Why this interest in design?

I can't say that I've always had an interest in design, because as a child I don't think I even knew what design really was, but I was always interested in art and creativity. My parents were taking us to museums and exhibitions from a very early age, and many of these visits made a big impression on me. One of my favorite childhood memories was visiting the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres in Spain, which was like entering another universe or a fantastical dream. I've also always enjoyed drawing and making things with my hands, which was how I spent most of my childhood. So when the time came, design seemed a natural choice to me.

If you had to keep only one piece of your work, which one would it be and why?

I guess it would be the prototype of my Pile of Suitcases, which was my graduation project at the Design Academy Eindhoven. It was the first piece I made that I was truly happy with, in a close and often challenging collaboration with an extremely skilled leather craftsman that became a very good friend over the years. It is also the piece that brought me early recognition in the design world; it was my way in with Nilufar Gallery, with whom I'm still working today, and it was the start of a large collection of Suitcase inspired works, which are all very dear to me.

What are the fashion pieces that have always been with you, or have been important to you?

To be honest, I don't really have high fashion pieces that have always been with me, so I guess it might be better to leave this question out :)

What was the last song you listened to ?

Hunter from Portishead

What is the place that looks like you ?

Beritnica beach on the island of Pag in Croatia! It's a very pale white and sparse landscape with hardly any vegetation, which contrasts magnificently with the crystal clear bright blue and nice warm sea water!

Want to discover more? Meet Maarten on his website https://www.maartendeceulaer.com