
Photography: James Rees / Creative direction: Robert Phillips / Model: Dirk Vaessen
Dirk Vaessen
Dirk Vaessen creates Wearable Art, worn in performances and shows, which he translates into bold Interior Pieces that can be placed or hung in the home. His work explores the human body through shoes, garments, postures, masks, and bags, always with his distinctive abstract and theatrical signature.
He graduated with distinction from the London College of Fashion (UAL) with a Master in Footwear, where his graduation collection went viral, gaining worldwide attention and becoming one of the most viewed TikTok moments during London Fashion Week. Before that, he studied Product Design at Artez (Arnhem, NL) and began his journey at 15 with an education at SintLucas in shoemaking to create heels in size 45.
His collection BRAVE HENDRIK challenges gender stereotypes, encouraging people to break free from labels and embrace fluid identities.
Beyond his artistic practice, Dirk’s interior objects invite people to bring expressive, wearable-inspired art into their homes. His work is available for purchase, and he collaborates on performances, custom designs, and interdisciplinary projects that push creative boundaries. He also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer at London College of Fashion, Artez, and SintLucas, inspiring the next generation of designers.
Dirk Vaessen: Let us consider ourselves normal and let us be weird according to others.