Meryll Rogge Is the New Resident of The Apartment at Vitra Partner Store in Antwerp
In conjunction with Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair., Vitra Partner Store Antwerp asked MoMu to suggest a new resident for The Apartment, an exclusive showcase space located in their showroom.
Meryll Rogge felt like a natural choice for MoMu. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Rogge launched her eponymous brand in February 2020. Not even a worldwide pandemic could deter her from fully realizing her dream, and her first collections quickly received accolades from the press, as well as orders from influential retailers. Today, Meryll Rogge is stocked by some of the most prestigious names in fashion, including Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Harvey Nichols in London or 10 Corso Como in Seoul. She was one of Andam’s Grand Prize finalists in 2024, and a strong contender for the LVMH Prize.
The Belgian fashion designer redesigned The Apartment with Vitra's Aluminium Eames Chair as the focal point, adding texture and playfulness. She combined office furniture with elements like the Potence Lamp and Lampe de Bureau, inspired by artists like Joseph Beuys and Dominique Gonzales-Foerster, creating a warm and inviting space with contrasting textures. The installation / space also features a selection of books curated by the independent publishing house Art Paper Editions, emphasizing the importance of literature in creative research.
What is typical within your designs?
MERYLL ROGGE: "I always try to look for tension in my work, as well as finding ways to combine opposites, such as high-brow and popular culture for instance. I also love to explore materials, colors and embellishment within my collections."
Do you have any connection to interiors yourself?
MR: "Fashion does not limit itself to clothing only, but also how it is presented and merchandised, so you do think about this aspect. I’d say that during Fashion Week, the idea of how we set up our showroom does relate to interior design. It’s the same for shows where you need to create an atmosphere within a temporary space. On a more private level, I’d love to own a house one day and work on its interior."
Without giving away too much about the project itself, can you tell us if it was challenging for you?
MR: "I have to say I loved stepping out of fashion for a bit and use my creativity in a different context. I guess the actual challenge here was not knowing much about specific technical requirements and working out what was -and wasn’t- possible."
What does timeless design mean for you?
MR: "Using natural materials feels timeless to me, like those wooden cabins in Canada, which are made to last forever. When it becomes a little too fashionable, design tends to date rather quickly."
The installation is on view from 29 March through 30 September 2025 at Vitra Partner Store Antwerp. Free entrance. More info