LABMEMBER 3244
GHENT
Soki

The story of Soki is one of two serendipitously intertwined minds that found each other at the Ghent Academy of Arts, both studying architecture. It soon became diffcult to prepare separate projects as the ideas and forms in their heads were so similar. After starting to work as architects, they decided to launch a creative concept together called Soki. Their collection of jewellery and accessories can be seen as a continuation of their quest for pure forms, cocoons, and inhabited objects. Anything can be an inspiration but the premise for all objects is a white base, and forms imprinted with images of daily scenes and objects, collages, old-fashioned family pictures, kisses and stamps. The white basic layer is a feminine, fresh and yet strong statement in a reaction against superfluous luxury and accessories. That makes it an accessory collection that is against bling. Purity and essence are the core values of these two young talents, and they plan to keep it that way, in whatever form it may come. Their objects are discreetly yet strongly present. The collection consists of rings, earrings, pins, brooches, necklaces and postcards. Everything is handmade and can be customised with personal prints, words or dates. People can even ask for a specific creation based on their preferences and personality, without, of course, forgoing the basic concept/ ideas/thoughts of Soki.

text: Karen Van Godtsenhoven

LABMEMBER 3947
GHENT
Elles de Koe

Elles de Koe participated in the highly popular TV talent show ‘De Designers’. She loves old clothes and the nostalgia that goes with them. She adds changes, turning everything around, creating a new function. The result is suprising, unique and very personal.

LABMEMBER 3628
ANTWERP
Kim Stumpf

Kim Stumpf is a young designer, based in Antwerp. She studied fashion design at the Antwerp Academy and La Cambre in Brussels, where she graduated with distinction in 2007. During her studies, she did internships at several famous fashion houses and was selected at different international contests and fashion shows. Her first work experience as designer was with Natan, in Belgium. She worked as a costume designer for the artist Hans Op de Beeck and is now preparing her first womens’ wear collection A/H 2011-2012. Focused on one product, based on a niche market, it is a high fashion ready-towear collection, containing innovative and timeless design with surprising tailoring and attention on high-quality fabrics.

LABMEMBER 3227
EVERBERG
Laura Van Neygen

Laura Van Neygen, 23, became an interior designer after studying at “Fashion & Styling” (Syntra Brussels) and the Sint Lukas Hogeschool. During an internship with Michaël Verheyden, she developed a passion for fashion. She has a holistic approach, looking for a coherent concept, preferably with a touch of humour. She wants to create clothes with a ‘happy’ feeling. Fashion needs to be able to generate emotion. Design and shape are important. That became quite clear when she presented a piece during the Designer Trail 2008 in Brussels. It’s a symbiosis of three themes: photographer David Hamilton, Les Garçonnes and 3D. The dress is completely made out of white pom-poms. It won the Public’s award.

LABMEMBER 3281
GHENT
Glasjuweel

Collection Sweet Memories Candy bundles pure happiness and the innocent enjoyment of childhood memories. The new jewellery collection launched by designer Elisabeth Leenknegt takes you on a magical journey into cherished memories, reflected in the playful shapes and enchanting colours of her blown-glass necklaces, earrings and rings. Everything she does is flawlessly complemented with precision metalwork, as a finishing touch. The collection recollects the allure of old-fashioned sweets that generous grandparents or relatives gave as special gifts, with their enticing names such as clove rock, pear drops, lemon sherbet, mint humbugs, cream fudge, bulls eyes, jelly babies and dolly mixtures. The sweetest memories are frequently intertwined with the senses of taste and smell. In this way, sweets emphasise the joyful moments in life, bringing to mind births and birthdays, weddings, Sundays, Halloween, Easter and Christmas. Elisabeth Leenknegt reverses the roles and translates the traditional candy techniques into a unique blown glass collection: Sweet Memories.

Flanders Today and the international creative think tank Addictlab are partnering up to inspire you with the work of Flemish creative minds.

The lab itself has originated from the region’s fertile grounds, and the important Flemish selection of today’s 4000 creative thinkers from 150 countries is proof of the innovation culture in Flanders.

Flanders Today will be diving in this huge database of people and concepts, and bringing you a selection regularly.

Following Addictlab’s adagio ‘Creativity is Chemistry©, you will discover geniuses from different disciplines, such as art, design, fashion & so many more. This week we’re proud to show you talented ‘labmembers’ active in “fashion”.

#1 Transport March
#2 Art and Photography April
#3 Social media May
#4 Fashion June
#5 Eco July
#6 Design August
#7 Bio September

Do you want to be on these pages? Are you a Flanders based creative mind? Then go to www.addictlab.com & register as a labmember.