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A CONVERSATION WITH LOUIS APPELMANS: BEYOND THE DESIGNS
Louis Appelmans is an emerging designer whose creative journey began at La Cambre, where he developed his skills in design and storytelling. In September 2023, he launched Hotel Louis, a brand dedicated to crafting intricate silk scarves inspired by the unique charm and stories of hotels. Each piece blends elements of architecture, interior design, and personal narratives to create wearable works of art that evoke a sense of place and emotion.
With a focus on craftsmanship and originality, Louis is building a brand that reflects his vision and curiosity. Through Hotel Louis, he offers pieces that invite wearers to get lost in a fantasy, colourful hotel, and to explore bold ideas and intricate details.
INTERVIEW
What’s the last picture you took on your phone?
My boyfriend doing his makeup as Peau d’Âne.
What's your zodiac sign?
Virgo.
Which teacher had the biggest impact on your journey and why?
Steve Jakobs, my graphic design and drawing teacher at La Cambre. Thanks to him, I started drawing hotel rooms on scarves.
Which movie character do you identify with most?
The Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland.
What did you eat last night?
A lok lak in the Asian district.
Who would you choose to play you in a biopic?
Raphael Quenard.
What’s your favorite smell?
Oud.
What’s your favorite word?
The French word ”rigolo”.
What animal would scare you most if it entered the room you’re in?
A bat.
What’s your favorite rude word?
“You’re so lame.”
What’s your favorite place to cry in?
My bed.
What was the last Instagram account you liked?
@phalemp.artnouveau
What’s something slightly gross that you enjoy eating?
Sausages, applesauce, and mashed potatoes—it’s Belgian.
INTERVIEW
What was your favorite cartoon as a child?
The Incredibles.
What’s your least favorite color?
Unlike most people: black.
What’s your favorite vegetable?
Celery.
If you were a sauce, which one would you be?
Tarama.
What’s the last good movie you watched?
Aftersun by Charlotte Wells.
What’s your go-to wardrobe item?
My pants—I have tons of them.
If you were a plant, which one would you be?
Epiphyllum anguliger (zigzag cactus).
What’s your biggest embarrassment?
The times I couldn’t keep my mouth shut.
Tell us about your last dream.
Kylie Minogue was wearing shoes with bubble wands as stiletto heels, but at the front, and she managed to walk in them. It was the night after a ballet.
What career would you have pursued if not in fashion?
Dancer or comedian.
What’s your dream collaboration?
A house: Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, or Sunnei. Or with a beautiful hotel like Château Voltaire or a grand Four Seasons.
What’s the best costume you’ve worn? And the worst?
Best: gift-wrapped. Worst: dressed as Patrick from SpongeBob—I looked like a penis in a swimsuit.
What’s the worst question you’ve ever been asked?
“Can I be your girlfriend? I’ve always dreamt of having a gay best friend."
What’s your favorite object?
My inspiration books. To name one: Who is Sleeping on My Pillow by Mama Andersson and Jockum Nordström.
Do you prefer night or day?
Day.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken.
INTERVIEW
What’s your favorite piece in your latest collection?
The ”Swimming Pool” scarf.
What’s your greatest fear or phobia?
Feeling out of place at the end of a long project.
Which celebrity would you love to dress?
Fever Ray. Also: Grimes, Okay Kaya, Miranda July, Connan Mockasin, FKA Twigs, Róisín Murphy, serpentwithfeet, Marcia Cross, Ariana Grande, La Horde, Niagara, Raveena, Rihanna, Parris Goebel, Nicole Kidman, Bonnie Banane, Eartheater, ...
Is there a question you’d like to ask one of the designers represented by Autrement PR?
How does each designer envision their future given the diversity of their profiles?
What’s your go-to music while working? Can you share your playlist with us?
For a calm mood: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/35UvFQUzqUcsJOgqVAZpWy?si=Rgnh3HocRYq6HE7BX Aopyg&pi=e-y1FnWETfSMyb