Katerin Theys
‘I create architecture for the silhouette’
Katerin Theys was always passionate about fashion. At the age of six, she already loved to sew and was fascinated by fabrics and how to cut them. While studying interior architecture at UHasselt, her passion continued to flourish, but it was only in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most creative cities, that she found her true calling. And the hand-made fabrics, refined craftsmanship and endless energy only fuelled her dreams. ‘Those beautiful jacquard fabrics were simply begging to be transformed into elegant garments,’ says the Belgian fashion designer.
WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS
What originally started out as a creative outlet unexpectedly grew into an ambitious adventure. ‘As an interior designer, I found myself working with the most beautiful fabrics – a feast for the eyes that sparked my imagination. I spent all my spare time designing clothes for myself. I loved scouring shops for the most enchanting fabrics, the collaboration with local tailors: that’s where I was able to give my creativity free rein,’ Katerin says with a smile. ‘In Belgium, people always used to stop me and ask about my clothes. That’s when my parents said, ‘You know, you really should consider taking this further.’ So, I decided to design a capsule collection for my next trip to Belgium: thirty pieces, for which I took photos with my niece as the model. I posted them to Instagram without any expectations, and that same day, a boutique in Leuven reached out to me. They practically bought the entire collection. In those days, I had no clue about pricing or how to build a collection. But it set the ball rolling. Suddenly, I was a fashion designer.’
THE INTERSECTION OF ARCHITECTURE AND FASHION
Katerin’s background as an interior designer is palpable in her collections. ‘To me, designing a dress is not that different from creating a chair. I build architecture for the silhouette,’ she laughs. ‘I want my designs to be beautiful, exude craftsmanship, tell a story, be ergonomically correct and last a lifetime.’ This vision is manifested in smart cuts, rich fabrics and timeless elegance. Multifunctional designs that can be draped in various ways, combining Asian influences with European architectural traditions.
THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
Although Katerin now spends three months of the year in Belgium, she still considers Hong Kong to be her home base. ‘Hong Kong ticks all the boxes: a vibrant city, long beaches and lush green nature. Life here can be pretty intense; everyone works incredibly hard. In my first year here, I had just 12 days of vacation, and I rarely made it home before 8 pm, which is quite normal here. But it also explains why it’s such a dynamic city. Want a manicure at 11 pm? It’s all possible,’ she says with a laugh. ‘Hong Kong is a hotbed of creativity. It inspires me every day. And with all these fabulous fabrics, talented tailors and superb craftsmanship, I have all I need here to make my dreams come true.’
KORTE BIO
STUDIES
• 2008-2011: Bachelor of Interior Architecture, UHasselt
• 2011-2012: Master of Interior Architecture, UHasselt
WORK EXPERIENCE
• summer 2011 and 2012: internship with Vittorio Simoni
• 2012-2013: account manager, Belgian Spirit, Business of Design Week (Hong Kong)
• 2014-2018: interior designer at CL3 Architects (Hong Kong)
• 2018-present: senior interior designer and head of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment and Concepts)
• 2019-present: founder and designer of own fashion label Katerin Theys (Hong Kong - Belgium)
10 questions for Katerin
After secondary school, I went on to study interior architecture because...
Fashion was my first love. At the age of six, I already loved sitting at my mum’s sewing machine. I was fascinated by fabrics and designs. My dream was always to go to the Fashion Academy in Antwerp. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass the entrance exam, so I needed a plan B. Interior architecture was a match made in heaven: devising concepts, making sketches, selecting fabrics and perfecting them down to the smallest details. It all came together in one discipline. I realised that I had found my niche.
What made studying in Diepenbeek so special...
The friendly, almost family atmosphere on campus and the short lines of communication with lecturers. Diepenbeek was outside the city, so it felt like our own creative island. From day one, I felt completely at home there.
My favourite spot on campus was...
The studios. That’s where the magic happened: where sketches came to life, concepts took shape, and inspiring discussions with lecturers made you think further and make things better. You really felt you were growing your mind there.
The teacher who inspired me the most was...
Vittorio Simoni, who was my thesis and internship supervisor. He taught me all about the power of details and the refinement of architecture. It is also thanks to him that I discovered the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, a lasting inspiration for my fashion designs.
As a student, I was...
driven, serious and a perfectionist, sometimes excessively even. I was constantly looking for ways to improve my designs and never backed down from a challenge. Which is remarkable because I was very different in secondary school. I discovered the swot in me at UHasselt. (laughs)
If there’s one thing I learned at UHasselt, it’s..
‘to always stay curious, keep an open mind, and go with ideas when they come your way. Vittorio Simoni once said: ‘You should always have your briefcase with you so you can fill it with new ideas when you run into them because they are everywhere.’ I still carry my briefcase with me everywhere I go.
How would you describe your job in no more than 5 sentences?
‘My job is a combination of my two passions: interior design and fashion. In Hong Kong, I work two days a week at CL3 Architects, where I am responsible for concept development, furniture design and upholstery for prestigious hotel projects – a source of endless inspiration. The other five days, I focus on my own fashion collections, which I manage myself from sketch to sale. Choosing fabrics, working with studios, creating silhouettes, but also the administrative side: it’s a one-woman show but one that gives me tremendous satisfaction every day.
What do you find most enjoyable / challenging about your job?
‘The creative process: the search for unique, rich fabrics, sketching new designs and watching an idea unfold into a garment that somebody will wear. The freedom to create something beautiful from nothing is a magical feeling. But do you know what I like best? When I see someone who feels good in one of my designs. The sparkle of confidence and happiness in their eyes, you can’t beat it, it’s priceless.
In my opinion, the key to success lies in...
‘working very hard, keeping both feet on the ground, and building your story gradually, without skipping any steps. To keep learning and improving yourself. And above all: always keep an open mind and be on the lookout for inspiration and new opportunities – because they are everywhere. All you need to do is look.
If you were able/want to do something or give back to your alma mater, what would it be?
‘I am happy to share my experience if it can inspire others to pursue their dreams. Whether here in this column, during a guest lecture or at an alumni event.
