About
Belgian designer Julie Kegels, a recent graduate of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts, garnered valuable experience through internships at Meryll Rogge and Alaïa before establishing her eponymous label in 2024. Her inaugural Ready-To-Wear collection, aptly named 50/50, is set to debut at Women’s Fashion Week FW24-25 in Paris. Kegels' designs seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with a playful sensibility, exemplified by her key pieces which feature strikingly unconventional pairings. Granny socks with provocative translucent backs, wool skirts paired with shortened denim rears, and the fusion of sober pinstripes with vibrant floral motifs illustrate her penchant for innovative design. A notable motif throughout Kegels' work is the rejection of conforming to a singular archetype, setting her brand apart in the fashion landscape. Drawing inspiration from modern influences and personal nostalgic recollections, the designer's creative process is rooted in exploring fashion's transformative potential to construct her distinctive universe. This ethos extends to the accessories accompanying the collection, including jewelry, bags, and shoes, which artfully blend elements from both past and present. Particularly noteworthy is Kegels' adept integration of romantic lace patterns reminiscent of bygone eras, achieved through cutting-edge thermoforming techniques, resulting in contemporary masterpieces. Enhanced by a mix of offbeat preppy cuts, embossed florals, and trompe l’oeil knitwear, Kegels' collection injects new vitality into timeless designs, breathing fresh life into classic aesthetics.
