In the ever-evolving world of fashion and design, Kris Van Assche, a renowned Belgian designer, is making waves with his foray into the realm of sculpture. His upcoming debut at Milan Design Week showcases a unique blend of fashion and art, offering a fresh perspective on creativity and self-expression.
The Sculptural Turn
Van Assche's journey into the world of bronze sculptures is an intriguing one. Having established himself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry, with stints at Dior Homme and Berluti, he now explores a new dimension of artistic expression. His first attempt at sculpture, an exhibition in Paris last year, left him uncertain about the reception, highlighting the boldness of his artistic leap.
Nectar Vessels Bronzes: A Contemplative Escape
The upcoming "Nectar Vessels Bronzes" series, to be exhibited at the Fondazione Sozzani in Milan, promises a captivating experience. Van Assche describes it as "a moment suspended in time," a contemplative respite amidst the bustling energy of Milan Design Week. The vases, envisioned as blossoming flora, emerge from a pink garden, creating an otherworldly botanical display.
Technical Precision Meets Artistic Vision
The creation process is a fascinating blend of technical precision and artistic vision. Van Assche's meticulous approach involves initial paper designs, followed by 3D printing to evaluate volume, texture, and shape. The final bronze construction, a thousand-degree hot process, is handled by skilled craftsmen at the Fodor Foundry in France. The result is a stunning contrast of intense matte colors on the outside and a luminous, polished interior, akin to the allure of nectaries within flowers.
A Dialogue with Laffanour and Serax
This exhibition extends Van Assche's collaboration with Laffanour | Galerie Downtown, building on previous projects inspired by Isamu Noguchi's Akari lamps and Pierre Jeanneret's furniture. Additionally, his partnership with Belgian firm Serax continues with a new collection of ceramic interior objects, "Rosamar," inspired by personal memories and his grandmother's influence.
The Future of Fashion and Design
Looking ahead, Van Assche's enthusiasm for diverse projects is evident. While he doesn't plan to abandon fashion, he embraces the challenge of working with new materials and exploring design beyond the confines of luxury fashion. His collaboration with Fred Perry and Anta Zero reflects this diverse approach.
In my opinion, Van Assche's journey showcases the beauty of artistic exploration and the potential for cross-disciplinary creativity. His work reminds us that fashion and design are not isolated fields but interconnected expressions of human creativity. It's an exciting prospect to see how his unique blend of fashion and sculpture will continue to evolve and inspire.
