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Behind the Designs
A Peek into the Creative Mind ofOne of
the World’s Top Designers
Story by Debra
Kronowitz
In an ongoing series, Design District
Magazine
sits down with top designers to get a glimpse into the creative
mindset. In this issue we spoke with
Serge de Troyer.
With a degree in decorating, an extensive background in fashion,
Belgian native de Troyer generates excitement and recognition that
follows here and abroad. You can find de Troyer’s products at Jalan
Jalan in the Miami Design District.
It’s been said your first love is decorating. Did you always dream
of being a decorator? Did you always imagine yourself creating your
own furniture and accessory line? |
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I
didn’t dream of being a decorator. As a child, my artistic talents were
nurtured by my mother. She greatly contributed to my inspiration, which
led me to enroll in decorating school. As a decorator, you really can’t
help but envision a piece of furniture or accessory that would complete
a décor, making it unique and leaving your artistic mark.
During your modeling career
you worked with some of the most influential designers – Vivienne
Westwood, Gianni Versace, Jill Sander, Valentino and Romeo Gigli to name
a few. Did they influence you to pursue a fashion background?
My modeling
career led me to Milan, Italy. I was fortunate to befriend the likes of
some of the greatest designers. During that time I attended extravagant
events hosted in beautiful residences. I remember thinking that the
décor in some of those homes was amazing. Through my exposure and
experiences, I have drawn inspiration to create and develop my talent.
My passion is not fashion, but the relationships between creation and
expression, color and balance, between décor and architecture.
What made you want to start your own collection?
I believe that the ultimate gift is creation. I have been blessed
with a fortunate sequence of events that have placed me in a position to
create my furniture line.
Explain the process you go through when you begin the creation of a new
product for your collections.
I am constantly thinking of how I can bring together different
mediums, such as different prints of leathers, metals and mirrors. I
start the process by sketching my ideas. From there, I finalize my
visions, work with a team to manufacture and perfect the piece onsite.
Do your ideas usually come swiftly, or do they grow slowly over time?
Generally, they come rather quickly. It’s the mystery of
inspiration; ideas can come from anywhere.
What inspires you to create a new product or design a new product?
One idea usually leads to another and yet another, overall
perfecting ideas. I design with people in mind; not as the masses but as
individuals with individual desires. Needless to say, we all have
essential needs as individuals – a place to live, sleep, eat, sit, etc.
My furniture line is intended to embrace those needs in an artistically
sophisticated and stylish manner.
Will you be introducing new lines in the near future? Can you give us a
sneak peek?
Yes, I have a new line coming out in the summer. Like my current
line, it is indoor-focused but will include new pieces, patterns and
refreshing colors.
What do you love most about what you do?
The creative outlet; it makes everyday exceptional and new. I truly
love the art of decorating and creating furniture.
What designers/architects/artists/artisans have inspired you?
I would like to think that the greatest inspiration comes from my
surroundings. Friends, family and loved ones always keep me inspired and
challenged.
What would you want the readers to know about you?
That I’m here to stay! I am continually working on new concepts for
my line.
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