Textile designer Marie Mees lives and works in a beautiful building in the center of Ghent, renovated by the architects of Coussée Goris Huyghe. Mees teaches at Saint-Luc and, with Cathérine Biasino, runs The Alfred Collection, a Belgian textile brand that puts craftsmanship, minimalism and beauty at the heart of its business.
The brand has its own permanent collection, but also works on demand. They are currently putting the finishing touches to a carpet design for the KGDVS Office. The Alfred Collection is not driven by trends or seasons, but by the two designers' sense and eye for aesthetics. The items (from bedding and table linen to cashmere scarves) are timeless and durable, and these are also things Marie looks for with other brands.
Marie notices the Kewlox cupboards at her friends’ houses too, and they’ve also found their way to her son’s home. A sign that the simplicity of the system is appreciated by many, and can find a spot in different styles and spaces.
“It’s a truly fantastic product, which defies trends and generations,” Marie explains. “If we were to move to a bigger atelier, I would even think of using the cabinets as a room dividers, creating different areas while adding extra storage. Ideas and options aplenty!”
Marie
Textile designer and co-CEO of the Alfred collection, Gent
Marie and Cathérine’s atelier is next door to Marie’s apartment. The calm space is an ideal working environment, providing plenty of space to test and experiment. The beautiful designer items – a unique chair by Maarten Van Severen or a rare vintage Thonet – make for an inspiring surrounding. For storage, Marie chose Kewlox cabinets:
“The simple system and design are really well thought of, and the cabinets are functional: you can fit in a lot of stuff and it can carry quite a few kilos. The cupboards here are filled to the brim with samples, fabric, products, … but everything remains still and sturdy.”
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