The Evolution of a Fashion Designer: Kris Van Assche's Creative Journey
The world of fashion is often seen as a realm of fleeting trends and seasonal collections, but what happens when a designer ventures beyond the runway? Kris Van Assche, a renowned Belgian designer, is making waves in the design world with his unexpected foray into sculpture.
Van Assche, known for his eponymous brand and his creative direction at Dior Homme and Berluti, is no stranger to the fashion industry. But his recent collaboration with Laffanour | Galerie Downtown has taken him into uncharted territory. The designer's bronze sculptures, inspired by botanical forms, mark a significant shift in his artistic expression.
What makes this transition fascinating is the designer's own uncertainty about how the design world would react. As a fashion veteran, he's accustomed to the buzz and hype surrounding fashion shows, but this new venture is a leap into the unknown. The solo exhibit in Paris last June was a test of his ability to captivate an audience outside the fashion realm.
The response, however, was overwhelming. The Fondazione Sozzani, a cultural institution in Milan, invited Van Assche to showcase his work during Milan Design Week. This is a testament to the power of artistic exploration and the designer's ability to transcend traditional boundaries.
The 'Nectar Vessels Bronzes' series, as Van Assche calls it, is a collection of bronze vase sculptures that embody a unique moment in time. The technical precision involved in their creation is remarkable. From paper designs to 3D printing and finally, the craftsmanship at the Fodor Foundry, each step reveals a meticulous process. The use of intense matte colors on the exterior and gleaming metal and lacquer on the interior adds a captivating contrast, drawing viewers in like bees to nectar.
This project is not just a one-off experiment. It continues a dialogue between Van Assche and Laffanour that began in 2017 with a revisit of Isamu Noguchi's Akari lamps and later, a collaboration on Pierre Jeanneret's furniture. The Nectar Vessels Bronzes series is the culmination of this creative exchange, with Laffanour giving Van Assche complete creative freedom.
But Van Assche's creative reach doesn't stop there. His collaboration with Belgian firm Serax showcases his ability to blend personal memories with contemporary design. The 'Rosamar' collection, inspired by his childhood summers in Spain, is a testament to the power of nostalgia in design. By reimagining traditional ceramic pots with a modern twist, he creates a unique connection between past and present.
The influence of Van Assche's grandmother is profound. She not only instilled in him a love for fashion but also taught him that fashion is an expression of one's story and spirit. This personal connection to his work is what sets him apart. His floral arrangements for family dinners and celebrations were not just decorative but a way to bring beauty and meaning to everyday life.
As Van Assche reflects on his journey, he reveals a desire to continue exploring new design projects. His experience at the foundry, working with bronze, has given him a fresh perspective. While he doesn't plan to abandon fashion, he embraces the challenge of working outside his comfort zone. This attitude is a refreshing reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that the most exciting work often comes from stepping into the unknown.
In conclusion, Kris Van Assche's journey from fashion designer to sculptor is a testament to the power of artistic evolution. His willingness to take risks and explore new mediums not only expands his creative horizons but also enriches the worlds of both fashion and design. It's a reminder that the most captivating stories are often found where different art forms converge.
