Wander/Wonder

Men's Folio speaks to Stéphanie D'heygere - the mastermind devising all the cult-worthy D'heygere eccentrics - to break down the full spectrum of her eponymous label.

- Vanessa Grace Ng 

D'heygere may be best known for a cutting-edge, surrealistic take on gems and accessories. But founder Stéphanie D'heygere schooled by Maison Margiela, Dior, Y/Project and also, the world - is nimble and wonder-eyed. To the Belgian national, limitations and lines of "adornments" invite defiance, and what entices are forms all tangible and intangible. She, who has clocked up a chockfull of miles in travel - and even more in achievements from 2023 alone - radiates invigoration, a quality that seems to secure her a position as a favourite among other independent labels. Some of the label's ardent followers include the star-power of most of K-Pop, creative forces like Glenn Martens and Ca Cadwallader, and the design teams of Longchamp and Gentle Monster. In conversation with the Belgian desginer, she unravels her ethos that alchemises the brand to new, golden heights.

HI STEPHANIE, HOW HAS 2023 BEEN FOR YOU?

Amazing! Hectic! Intense! We had two very successful collaborations with the brand (Longchamp and Gentle Monster) and presented a new collaboration with Medea during our showroom in September; won a fashion award in Belgium (Jury Prize at the Belgian Fashion Awards), moved into a new apartment with my boyfriend in Paris, spent nice holidays with friends and family abroad (Thailand, Kenya and Spain), and finished designing a 6,000sqm co-working space in the heart of Antwerp. I need to pinch myself sometimes! I treasure all these unique moments.

D'HEYGERE IS YOUR EPONYMOUS LABEL, SO HOW MUCH OF STÉPHANIE DO WE SEE IN D'HEYGERE, AND HOW MUCH D'HEYGERE DO WE SEE IN YOU?

There's a lot of Stéphanie in the brand. I think it's important that a brand embodies the founder; that's what makes the brand unique. But the brand also only exists because I have a great team surrounding me