Let’s start at the beginning of your journey. Could you tell us what sparked your interest in fashion design?
I’ve never been interested that much in fashion itself but more so in the human body. I was torn for a while between studying fine arts and fashion, and because I realized that everything I was intrigued by was connected to the human body, I decided on fashion and textile. I loved the movement of clothing, how it interacts with our bodies, and how we can use clothes to shape and form our identity in such a visible and direct way. During my studies, I slowly got closer to the body, showing more skin. But only after graduation, I realized that lingerie and bodywear was what I really wanted to do.
You now mainly focus on lingerie design. Has lingerie always fascinated you?
In a way it always has. Growing up, I had this fascination with courtisanes and (other) powerful women in history. Even when I didn’t know exactly what they would wear or do, I felt intrigued by the idea of their feminine power behind closed doors. This idealized idea of sensual power is what later on became the beginning of my love for lingerie.
What usually inspires you when initially designing a collection, and how do you search for your themes?
This depends per collection or piece. I usually get ideas through the year and when I get one which keeps intriguing me, I develop it into a concept. For the collection ‘Cover your fake nudes but show me your real skin’, I was looking at the moment where covered up morphs into exposed when someone is getting (un)dressed. Anything can become a theme but there is always this link to the human body.
Who do you have in mind when you design?
Always myself and the people I admire. I make things I would love to wear myself when I feel my most sensual and liberated. My designs are for everyone who owns their sensuality.
Can you name any particular courtisane or an influential woman in history who inspires you the most and why?
For me, it was more the idea that intrigued me than concrete examples. My intrigue was sparked for the first time by a fictional character in a book, and later on, I learned how this had happened in history itself.
What feeling would you like to evoke in those who wear your work? Is there any sensation you want to send/leave to the wearer?
I want the wearer to feel like a Goddess. Sensual, confident and glowing in your own skin.
You also started experimenting with latex. Can we expect a latex line from your studio?
Yes, I just started to learn the techniques of working with latex but I am sure this is something that I will continue with. I love how it comes even closer to the body, a second skin.
Does GDDSS lingerie studio have a particular desire to fulfil?
Yes, I want to contribute to freeing people in their sexual desires. Giving confidence to the ones wearing my clothes, helping in my own little way to create a more open-minded world where there is less judgement towards those who are unafraid of living their desired sexuality.
