The jewelry designers at Atelier 11 understand the impact of the right jewelry on your outfit better than anyone. For proof, look no further than their successful collaborations with designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Raf Simons, Martin Margiela and A.F. Vandevorst. Atelier 11 designs two new collections every year that stay true to the studio’s creed: jewelry as a statement.
What has been your inspiration for the EASTPAK Artist Studio Bag(s)?
We went out from the Eastpak line “Built to Resist”: our goal was to keep the bags for eternity and also to make a real piece of art of them. We made this possible by drenching the bags into fluid metal. This way, we created a link to one of the classics in the visual art scene: the statue of bronze. In addition, the material we used also refers to our daily activity as jewel designers.
Which city do you live in – can you tell us what it’s best kept secret is?
Flor has recently moved to Gent and Ludovik lives in Antwerp.
Ludovik: I already been living in Antwerp for 20 years, but I recently discovered that a large part of the city center has huge cellars. It has underground canals that still date from the middle ages. You can discover them yourself with a guided tour.
Flor: Campo Santo in Sint-Amandsberg, the Père Lachaise of Gent. You definitely have to do a trip with the little boats on the Graslei. Most people believe it is a tourist trap, but it is so beautiful. Go and have dinner at Aperto/Chiuso (Sleepstraat 82), a delicious Italian restaurant in the middle of kebab places.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Ludovik: that already has to be a while ago since I spend too much time thinking to come up with something.
Flor: Going to see Smiths Westerns at the Chateau tent at the Pukkelpop Festival. Driving 70km with a woman in labour / Parachute jump…I can recommend it to everyone..It was great!
Can you name three major things on your ‘bucketlist’ – three things you want to realize before you ‘kick the bucket’…
Ludovik: There are still many places on earth I would like to see: Japan, Thailand, New York,… these are just some on my list. Also, I hope I will get the chance to go on holiday for more than 2 weeks…a couple of months or so.
Flor: Winning the lotto, buying a sailing boat and sail away to my wonderful house on a Greek island.
The proceeds from the sales of your bag will go entirely to Designers Against AIDS – What are your views on safe sex? Do you personally think it’s still important?
Absolutely! If you’ve read recent studies, you realize that we still have some work to do. We have to keep informing youth and adults on a regular basis on the consequences of aids. I have the impression that there is some kind of “habituation” going on and that a lot of people underestimate the risks they are taking.
