This season, Wouters & Hendrix brings its distinctive universe to Amsterdam Fashion Week with Forbidden Fruit, an immersive presentation that invites visitors into a world of mystery, symbolism and craftsmanship. Ahead of the presentation, CEO Elise Taillieu reflects on the inspirations behind the new collection, the enduring role of symbolism within the house and why Forbidden Fruit is being presented as an immersive experience rather than a traditional runway show.
Every Wouters & Hendrix piece feels like it tells a story. Do you begin with a narrative, or does the design reveal the story along the way?
At Wouters & Hendrix, every collection begins with a world rather than a product. We draw inspiration from art, literature, mythology and, above all, Surrealism—a movement that has long shaped our way of seeing the world through contradiction, curiosity and surprise.
We are fascinated by the idea of taking something familiar and turning it on its head. A symbol, an object or a story is never simply what it seems. Throughout the creative process, craftsmanship, symbolism and imagination continuously influence one another, allowing the narrative to evolve as each piece takes shape. Rather than telling one definitive story, we create jewellery that invites curiosity and leaves room for personal interpretation.
What was the starting point for Forbidden Fruit, and how did the theme begin to take shape?
Symbols recur throughout the collection like signs in a private language. Echoing myth, ritual and the symbolism of tarot, the jewellery speaks of fate, longing and the choices we dare, or refuse, to make.
Rather than offering clear answers, the pieces invite curiosity, interpretation and discovery. A philosophy that has always been at the heart of Wouters & Hendrix.
From there, Forbidden Fruit gradually took shape through recurring themes of temptation, desire and transformation. Mythical figures, hidden gardens, star-crossed lovers and our iconic Mussel became recurring symbols within this universe, each adding another layer to the story.
Symbolism has always been part of the Wouters & Hendrix universe, and it plays a central role in Forbidden Fruit. What keeps drawing you back to these age-old symbols?
We have always been drawn to symbols and everyday objects that, at first glance, seem to hold little or no value. A mussel shell, a bird’s claw or a simple rose can become something precious when seen through a different lens. That transformation lies at the heart of Wouters & Hendrix.
The Mussel is perhaps the clearest expression of that philosophy. Since 2000, it has evolved into one of our icons, continuously reimagined through different collections in silver or 18-carat gold. Beyond our long-standing fascination with Marcel Broodthaers’ Mosselpot, the Mussel reminds us that true value doesn’t always lie in the material itself, but in the story, emotion and craftsmanship it comes to embody.
By elevating the ordinary, we invite people to look again. To discover beauty where they least expect it, and to find preciousness in the stories objects carry.
Antwerp has long been recognised as one of Europe’s most influential fashion capitals. What is it about the city’s creative spirit that continues to shape Wouters & Hendrix?
Antwerp is a city that has always valued originality over convention. It celebrates independent voices, craftsmanship and artistic experimentation, qualities that have shaped Wouters & Hendrix since its earliest days.
In 1986, we presented our jewellery at the British Designer Show in London alongside the designers who would later become known as the Antwerp Six. Nearly four decades later, that same creative dialogue continues through collaborations with Belgian designers such as Meryll Rogge and Delvaux, as well as our limited-edition Mussel Cache-Clés created for MoMu’s upcoming exhibition celebrating the Antwerp Six. It’s a creative community we are proud to be part of, and one that continues to inspire us.
Rather than presenting a traditional runway show, you’re inviting guests into an immersive experience. What can visitors expect, and why was this the right format for Forbidden Fruit?
We wanted to invite people into our world. On 2 September from 12 to 4 pm, the experience unfolds across two distinctive locations: the historic Museum Van Loon and our boutique in Amsterdam’s Nine Streets. Visitors are guided from one location to the other, discovering performances, symbolic encounters and different chapters of the collection along the way.
This approach reflects how we see jewellery. It is never simply something to wear, but rather something that carries emotion, memory and meaning. Creating an immersive experience allowed us to express that philosophy in a way that feels true to Wouters & Hendrix and to the creative spirit of Amsterdam Fashion Week.
While the immersive journey takes place on 2 September, visitors can continue exploring the world of Forbidden Fruit at our Amsterdam boutique throughout Amsterdam Fashion Week and beyond.