Following the ceremony, the first day of the forum began in style with the Plenary Session headlined by opening speaker, Belgian designer Charles Kaisin. Speaking passionately about his pioneering work incorporating recycled materials to create sustainable and contemporary designs, Kaisin said his design philosophy is heavily inspired by movement and nature. Famed Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto also gave a remarkable speech on his design ethos. The Hokkaido native was the youngest architect ever to accept an invitation to design a temporary pavilion at the Serpentine Gallery Kensington Gardens in London. Other outstanding speakers include Korean city researcher and professor Kwon Young Gull, Vincente Gullart, Chief Architect of the Barcelona City Council, and influential Japanese architect Toyo Ito, discussing `The Limitations of Modernism`, who said his ethos has changed over the years and become better as he grew.
Fellow Belgian Belgian-born Lowie Vermeersch also impressed with his open-minded and multidisciplinary approach to designing automobiles from Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, and Maserati. Panelists in `Fashion & Apparel` discussed their creative collections with great passion. The speakers included Hong Kong menswear designers Kay Kwok, and Six Lee, both of whom were born here and trained in Europe. The most anticipated session belonged to Anne Chapelle, CEO and owner of the companies of the fashion brands Ann Demeulemeester and Haider Ackermann. Belgian designer Elvis Pompilio’s speech wrapped up the day explaining his works for Chanel, Mugler, Céline, among others, joined by his business partner, Jean Paul Masse.
TOYO ITO. PRITZKER ARCHITECTURE PRIZE 2013
SERPENTINE PAVILION BU SOU FUJIMOTO
ELVIS POMPILIO PORTRAIT
CHARLES CAISIN BENCH, LUXEMBURG MUSEUM
BODW 2013 POSTERREAD ALSO: TILEMACHOS ANDRIANOPOULOS WILL TALK AT ESW CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 11 2014 AT ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE