Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Design

Isabel Lane reveals what designers hold deer this season, and has the lowdown on Vincent Van Duysen

TREND WATCH

Stag party
The monarch of the glen takes centre stage in this winter’s interiors

Bringing a wholesome dose of the outdoors inside never goes out of fashion, particularly during winter months if it provides a sense of cosiness – or as the Danes would say, hygge. And what better way to evoke the wilds of the forest while also conveying that ‘roaring hearth in a rustic cabin’ vibe than with the proud, antlered stag as a wall-hung feature? This hunting lodge staple has been given a new lease of life by designers such as Frédérique Morrel (www.frederiquemorrel.com), with his tapestry trophies. Brit designer Nigel Coates’ latest collection for Italian furniture company Fratelli Boffi(www.fratelliboffi.it) was also inspired by English country pursuits, and includes glass-topped tables with beautifully crafted timber legs carved to resemble antlers. Textile and fabric designers, meanwhile, are parading the stag as an elegant motif, from Casamance’s textured flock Las Nieves (www.casamance.com) to By Nord’s photographic depictions of the beasts on cushions and duvets (www.bynord.dk). And the best thing about this new trend?

No animals were harmed in its making…

LOG ON TO…

Eco-chic Danish bike brand biomega.dk has been known to commission top designers, including Marc Newson and Ross Lovegrove, to create its bicycles. The company’s latest collaboration, however, is with sports brand Puma, with whom it has produced five models tailor-made for city living. The bikes can be specified in various colours and sizes, and as folding-frame models. What’s more, they can be shipped anywhere. www.puma-bikes.com

PROFILE

Vincent Van Duysen
Architecture and interior design of minimalist beauty

Established
In Antwerp in 1990, by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen. What? Architect/designer known for purist architecture and understated products for the likes of B&B Italia, Poliform, Swarovksi and Cappellini, amongst others.

Where?
He’s designed stores, cafes, offices and private residences at home in Belgium, and also abroad in Paris, Milan and New York.

He says
“My work is subtle, timeless and pure.”

He loves
“Walking my dog, going to the gym and visiting art galleries and museums.”

Favourite Antwerp spots
“Kloosterstraat is great for vintage and antiques, and I like Zurenborg for the art nouveau and art deco residences. Graanmarkt 13 is a great concept store that serves Belgian cuisine and hosts events, while Louis is a landmark in the city for designer menswear. Copyright is a cool art and architecture bookshop, which I also designed. The Den Hopper bar plays jazz and attracts a creative crowd.”

What’s next?
“I’m developing projects for DePadova, B&B Italia, Poliform and Tribù. There are architecture projects underway in New York, Beirut and Jeddah, plus interiors in Riyadh and London. In Belgium I’m opening a youth hostel in 2011.”

We love
The Totem shelving system for Dutch brand Pastoe, for its elegance, rhythmic beauty and modular flexibility – it can be customised to suit your needs. www.vincentvanduysen.com

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