A BLOG curated by is once again delighted to host an article by contributing editor Filep Motwary, from his blog Un Nouveau Ideal, this time in conversation with Belgian fashion photographer Ronald Stoops.

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Ronald Stoops studied photography in Antwerp. Over the last 25 years, he has been taking pictures for almost every Belgian designer such as Martin Margiela, AF Vandevorst, Jurgi Persoons, Walter van Beirendonck, Dirk van Saene, Raf Simons and Veronique Branquinho.
His work has been published in the world’s best lifestyle magazines, such as Visionnaire, i-D, View on Colour and Purple. Over recent years, Ronald Stoops has also been presented at international group and single exhibitions, e.g. at the Deep Gallery in Tokyo, the Galerie Triangle in Bordeaux and various cultural institutions in Belgium.
Also collaborates with some artists like Narcisse Tordoir and Michael Dans.

Filep Motwary: Ronald,for the past 35 years, the main body of your photographic works focuses on others peoples creations and
moments. What are the notable changes you see in fashion, through all this time?

Ronald Stoops: That everything repeats, but some of the designers do it on a very authentic
way, they make it new and interesting.
At the end everything repeats it selves, but some of the designers do it in a very
Authentic way, they make it new and interesting.

FM: Having in mind that you basically started off with ANTEWERP’S SIX, back in the 80’s; the fact that you are still collaborating with most of them is really impressive. What has their vision offered to your own?
RS: Cooperating. I find the interaction of collaborating with interesting people always exciting.
It is the interchanging of ideas, which often brings an additional value to my own vision.

FM: How did everything start for you really?
RS: It started with Marina Yee, for the magazine “This is Belgian”
In 1986-87 we had a Belgian magazine called “This is Belgian”, where the most
of the styling was done by the Antwerp’s six. My first important photoshoot was
with Marina Yee for this particular magazine.

FM: Your personal work is quite graphic. On the other hand, the same can be said about your backstage photography.
What is your ritual?
RS: It’s more about contrast, emotion and movement. That it turns out graphic is a
nice coincidence but it’s not the main idea.

FM: What do you see in the works of young designers you collaborate with in comparison with those who are already an establishment?
RS: I don’t see a difference, they are all hard workers and extremely professional.

FM: How can a garment become less interesting behind your camera lenses?
RS: If I cannot touch the soul of the garment, or if I don’t find a connection with it
or with the designer. But I always try to make it interesting, even if it’s not, by focusing on the model or cutting in a garment.

FM: To what extend you feel that fashion today involves a social element?
RS: Fashion is a reflection of the time spirit, nowadays there are no limits and
trends anymore, it became really individual.

FM: I would like to know more about your work as an artist?
RS: Collaborations with painter Narcisse Tordoir, artist Michael Dans, video artist
Marie Julia Bollansée.

FM: And what is your next project about?
RS: We are now focusing on the lay out of a book about our work (of Inge Grognard and me), published by Ludion.

FM: How does your art connect with what you do in fashion?
RS: Fashion & art are both part of my life, so it is always connecting.

FM: What is your biggest achievement so far?
RS: Knowing myself better.

FM: Ronald, what other interests do you have apart from art and fashion?
RS: I adore music; I even made the soundtracks for the last shows of
A.F.Vandevorst. I also love movies: I can get a lot of inspiration out of an intriguing film. And of course Life itself!

FM: What has this business taught you?
RS: The higher the artistic, emotional or spiritual level, the easier it goes.

www.ronaldstoops.com
Lay-out by Timothy Helmer