Every March, Brussels—a city celebrated for its Art Nouveau heritage and intergenerational creative energy—becomes a magnet for design lovers. COLLECTIBLE, the only fair dedicated exclusively to 21st-century design, returns to the Vanderborght Building from March 13–16. From sculptural furniture to digitally driven craftsmanship, the event is a must-visit for those eager to discover the next generation of creative talent.
Established only seven years ago by art and design professionals Clélie Debehault and Liv Vaisberg, this year’s fair lineup features over 100 exhibitors. The Main section includes an international mix of galleries and designers, from Adorno’s Future50 and Augusta to BOON_ROOM and Galerie Paradis. The New Garde section introduces fresh talent from young galleries and collectives, such as Vienna-based designer Laura Dominici and France’s Full Circle.
Meanwhile, the Dialogue section bridges past and present, pairing contemporary works with collectible design from the 1980s and ’90s—Atelier Jespers’s showcase on gothic and BDSM influences in furniture design is one to watch. One of the most intriguing areas this year is the Curated section, led by New York-based artist and writer Brecht Wright Gander. Under the theme “The Reality of the Virtual,” the installation explores how digital and physical worlds collide, featuring works that merge A.I., VR, and traditional craftsmanship.
On the sustainability front, COLLECTIBLE continues its focus on material innovation with a special presentation of Reishi™ by MycoWorks—a pioneering mycelium-based biomaterial reshaping the future of eco-conscious design. It’s a starting point sure to be pushed even further at the fair’s sophomore New York edition, set to be staged this September.
“This year’s edition pushes the conversation even further,” says Debehault. “As digital and material worlds continue to converge, we are witnessing an exciting shift in how design is conceptualized and experienced.” For collectors, curators, and all manner of design enthusiasts, COLLECTIBLE truly provides a compelling glimpse into the future.
