It started at a rather young age, much less consciously. I was always very picky and stubborn when it came to what I was wearing, even when I was a little kid.There are stories of me absolutely wanting to wear shorts on a winter's day.
The clearer focus on wanting to do something related to fashion professionally came around when I was about 16 - I was already doing printed graphic T's and was certain I wanted to do something in the creative field. At first, my focus was more based on graphic design but turned more and more into fashion as I do have more of an interest in the 3D then 2D work, as well as a deep interest in fabrics and materials.

This might sound like a cliché but I can draw inspiration from everything around me. It varies from exhibitions, art and architecture to an image that comes by on Tumblr or a vintage piece I find on a market somewhere. People can inspire me as well, especially someone on the street that is dressed way off and interestingly different.

For the last collection it was really a matter of going back to the essence of my brand, looking again at what defines my aesthetic as a designer and tweaking and updating it to become what is - in my eyes - my best collection to date. It is also about revisiting classic items from the rich heritage of menswear. It includes references to groups uniting and a sense of protest, which I think is something obviously relevant in our current time.

Clean and graphic shapes, with an emphasis on bold prints, great materials and details.

That’s a good one. I don’t really remember when it started – ages ago. I was already drawing and scribbling when I was little, also using my dad’s Windows 3.1 laptop with painted back in the days around the 97’s – that turned into designing T-shirts during high school and continued throughout my Fashion course – always had an interest in graphic art, architecture and photography as well.

I wouldn’t really say that. Obviously the digitization allows me to make this kind of work, but it’s not because of that why I use digital tools. It’s just the ideal means for me to create the perfect geometrical shapes and repeats that I like to work with. Since I’ve been doing it from a young age as well, it really feel like a natural extent of myself, a really easy and clean way to turn my ideas into visuals.

Both experiences were great – though different as well. My time at McQueen taught me loads and was also my first view on the real fashion world, in it’s most intense form. I had a great time over there and it had a big impact on my design aesthetic. Living in London for 6 months was also very inspirational. Raf Simons was the reason I moved to Antwerp just after I graduated and was another great opportunity. Again, just as at McQueen, a very nice and small team and loads to learn and, this time, it also meant the opportunity to meet and work with one of my heroes.

I think there’s a lot going on in menswear at the moment, on all different levels – from casual commercial to denim, to super high-end. There’s also quite a lot of young menswear designers doing interesting things and, in general, I perceive a growing interest and respect for menswear, which is great!

Well, that’s going to have to remain a mystery for a little bit longer. You can definitely expect new print works and a great selection of fabrics – the core of every MP collection – and a really nice, relaxed and carefree summer vibe.

More, better, bigger. More stockists, bigger and better collection also including accessories and just to keep continuously improving and reinventing myself and the brand. I would also really like to start some (longterm) collaborations with other brands, how, what and where still needs to be defined!