If your life were a book, what would the current chapter be called?
I would call this chapter “Restart.” This year truly feels like a new beginning: a fresh start professionally, and a new rhythm to life. After spending years working on various projects, I’m now starting a new job. It really feels like I’m stepping into a new phase of my life.

Are there any non-fashion influences that inspire your work?
Definitely. Politics is a major source of inspiration for me. I go to exhibitions and listen to music, but it’s mainly social and political events that shape my work. Even during my school years, I found a lot of inspiration in podcasts and articles that addressed current global issues. My designs are often rooted in social realities rather than stemming from pure art. Although I admire many artists, I’ve never directly translated a work of art into a design. At first glance, my work might seem light or playful, but it is often deeply grounded in societal themes. That layer is always there – sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously – but it’s never lous or obivous. It’s more subtle and underlying.

My focus is mostly on global issues. It’s not always politics in the traditional sense, like politicians or governments, but more about social structures and power dynamics. For instance, my “Hotel” collection explored internal systems and hierarchies within a hotel setting. It was political, but on a micro level.

What role do materials play in your creative process?
In the past, I would create a design first and choose materials afterwards. But through my experience at Hermes, I’ve come to understand that the materials can be the starting point of a design. Now, I try to think about the material first and build from there. In collaborations, that becomes even more interesting, because you work together to figure out how to best bring the idea to life through the right material. I’m always open to discovering new materials, but I don’t feel the need to constantly push boundaries. I often choose to work with traditional materials like British wool. If something feels right, i’ll use it. That being said, I’m always intrigued by unfamiliar materials, even if I don’t necessarily incorporate them into my work if they don’t fit my aesthetic.

How do you stay true to yourself in a rapidly changing world?
For me, it’s about staying true to what I genuinely find beautiful. Not every trend or new material need to make its way into my work. It’s important to know what you stand for – as a brand and as a person. Evolution is good, but you need to maintain a strong sense of your identity in your work. In a team context, it can be difficult to say no due to the hierarchy. In personal projects, it can be even harder, because you know you might be missing out on certain opportunities. Still, it’s essential to remain aligned with your vision. Not everything that’s innovative or interesting necessarily belongs in your story.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to merge menswear with a surrealistic approach, sharp tailoring, and a strong visual identity. The balance between aesthetics and substance is crucial to me. People often recognize my use of color and the way I play with volume – those are elements I consciously explore and continue to evolve.

How would you describe our collaboration in one word or emotion?
“All-around.” We collaborated on everything – from garments to branding, even down to the smallest details like zip pullers. Every element, no matter how minor, contributed to the whole. It was an intense learning experience that allowed me to develop many different skills.

What was the most suprising advantage of working with L&T?
That literally anything was possible. I could come in with an idea, and the response was always: “Let’s test it.” Especially in the second year, I was able to push boundaries and try new things. There was always room for creative solutions.

How has your definition of succes evolved over time?
When I first graduated, I had a fairly classic idea of success: making it in the industry or starting my own brand. It didn’t matter how, as long as I found a place within the field. Now, after working in the fashion world for 2,5 years, I see how harsh and uneven the industry can be. Some people thrive easily, others struggle to find their footing. My perspective has shifted. I’m still ambitious and driven to grow, but it still has to make sense for me personally. If I ever find myself doing things just for the sake of doing them, then it loses meaning. I’ve seen people stuck in jobs for a decade with impressive titles at respected houses, but no joy in what they do. That made me question what succes really is.

I’m currently in a phase of reflection – re-evaluating what I want from life and what my next chapter might look like. For me, success now is more about being able to have an impact within a team, to contribute meaningfully. It’s not so much about reaching the top for the sake of prestige. I’ve had similar conversations with friends working at other fashion houses; we’re all rethinking how we want to shape our careers in a way that aligns with who we are. And yes, surrounding yourself with people you trust is essential. This industry can be competitive and even cutthroat at times. There aren’t endless opportunities, so building a network of likeminded people who you can talk to openly makes the work more sustainable – and human.

What do you want to become when you grow up?
That ties closely with what I just mentioned. I don’t know yet if I’ll launch my own brand in the next five years, or whether I’ll stay in France or return to Belgium. It’s all still open. But what I do know is that I want to contribute to something bigger than myself – whether that’s within an existing brand or my own creation. I can’t yet define the exact position or job title. two years ago, when I graduated, I never imagined I’d already be where I am now. So much had happened that I couldn’t have foreseen. That’s why it’s hard to predict the next ten or twenty years. But I do hope I’ll continue to find spaces where I can grow, share, and create meaning.