Jan-Jan Van Essche was born in Antwerp, Belgium, where he has his design studio. He’s a 2003 graduate of the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts. In June 2010 Jan-Jan Van Essche launched his eponymous label.

And yet, the one who is known for his clean approach rich in natural tones and subtle textures has long been waiting to come to Paris. For those who know his brand, this slowness comes as no surprise since it is still an intrinsic part of his creative process – we remember his first collection, called “Yukkuri” – a Japanese term meaning slowness, or taking one’s time.

The human collective culture remains an endless inspiration for Jan-Jan Van Essche to create new garments with each new design a genuine attempt to open up new perspectives and to push conflicting dialogues forward into unification.

The conventional silhouette is amplified, so that each individual garment literally leaves room for interpretation, engendering openness. Unlike classic Western approach to confine and shape the body, Jan-Jan provides the body the luxury and freedom to shape the garment

ZEAL is a collaborative fashion film directed by Ramy Moharam Fouad on the new SS23 Collection#13 ZEAL from Antwerp based designer Jan – Jan Van Essche.

With COLLECTION#13 – ZEAL the designer wants to send out a message of encouragement, starting with a note to oneself. A motivation to lift up the spirit, to reawaken dormancy and to find strength and perseverance from within. A spring & summer wardrobe of individual garments; each sheltering one’s core with the utmost tenderness.