Wool Week Belgium – Tim Van Steenbergen

The Wool Week Antwerp exhibition showcases a beautiful piece of Belgian designer Tim Van Steenbergen. The Campaign for Wool has asked Tim questions about his work and inspiration.

Please tell us a little about yourself and how your designs utilize wool?

The label started 12 years ago in 2002. We began as a small multifunctional brand. Our inspiration always comes from my “World of Living”. Stories that I get from theatre, ballet, books etc. like the story of Agnes Richter I based the piece I made for the exhibition during Wool Week Antwerp upon.

Recently we started a collaboration with the FNG Group who deals with a lot of aspect in my company, such as production and sales. This gives me the freedom to focus on the creative side.

Wool is always present in our collections. Our basic materials our pure new wool, pure silk and pure cotton. We choose sustainable, versatile materials. Wool is a stable fibre, with which one can experiment., like washing effects, which is important for my pieces. You can use it for so many types of garments, like knitwear, jackets, trousers, dresses.

How do you source wool?

Our team visits trade shows like Premiere Vision and Pitti Filati for the materials. We use mainly Italian spinners like… for our Merino knitwear. But also fabrics from the UK like Harris Tweeds.

Are there any plans to introduce more wool in your collection?

We are now working on our Autumn/Winter collection 15/16. It will all be about structure and layering and a lot of wool knitwear will be included.

What is your opinion about The Campaign for Wool and your participation in Wool Week?

I applaud every initiative to inform the consumer about quality and craftsmanship. It is time that the consumer realizes where materials come from. Wool is natural and available as long as there are sheep around to be shorn.

Wool Object for Wool Week Antwerp

‘I came across the work of Agnes Richter, a mentally ill women who in the late 1890s embroidered her straight jackets with words. All her feelings, her doubts, her sorrow can be read in the intricate handwork. She saw her wardrobe as her diary. I have translated her work into a handmade piece of my own. It’s intimate, yet nobody needs to know what it’s all about.’

Curator of the Wool Week expo, freelance journalist Veerle Windels on Tim Van Steenbergen:

Tim Van Steenbergen graduated in 2000 and immediately knew where his passion lay: in draping and experimenting with couture techniques. His eponymous line was launched in 2002 and is still sold around the world. As a multitasker, Tim also collaborates with other brands, from sunglasses to shoes. He’s internationally lauded as a costume designer as well.