From Fashion to Furniture: Kris Van Assche Makes His Milan Design Week Debut
The renowned Belgian fashion designer expands his creative footprint with striking bronze sculptures and a new Serax ceramics collection.
Summary
- Former Dior Homme and Berluti creative director Kris Van Assche is officially making his Milan Design Week debut at the Fondazione Sozzani
- The showcase features “Nectar Vessels Bronzes,” an otherworldly series of limited-edition sculptural vases crafted in collaboration with Laffanour | Galerie Downtown
- Alongside his bronze work, Van Assche is expanding his partnership with Belgian design firm Serax to launch a contemporary ceramic collection dubbed “Rosamar”
Belgian fashion designer Kris Van Assche is officially stepping outside his sartorial comfort zone to make his highly anticipated Milan Design Week debut. Best known for his influential tenure at the creative helms of Dior Homme and Berluti, the visionary designer is bringing an otherworldly range of bronze vessels and a brand-new ceramics collection to the Fondazione Sozzani from April 20 to April 26.
Serving as the centerpiece of his Milan showcase, the “Nectar Vessels Bronzes” series was conceived alongside Paris art dealer François Laffanour. The installation is designed to offer a contemplative respite amid the frenzy of the design festival, featuring a pink garden where the vase sculptures emerge from the ground like blossoming flowers. Crafted at the Fodor Foundry in France, the 14-piece collection boasts intense, matte powdery exteriors that intentionally contrast with gleaming, polished interiors to reveal the natural pink-gold hue of the bronze.
In addition to his intricate bronze work, Van Assche is continuing his growing relationship with Belgian design firm Serax. Following his initial “Josephine” vase collection, he is introducing “Rosamar,” a series of sculptural urns, jars, and pots. Rooted in childhood memories of family trips to the Costa Brava, the contemporary designs feature concrete-like clay, sharp color-blocked glazing, and distinctive square bases that break away from traditional throwing processes.
While Van Assche is fully embracing the technical precision of industrial design, he is not abandoning his fashion roots. The designer recently unveiled a 13-piece apparel collaboration with British heritage brand Fred Perry and is currently wrapping up a second season for Anta Zero. Moving forward, he plans to maintain a diverse portfolio that seamlessly bridges the gap between luxury fashion, contemporary art, and innovative home design.
Kris Van Assche’s design installations will be on display at Fondazione Sozzani in Milan from April 20 through April 26, 2026.
