Jan-Jan Van Essche TOPSSS

Belgian-born menswear designer Jan-Jan Van Essche graduated from the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts before embarking upon his career in fashion. He launched his eponymous label in 2010, with a debut collection he named Yukkuri – a Japanese term signifying slowness, or taking things slowly. This perspective, and the design approach it suggests, have become intrinsic to his subsequent collections, which are released annually. In 2013, Van Essche launched his ‘Projects’, which explore traditional forms of weaving and garment construction and serve as specialized counterparts to the existing collections. Carefully drawing inspiration from a multitude of cultural traditions, Van Essche rejects the conventional Western penchant for restrictive tailoring and overwhelming visual detail in favour of a sartorial landscape rich in natural tones, subtle textures, and easeful silhouettes. Waxed cotton provides durability to refined outerwear, while luxurious wool serves as the backdrop for loose-fitting trousers and amply-proportioned pullovers and shirts.