‘The sky is the limit'

Christophe Coppens is an insatiable multi-tasker. His highly varied fields of activity range from designing accessories, clothing and objects for interiors (glassware, ceramics and textiles) to curating exhibitions. His roots lie in the world of theatre. After studying at the Brussels Conservatory, Coppens (b. 1969) worked as a director and actor, making his own hats if he needed one for a show. From 1990, this Belgian designer's rise to fame was driven by the nostalgic and surrealistic hat collections that he created for designers such as Guy Laroche and Yohji Yamamoto. His regular customers include the Belgian royal family.

Coppens' shops in Brussels and in Tokyo (since 2006) look like stage sets and are primarily filled with accessories that he describes as being ‘like toys for adults'.

In 2001 he conceived ‘The Dollhouse', a highly successful touring exhibition. Each room has a particular decor, lighting and story, filled with props that evoke a presence: wax candles in the form of a doll's head, hand mirrors engraved with skulls in a leather case, and a double-edged letter-opener - for good news and bad.
 
www.christophecoppens.com