Alain Gilles on connection, Belgian design and Antwerp Design Week

We could give you countless reasons why we believe in Antwerp Design Week. But sometimes, it means more to hear it from someone else. That is why we are proud to introduce one of our ambassadors. In the coming weeks, you will discover a series of personal stories, each offering a unique perspective on the experience.

Meet Alain Gilles, a Belgian designer driven by a deep sense of connection.

How did you build your career as a designer?

“It all starts with connection. You have to put yourself out there. Being a designer is not only about creating, it’s also about representing your work and the brands you collaborate with. Relationships and trust are essential.”

In today’s digital world, real connections often get lost. Can Antwerp Design Week change that?

“Yes, absolutely. What makes ADW special is that people are truly present. Owners, designers, decision-makers. You get direct feedback, real conversations. It feels more human, more open. That’s something we’re missing in many other formats.”

How would you describe Antwerp Design Week in three words?“

Proximity. Welcoming. Human.”

How do you see Belgian design today?

“Belgian design has become very credible. It’s creative, but also grounded. There’s a strong balance between being artistic and realistic.We have a deep respect for materials, and there’s a dynamic new generation pushing things forward. You also see more collectible design, which opens up new ways of thinking about value and accessibility.”

“Belgian design has become very credible. It’s creative, but also grounded.

What role do initiatives for young creatives play today?

“They are crucial. As a young designer, you need visibility, but even more importantly, feedback. It’s through conversations with people, journalists, visitors, that you start to understand your own identity as a designer. That process shapes everything.”

What is the biggest difference between a design week and a design fair?

“A fair is efficient for business, but it often misses something. The inspiration of a city.

A design week adds that dimension. You discover places you wouldn’t normally visit, smaller brands, different atmospheres. It becomes a much richer experience.”

What are you personally looking forward to during ADW?

“Seeing new talents, the ‘new kids on the block’, and reconnecting with people I know. Those moments of exchange are always valuable.”

What does visibility during a design week mean for a designer?

“It brings a lot of attention to your work. What’s strong about ADW is that it combines design with the experience of the city. That attracts international visitors. They can discover many designers in a short time, while also experiencing Antwerp. And it reminds people how many strong Belgian brands there actually are.”

 We are a small country, but that’s also our strength. We absorb influences, we are open, shaped by different cultures and

Do you believe in ‘Belgian design’ as a label?

“Yes, definitely. There is a real opportunity. Like Italian or Nordic design, Belgium can build a strong identity. We are a small country, but that’s also our strength. We absorb influences, we are open, shaped by different cultures and languages.Belgian design is like a sponge. And that makes it unique.”