With 20 to watch, Flanders DC presents twenty emerging talents, who recently took their first steps in the worlds of design or fashion. We believe they will have great success in the future.

Who is Arthur Vandergucht?

• studied interior design at LUCA School of Arts Ghent
• exhibited his work at Collectible in Brussels and Alcova in Milan
• has his studio in his father’s garage

During my studies, I discovered my love for sculptural furniture and objects. Combined with my love of metalwork, I developed a personal visual language. While most designers would hide a structural element such as the pop rivets, I simply use them as decorative elements. The way the furniture is constructed and how the different pieces of metal merge into one whole also give a special dynamic to my work. It is fascinating that you can visually deduce the construction from the design. I strive to simplify the design to a minimum, both structurally and visually. When I look at an object, it is always through technically artistic glasses. Above all, I want to continuously improve myself. The functional aspect is thus less essential.

Although I had the opportunity to make 18 tables for Mix Brussels’ hotel lobby and created a unique piece for the 25th anniversary of Hugo Boss perfume, finding the right balance between the artistic and business aspects remains a challenge. I am 100% confident in what I do, and will not let an outsider discourage me. If you stay true to yourself artistically, then I am convinced that the business side will be fine in the long run anyway.

In the meantime, I mainly try to have a lot of fun and reinvent myself over and over again. For instance, I was already working with aluminium and metal, and I am also experimenting with other materials. I rarely make sketches. I like being very hands-on when I work.