This new series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveil the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market; these COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offer different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk with Jacques Hopenstand.

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COLLECTIBLE: What tips would you give to a collector who wishes to start collecting contemporary design?

Jacques Hopenstand: Like with every collection, focus on pieces you get a crush on and you’ll like living with. Thinking about living with the object is even more important for collectible design than with Art in general. As the design objects have a use, you’ll get a particular relationship with the piece and how you use it. Then get informed. Learn about the gallery, the designer, their work; all of this will increase the connection and relationship you have with the piece.

Collectible design has a totally different approach; it brings a new story and a soul to the pieces. 

C: What do you think collectible design brings compared to other more massively produced pieces? 

Jacques Hopenstand: Collectible design has a totally different approach; it brings a new story and a soul to the pieces. We really feel the human touch embedded in the piece, that is created by the relationship between the artist and the craftsman. The fact that collectible design is produced in small editions of almost unique pieces creates a stronger connection with the object. Also, the way it’s produced, usually locally by talented craftspeople gives a completely different touch to  the piece.

C: How did you get into collectible design? Why did you start your gallery?

JP: It started quite naturally, we had a family business focused on high-quality craftsmanship, and we are passionate young art collectors. So at one point, it made sense to join these activities and to become editors by inviting artists to create wearable in the form of belts. 

C: What is the relation you hold with the designers you work with ? 

JP: We like to create special relationship with every artist we collaborate with. The whole project is about meeting new people and sharing. Every piece made is co-creation and we need to get to know the artist and understand their vision to craft a piece that will be representative of their work. Every relationship is different and all the meetings with our artists are very special. We are always amazed with how much we grow with each new collaboration and how these help us see things differently through the different designer's approaches to the work.

About Jacques Hopenstand

J.Hopenstand is a brand crafting bespoke leather goods. Since 2016, we are inviting contemporary artists to create sculpture by revisiting our reversible belts for our Art to Wear project. The artists are given carte blanche to create the buckle that is then edited in 20 pieces numbered and signed. Since the creation of the project nine artists participated.

Wearable Art has the fascinating characteristic to be at the edge of painting, sculpture, design and performance and to radically change the viewpoint on Art as not only the observer can move freely in space but also the piece itself.