What inspired the creative vision behind your curated experience for Clé de Peau Beauté in Hong Kong? 

Most people may not know this, but I studied Japan. I studied in Kyoto. I love Japan, and it’s a real honour to create a project for Clé de Peau Beauté. First, there is the Japanese philosophy—about precision, sophistication, and luxury. Second, when it comes to the creative process, I approach it like any other project. When I receive a briefing, I analyse what lies behind the brand and its philosophy, and for Clé de Peau Beauté, this philosophy is rooted in Japanese values. I also explored the idea of the Synactif process, which revolves around the ideas of purification and transformation. Then, there is the concept of sculpting beauty and elevation. 

For every aspect of this philosophy, I aimed to create scenography that reflects these principles. For example, in the first course, which represents purity, every guest receives a round, transparent object — like a bubble or a sphere of ice — through which you can see floral rose petals inside. Of course, the dish itself is a beautifully crafted gastronomic experience. All the waiters are dressed in black, reflecting the brand identity of Clé de Peau Beauté. They wear beautiful hats designed like roses, tying back to the theme. Each course aligns with the brand’s philosophy of Synactif beauty, but I interpreted it in a very abstract way, hoping to astonish and create a deeply immersive experience.

How did it feel to see the experience come to life yesterday?

First, I feel really relieved that it’s done. At the same time, I’m always excited to see the eyes of the people. Even if you don’t share the same language, the eyes speak—they reveal so much and never lie. That’s why I pay so much attention to them. I remember my mother always used to say, “Sometimes, it’s not necessary to talk—just look at the eyes, and you have a lot of information.” I am thankful for the team that made this happen. Together, we’ve built something that I hope everyone will enjoy.

If you had to describe your collaboration with Clé de Peau Beauté in three words, what would they be?

Oh wow, that’s a nice question. Synergy, sophistication and research. 

What initially drew you to collaborate with Clé de Peau Beauté? Was there a specific aspect of the brand that really spoke to you?

This brand is all about research, and it is also a key to elegance. It’s not just a product — it represents values that I admire, and these values challenge me in my work every day. With my work, I always try to create a 360-degree experience. It’s not just a brand; for me, it’s a House —dedicated to the client, to the skin, and to the concept of care through a ritual. I also love the idea of a ritual, because the entire dinner is, first and foremost, a question of the ritual: the way the waiters serve, the way they bring or remove items from the table. The Synactif process — it’s also a question of ritual. There are so many aspects of this that resonate with me, and I feel very comfortable working with these ideas. Lastly, for me, this is not just work — it’s a passion. When I create something, it’s always a question of passion. I cannot create anything if I don’t feel the energy or connect with the values behind it. This is something I try to stay true to in the way I work.

Clé de Peau Beauté emphasises “unlocking the power of radiance”. Does the concept align with your design philosophy?

Yes, but in a different way. When I create a project and I see the bright eyes of the guests, I feel comfortable and happy because I feel that we are sharing something meaningful together. It’s not just about the product — it’s about what’s behind it. It’s like a key, a secret, representing extensive research and intelligence. It’s a niche product, but there is so much behind it. In the same way, when we create this type of dinner, we put in a lot of work, a lot of research, and everything is tailor-made. From the music to the lighting, to the flowers, and even the accessories — everything is created specifically for this one moment. It’s something very particular, very exclusive, and it mirrors the essence of the brand. We always aim to maintain this bright energy in every detail.

What does beauty mean to you? 

Beauty, for me, is first, a question of elegance. It’s also about the eyes — the way you look at others and the way people look at you. Beauty is also a question of balance. For example, you can wear a simple outfit, but with the right accessories, you can transform it into something completely different. So yes, this is my definition of beauty.

Your work often emphasises themes like movement, transformation, and modularity. What initially drew you to these concepts, and how do they influence your creative process?

One word: life. Life is a question of movement. Everything is about breathing. Your heart is beating, and you cannot control it. You don’t decide—it just happens. For example, your blood flows in one respiration and, in an instant, it circulates throughout your entire body. The same goes for breathing. Of course, you can guide it or practice meditation, but it has such a profound influence. Yes, in one word, it’s life. And modularity is a way to be efficient. Modularity can also apply to how we work and structure our lives. For example, you wake up, decide whether to have breakfast or not, then work, take a break, and perhaps engage in an activity like dance or yoga. Every part of the day is a modulation of your routine. For me, this is why these three topics make sense.

Origami and geometry are recurring sources of inspiration in your designs. What is it about these forms that resonates with you, and how do you translate them into your projects?

My background is in architecture. I studied architecture, and as I mentioned, I spent a year in Japan at Kyoto University. For me, origami represents the idea that anyone, with just a simple sheet of paper, can create something amazing — whether it’s an object, an animal, or a flower—just by folding it into a square. Historically, from the 18th century until the mid-20th century, origami was often used as a way to teach children. It was a practice that helped them develop fine motor skills and learn to use their fingers in a proper way. Origami is also deeply symbolic. For example, you can create a dove, which is a universal symbol of peace. I love that you can create so many different animals, each with its own symbolic meaning. I also enjoy the playful aspect of origami. Lastly, I often work on participatory projects where I ask everyone to fold many origami pieces, and together, I create a larger shape or project. And, of course, I love geometry.

Where do you find inspiration for your work — do you actively seek it out, or does it come to you organically?

My memories are very visual, and I love contemporary art a lot. I also love to travel and experience different cultures. These experiences provide me with a lot of philosophical “food” — fresh and new perspectives. They give me a wealth of ingredients and information to draw from. I love to observe— really, I observe a lot. What I observe gives me layers of communication, whether it’s about sound, music, light, texture, atmosphere, energy, or the act of sharing energy. I try to bring all these elements together to create an experience that engages all five senses every time. My inspiration can come from a song, a text, or books that I read. There’s a lot of information I gather, and then I create connections between the information. 

What is one project that means a lot to you? 

I do a lot of creative projects to support children, and at the moment, I’m working on a charitable project to support Ukraine and its population. I’ve been asking many people, particularly in France and Belgium, to create origami. With my team, we are going to Ukraine at the beginning of April—in about three weeks—to install a huge origami display in front of a museum. This installation will be made entirely by children from Belgium and Ukraine. The project is also a fundraising initiative to support hospitals. For every origami piece, I ask for a donation of 10 euros, with the goal of raising a minimum of 50,000 euros. The funds will go toward helping a hospital care for soldiers injured during the war.

We do many projects like this to provide support, and for me, it’s a reflection of my values and philosophy. It feels like something natural and necessary to do. I don’t often talk about it unless someone asks, but since you asked, I wanted to share. This work is very important to me. I love luxury, I love traveling, but I also believe it’s important to make a difference and help those in need.