Matil Vanlint
Brussels, Belgium
“V*”
@matil.vanlint_
What are the key inspirations behind this collection?
This collection begins with the idea of V*: victim, violence and victory. I explored the question of how our bodies might appear if every trauma left a visible mark on the surface. Clothing became a way to understand that thought and to move through it. Through my practice and the support of others, I found a sense of grounding and a place where healing felt possible. The work recounts part of my own journey and acts as a small manifesto for living. Jack Halberstam’s words guided me throughout: “There is an activism in being happy and celebrating forms of joy that persist when the only images of ourselves presented to us are those of misery.” The collection carries some of that spirit.
What materials, colours and techniques did you use in the creation of this collection?
I worked with traditional tailoring methods and avoided glued fusibles, using hand-reinforcement instead. I developed a technique that combines tailoring with millinery, which allowed me to build large volumes without any added structure. Pattern cutting also played an important role. I created one-piece patterns that form oversized bows when laid flat, which became a key symbol of the collection. Upcycling is central to the work. I repurposed T-shirts and fabrics found in Brussels, including discarded robrak. One skirt was built entirely through knots rather than seams. I also used a range of leather techniques throughout the collection.
What is next?
I hope to gain experience within a fashion house and continue learning inside a professional environment. I also plan to apply to the Hyères Festival to further develop my practice.
