The various ‘suitcase’ modules are covered in recycled leather. Valises is a nod to the elegance of by-gone eras with a modern and fun twist. The design evokes the luxurious atmosphere of stylish leather suitcases. The wardrobe is an assemblage of six modules, each specifically designed to accommodate a type of garment. A puzzle that provides a place to store your most beautiful suits or dresses, your most precious shoes, your loveliest hats.
The aim was to design a dynamic and flexible storage system, the opposite of those big and heavy wardrobes, which are difficult to transport.
Maarten De Ceulaer (1983) was born in Belgium and started his education in design at the Sint-Lukas Hogeschool in Brussels. Attracted by conceptual and narrative design, he continued his studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven. A strong passion for travelling inspired his graduation project 'A Pile of Suitcases', which was immediately picked up by the renowned Milanese gallery Nilufar, that asked him to design an entire collection on the concept. Maarten caught international attention for the highly evocative, poetic and playful touch he gives his objects. He uses his work to tell stories, to stir people's emotions, to tickle their imagination or to make them wonder. A project can result from an observation of society, a reaction on something that crosses his path, but is mostly the expression of a very personal thought or feeling he wants to communicate. He continuously explores new materials and investigates in and plays with production techniques and crafts. The emotional and narrative aspect of objects is equally important for him as the functional.
His works have been awarded and nominated - Belgian Young Designer of the Year 2007, 2009 The New York Times selected him as one of 5 young designers to watch, Fendi selected him for the Design Performance at DesignMiami 2012, and in 2013 he received the prestigious Henry Van De Velde award for Young Talent. His work has featured in most international design magazines, publications and newspapers, and have been exhibited at galleries, museums, festivals and fairs worldwide.