The Next Creative Directors: Annaëlle Reudink

Annaëlle Reudink
22 years old
MA at Royal Academy of Art Antwerp

Jane Lewis: What’s one of the first things you ever designed?

Annaëlle Reudink: I think the first time I really designed was my first year skirt project. I was really intentional with it. But for as long as I can remember I've been drawing and making things.

J: What is your design ethos?

A: This is difficult! It changes, but right now I feel like it's based around transformation: using clothes to turn yourself into a whole other character that's still you, but maybe you would never be able to make that change without the clothes to help you. I want my designs to create a wonder, and a feeling of being intrigued. Like, “How was this made? Why was this made? Why is there a crochet mouse in her pocket?” I love adding unexpected details that have personal meaning to me. What excites me is how others might see those details differently and give their own stories to the pieces.

J: What was your dream when you were little?

A: I’ve always had too many dreams to count—and I still do. I want to do more than what seems possible in one lifetime. I have this constant need to create and learn new things. I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop, I’m not sure I even know how to. Every new dream I have, and they change daily, leads to another.

J: What piece of media has had the most profound impact on you?

A: The Brothers Grimm fairy tales had a huge impact on me when I was young. I used to read them every night, so often that I practically knew them by heart. They are fairy tales, but I feel that they’re more dark and mysterious. I was a bit obsessed with finding the deeper meaning behind the words. I like when a story becomes clearer the more you read it because you constantly find hidden meanings in each sentence. I was inspired by that in my designs: Beauty, but also danger, full of details that all give it a deeper meaning. I like the contrast of horror and wonder. 

J: Who is your favorite artist?

A: Right now, I’m really inspired by Rinus Van de Velde. I admire the way he creates entire worlds within his art. There’s a certain intensity and constant need to create in his work that resonates with me deeply.

J: What do you do when you’re not sewing?

A: I’m a bit obsessive and always creating. I’m finding it harder and harder to go to bed at a normal hour for the last year. When I have something in my head, it has to be made, whether I’m crocheting, embroidering, drawing, or painting.

J: How many hours did you sleep last night?

A: A lot. I was a bit overworked so I needed it, but most nights, sleep and I have a complicated relationship.

J: If white wasn’t the normal color of paper, what color should it be?

A: I like beige or black. I don't like white paper. Black really makes colors pop.

J: Favorite medium for transposing your ideas?

A: The biggest, thickest paper possible with oil crayons or aquarelle (watercolors). In terms of fashion, I love using beads [to transpose my ideas].

J: Do you have a favorite color?

A: Red!