Nathalie Van der Massen (°88) is a Belgian designer working in the field of textile design, art and (interior) architecture and is based in Antwerp. While finishing her Master (degree) in graphic design, Nathalie is given the opportunity to work at the renowned Textile Museum in Tilburg, where she develops a fascination for textiles. This newfound passion leads her to pursue an extra Master in Textile Design. After graduating, she is invited by The Flanders Architecture Institute to start a research project and create an exhibition inspired by their archive. This profound experience opens up a new way for her to approach textile design from the context of architecture and interior. Nathalie’s work is characterized by a sensitivity for (natural) materials, surface and technicality. Her design practice, just like art, takes many forms and Nathalie Van der Massen finds inspiration everywhere, from architecture to fashion and everything in between.
In addition to her applied collections, she works on artistic projects, bespoke furniture pieces and art integrations. The connection between textiles and (interior) architecture is ever-present in Nathalie’s work. She not only explores the layering of fabrics but also plays with light and transparency to create dynamic spatial experiences. Designing as she lets her hands explore the unknown, she distinguishes herself through a pragmatic problem-solving approach and an innate artistic drive. By stepping beyond her comfort zone, she continuously challenges and inspires herself. While her practice transcends any singular artistic path, the common thread remains her deep sensitivity to natural materials and meticulous research into technical details. She enjoys collaborating with architects and interior designers who, from the very beginning of a project, embrace the vast creative potential of textiles. Last year, NVdM received the prestigious Henry Van de Velde Young Talent Award, a design prize aimed at encouraging young talents or studios that have been active in the sector for a maximum of 10 years, with laureates nominated by the jury. The evaluation focuses on the designer or studio, considering the social relevance and the quality of the entire portfolio.
