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published on 17.10.2022

Belgian sober aesthetic brought to New York

Lookback at our textile exhibition The gift to be simple, curated by Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano, presented in the frame of the 7th edition of New York Textile Month Festival. Through the textile-based works of 9 talented women, The Gift To Be Simple investigates the straightforwardness of Belgian design and how it correlates to a more sober aesthetic today: discovering excellence in everyday items. 

The visual and tactile experiences of textile designs are the iceberg tip of how they have come to life. From the past to the present day, textiles have literally been part of the Belgian landscape. 

“The strength of Belgian textiles comes from their education systems, which leads us to not only amazing fashion designers but also amazing textile designers. That extends to interiors. Everybody always asks me, ‘What is the definition of Belgian design and simplicity?’ It also comes from their openness and down-to-earthness, which the exhibit also embodies. It comes from their landscape, their industries, the mills, the linen fields — it’s all there in their history and DNA,” explained curator Philip Fimmano to WWD Magazine. “We’ve tried to illustrate there is much more to Belgian textiles than linen. There is also this creativity. We see it so easily in fashion. But I think a lot of people outside of Europe perhaps don’t know just how creative the rest of the design world is there.”

Through the textile-based works of 9 talented women, The Gift To Be Simple investigates the straightforwardness of Belgian design and how it correlates to a more sober aesthetic today: discovering excellence in everyday items.  As a trend forecaster, Lidewij Edelkoort has been observing the emergence of paired-back design for several years, noting that “In chaotic and fearful times, humanity will naturally look for answers and find solace in simplicity. People are trying to make the ordinary extraordinary.” Additionally, with many people relocating to rural regions during the pandemic, a more rustic approach is also impacting interiors, fashion and lifestyle. Therefore, upholstered furniture, tapestries and household items such as dish cloths, table linens, toweling and indulgent bedding formulate a trend towards more textiles and emotional tactility within the new home.  

THE DESIGNERS
Natalia Brilli, Emma Cogné, Alexia de Ville, Design for Resilience, Laure Kasiers, Charlotte Lancelot, Geneviève Levivier, Pascale Risbourg, Céline Vahsen.

Read more on the projects

 

The exhibition shares the honesty of natural materials expressed by a new generation of Belgian designers. May it be a connection to the essence of nature, the pertinence of still lifes or the question of wellness that forms part of our daily lives, the works articulate through muted palettes and handcrafted techniques. 

Belgium is Design chose to collaborate with Belgian photographer Laetita Bica for a series of portrait of the 9 textile designers. 
Taking photography as a process of dialogue, the hallmark of Laetitia Bica’s work is the active role that she assigns to her models and the originality of her compositions. Using the camera to blur boundaries, the young artist vocalizes instincts to produce images where every introspection reflects an event, an encounter, an emulsion. Close to musicians, designers, filmmakers and artists, she is an accomplice of a new generation, characterised by its inventiveness, integrity and desire for exploration. Inclusive and human, Laetitia Bica’s vision is stimulating and appealing, avoiding conflicts to underscore harmony.
laetitiabica.be