Stéphanie D’heygere, the visionary behind the eponymous brand D’heygere, has captivated the fashion world with her unique ability to transform everyday items into luxurious, high-fashion accessories. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings and her extensive experience in the fashion industry, D’heygere’s designs challenge traditional notions of beauty and functionality.
hube: What sparked your passion for fashion and jewellery design? Was there a particular moment or experience that set you on this path?
I became passionate about fashion when I was a teenager. I was very fascinated by the industry but didn’t know at the time that I would study fashion design. I just really wanted to work in fashion. I was lucky enough that one of the best fashion schools is based in Antwerp (I’m from Belgium), so I thought I would try that. My passion for accessories came much later, during an internship at Lanvin where I was asked to design eyewear. A real eureka moment! And when I started working at Margiela in the accessories department, I knew for sure!
h: How do you find inspiration for your jewellery designs? Are there specific places, people or experiences that fuel your creativity?
Everywhere and at any time. I love to travel, stroll through flea markets, buy books, visit art exhibitions, and people-watch in the subway, on Instagram… I feel I’m constantly nourishing myself with inspiration. I take a lot of pictures, I always have a little notebook on me. So I document the things I like. And when the time comes, I already have plenty of inspiration and ideas.
h: People say art can be found in everything. What is your process for translating everyday objects into high-fashion pieces?
I totally agree. A nice proof of that is our manifesto that says: everything can become an accessory. So you just pick up something that surrounds you and by placing it in a specific way on your body, it becomes an accessory. What makes the difference between an everyday object and an everyday object turned into an accessory, is the way you present it. How do you make it look precious and luxurious? Material, proportion, packaging…
h: The Gentle Monster x D’heygere collaborations blew up the internet, with many celebrities and influencers all wanting to get a pair of original and groundbreaking eyewear. What is the most rewarding aspect of seeing people wear and interact with your designs?
I love it! It obviously makes me very proud and it means I’m going in the right direction, that I need to trust my gut. It’s the best motivation!
h: D’Heygere is set to launch a new collection in the upcoming months, and there is definitely going to be a lot of buzz about it. Could you give us some details about the main themes of this collection?
We’re launching our new collection at the end of September during Paris Fashion Week. It’s going to be a little more romantic and classic than the latest collections, but of course, mixed with some crazy elements. We will also be collaborating for the first time with a ready-to-wear brand that shows during the same week. Can’t wait to see how the jewellery will complete the looks on the runway.
h: Could you describe some unique elements or pieces in this new collection that set it apart from your previous work?
The pieces made in collaboration with the ready-to-wear brand will be slightly bolder because you want them to be more visible and more extravagant. Regarding my personal collection, there’s going to be a really cool clutch inspired by our manifesto.
h: Your designs often feature unique transformations, like rings that double as earrings and materials that create visual illusions. How do the ideas of transformation translate to this launch?
There will be some surprises!
h: Could you give us a sneak peek into any particular piece from the new collection that holds a special meaning or story for you?
I’m trying to go back to the beginnings of the brand with some more minimal pieces. I think it’s very important to renew yourself but one should also not lose track! And for the very first time, there’s a story telling the collection. It will be a fun presentation!
Photography courtesy of the D’HEYGERE