Meet the Designer
Christian Wijnants
WHERE DO YOU GATHER INSPIRATION?
From actual traveling and imaginary trips through reading, watching movies and going to art exhibits. I’m always paying attention to small details and things that trigger me whenever I walk down the street or discover a new space. My last collection was inspired by artist Christo. His approach on embracing different elements, playing with shapes and volumes, wind and water is what moved me to design the Summer 17 collection.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY UNIFORM?
Quite sober: Acne jeans. Sneakers or A.P.C boots and white t-shirt. During winter time I’m wearing a cozy jumper every day, sometimes even the ones I've designed myself. I like to keep my style very simple and clean, not to influence my daily work in choosing fabrics and colors.
WHAT IS YOUR MORNING RITUAL?
First I like to spend a few extra minutes in bed just thinking ahead of what I need to do that day. Then I make myself the most important meal of the day which is one gigantic smoothie including fruits, oatmeal, dried fruits, spinach, nuts and seeds. I walk my two dogs in the park which is a precious moment to calm down before a busy day with a positive mood. At a quarter before nine I head to the office by bike.
Super health lifestyle ;)
DESCRIBE THE AESTHETIC OF YOUR HOME.
I like to mix vintage elements with design. Pieces I’ve found on the street and in different places with more expensive pieces. Every single piece has a history and a story. I like to collect artworks from close friends or people I work with. It’s important to me that my space is cozy and eclectic, yet minimal and peaceful.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE?
By having daily routines and by spending enough quality time with my family, friends and loved ones. Making time to cook and bake and walk the dogs and do simple things that make your life harmonious and happy.
WHERE IS YOUR IDEAL VACATION SPOT?
A beach somewhere in the Mediterranean sea, not too far away from culture and great food. For example Sicily, Mallorca, Tel Aviv, …
About Christian Wijnants
Christian Wijnants is a Belgian fashion designer born in 1977 in Brussels. In 1996 he moved to Antwerp to study fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.As a young designer he went on to work with Dries Von Noten and Angelo Tarlazzi. In 2003 Wijnants launched his namesake label.
His line uses rich, layered graphics combined with beautiful craftsmanship, give his line a dose of originality and luxury. He draws inspiration from surrealism, dada and African folk art and is especially praised for his knitwear research and for his feminine and poetic style.
