This series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveils the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offers different views to suit all tastes. Today we speak with KERSTENS.

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

KERSTENS: For us, collectible design seeks a much deeper exploration of both concept and material. It often resonates with art, current events, materiality, fashion, and other design disciplines, ethical and political or other convictions. It invites the audience to engage with design in a more profound and refreshing way, moving beyond mere aesthetic appreciation to embrace the full narrative. It challenges conventional perceptions by revealing the layers of thought and intention behind each piece. Moreover, the production chain and relationships within collectible design are fundamentally different. There is a heightened sense of care and respect for every link in the process, from conception to realisation. This attention to detail and commitment to integrity elevate the value of each unique piece. For us, the true significance of collectible design lies in this authenticity, where storytelling, craftsmanship, and vision converge into a singular, meaningful creation.

C: How do you position your city in the global design market, what makes your city unique, trends?

K: Antwerp, our home city, remains an endless source of artistic and cultural inspiration. It thrives on a vibrant tapestry of creative projects woven into everyday life, while offering a platform for emerging talents who bring innovative and refreshing ideas to the design world. The city's direct relationship with other art forms fosters a unique perspective on conventional design. This cultural synergy cultivates a fertile ground for creativity and experimentation. Additionally, Antwerp is home to renowned architects and fashion designers who influence the global international scene, reinforcing the city’s status as a pioneering force in the international design landscape.

C: How does the digital sphere impact your work? What is your relationship to 3D, AI etc?

K: Digitalization significantly influences our industry, primarily serving as a supportive tool and a means to optimize efficiency. However, it is often perceived in a purely functional and business-oriented way. I believe there are vast untapped opportunities to integrate digitalization more profoundly into the creative process. Designers should be encouraged to look beyond the practical aspects of software, exploring the deeper potential it offers. AI applications, in particular, are advancing rapidly and will soon become fundamental in daily workflows. We embrace these technologies while preserving our identity and signature, ensuring our creations remain unique and never diluted by standardization.

C: How do you navigate the balance between embracing technological advancements in your design process while preserving traditional craftsmanship?

K: We perceive technology as influencing two key areas: creation and production. In the realm of creation, it is crucial to safeguard the values, identity, and signature of the designer. This authenticity must remain untouched by digital influences. On the production side, technology and traditional craftsmanship can seamlessly coexist. It serves as a supportive tool that enhances possibilities but must always engage in dialogue with the artisan. We employ the latest techniques to optimize processes, yet the irreplaceable value of handcraft remains paramount. Craftsmanship ultimately determines the execution and finishing, ensuring our pieces retain their unique character and authenticity.

C: How do collaborations with artisans or craftspeople influence the final outcome of your collectible design pieces?

K: The impact of collaborating with master artisans and craftspeople cannot be overstated. Their involvement brings an unparalleled added value to our creations, not only by realizing the pieces as they were originally envisioned by us or the designer but also through their enrichment and technical refinements. Often, they offer a completely different perspective on what may initially seem like trivial matters. In my view, a design can only be enhanced by collaborating with the right artisans. This synergy elevates the piece on every level, technically, functionally, and aesthetically, resulting in a final outcome that is as refined as it is profound.

C: Can you talk about a new piece / collection that you release for COLLECTIBLE this year?

K: We are unveiling our Mono collection, a series born from the pursuit of balance, geometry, and proportion. It embodies a timeless design language, subtly echoing archetypal forms from antiquity. The centerpiece of this collection is our side table, crafted by world-renowned glass artisans. This piece is uniquely cast in solid glass, imbuing it with a distinct character and an ever-changing presence that responds to light and its surroundings. This dynamic and almost mystical quality invites viewers to engage with the Mono collection in an entirely new way, offering a fresh perspective beyond its familiar natural stone counterparts.

C: How did you get into collectible design? Why did you focus your practice on this type of design rather than industrial design?

K: Our roots lie in interior architecture, with a focus on atmospheric spaces that foster a deep connection with the inhabitant. We embrace the power of art and design within a timeless framework, allowing us to craft personal narratives for each user. To achieve this, it is essential to distance ourselves from the conventional and the familiar. This approach enables us to create not only a distinctive aesthetic but also a deeper emotional resonance for the residents. Through this pursuit, we developed a unique vision for collectible design, leading to the creation of our first Rift piece in 2018. This journey paved the way for several commissioned pieces for private clients, allowing us to delve even deeper into the world of collectible design.

C: How has your practice evolved since you started to work in collectible design?

K: In our early interpretations of collectible design, we often underestimated its profound impact. As we became more familiar with the field and its market dynamics, we challenged ourselves to become more inventive in both creation and production. Our quest for innovative materials and techniques has deepened over the years, constantly questioning whether a piece genuinely contributes to the design world or resolves conceptual narratives. Our work has evolved to embrace a reflective design process, with a primary focus on timelessness and achieving perfection in proportion and balance, while exploring pioneering production methods and materials. This ongoing evolution defines our approach to creating meaningful and enduring designs.