Kris Van Assche

Kris Van Assche

Kris Van Assche is a Belgian fashion designer known for his minimalist and avant-garde approach to footwear design. Born on May 12, 1976, in Londerzeel, Belgium, Van Assche studied at the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills in fashion design. After graduating in 1998, he worked as an assistant to Hedi Slimane at Yves Saint Laurent and later at Dior Homme. In 2005, Van Assche launched his eponymous label, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative and unconventional designs. His signature style often incorporates clean lines, geometric shapes, and a monochromatic color palette, creating a futuristic and edgy aesthetic. Van Assche's shoe designs frequently feature unique materials, such as rubber, neoprene, and technical fabrics, pushing the boundaries of traditional footwear construction. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with various brands, including Eastpak and Lee, and has showcased his collections at prestigious fashion events like Paris Fashion Week. In 2007, Van Assche was appointed as the artistic director of Dior Homme, where he continued to develop his distinct vision and contributed to the brand's success until his departure in 2018. His work has been celebrated for its intellectual approach to design, blending elements of streetwear, tailoring, and contemporary art. Van Assche's influence on the fashion industry extends beyond his own label, as his designs have inspired a new generation of fashion designers and have helped shape the landscape of modern menswear and footwear design.

Belgian fashion designer, minimalist footwear, avant-garde style, Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts, geometric shapes, monochromatic palette, innovative materials

— Helen James