Jan-Jan Van Essche (1980) is a menswear designer from Antwerp, Belgium. He is a 2003 graduate from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, winning several grand prizes including the prestigious Dries Van Noten award. In June 2010 he launched his first collection, COLLECTION#1 ‘YUKKURI', Japanese for 'taking it easy'. A concept capturing the philosophy behind his approach to create contemporary fashion. Jan-Jan Van Essche proposes the wearer annual wardrobes to be worn throughout the year by layering up and down, adapting oneself to the seasons as they pass by. The Jan-Jan van Essche aesthetic can be perceived as one influenced by all of the world’s corners, blending together in a discrete symbiosis of western and ethnic traditions in fashion. The combination of his particular but natural loose forms, refined patterns and usage of natural colors are important keys in the Jan-Jan Van Essche story. A story encouraging universal freedom to the wearer of his garments.