For Kris Van Assche, design has become more than just an extension of fashion; it is now a central language through which he explores form, materials and memory. As the boundaries between disciplines become increasingly blurred, the designer is turning towards collectible design, embracing objects that exist at the intersection of art, functionality, and sculpture.
Kris Van Assche is making his Milan Design Week debut
For Milan Design Week 2026, Van Assche will present his first major design showcase at the Fondazione Sozzani from 20 to 26 April. This marks a significant shift in his creative trajectory, as he introduces a new body of work that translates his refined aesthetic into three-dimensional objects.
At the heart of the showcase is the Nectar Vessels Bronzes series, a collection of sculptural vases created in collaboration with François Laffanour and his Laffanour | Galerie Downtown gallery. Designed as a contemplative installation, the pieces are displayed in a dreamlike pink garden, where the bronze forms resemble blooming flowers. Each piece is crafted with meticulous precision, contrasting matte, powdery exteriors with luminous interiors to reveal the natural pink-gold tones of the material. This project builds upon the long-standing dialogue between the designer and the gallery, which is rooted in their mutual passion for modern design and collectible artefacts.
Collectible design and new collaborations
Further expanding his presence in collectible design, Van Assche also unveils a new collaboration with Serax. Titled Rosamar, this collection comprises a series of ceramic vessels, including urns, jars and pots, which blend personal memory with a contemporary design language.
Drawing inspiration from childhood summers spent on the Costa Brava, the pieces reinterpret traditional ceramics through a modern lens, incorporating concrete-like clay, sharply defined glazing and geometric bases that disrupt conventional forms. Balancing functionality with sculptural autonomy, the collection reflects Van Assche’s evolving approach, in which objects carry both emotional resonance and architectural presence.
Courtesy of SERAX
Courtesy of SERAX
Courtesy of SERAX
