the player has the client mod installed, and if not post a suggestion in their chatbox that they get it?