“Martin is a friend, so I was introduced via him, at the time of the first show. It was in 1989 in Paris. Back then I was living in Antwerp, Hongkong and Paris and I worked as a freelance designer. We cooked together, organised shows, exhibitions and much much more. Now I work as a scenographer and I live in Antwerp.” – Bob Verhelst

Belgian-born Bob Verhelst is one of the world’s leading scenographers in the realms of fashion, a man who has lent his spatial awareness, attention to detail and keen aesthetic eye to the Maison Martin Margiela for over two decades. In that time he has worked on many exhibitions for the house at museums around the globe, including the upcoming re-edition of the ’20′ exhibition in London in June.

Aside from working with Margiela and this close relationship with MoMu, Bob’s other prestigious clients include A#2′s Yohji Yamamoto, Ann Demeulemeester, and even Cartier, for whom he has created elaborate window displays for specific occasions in both Paris and Antwerp.

For A#11, Bob recounted some of his own history in his profession, with illustrations and photography from his work in the Champs Elysées Cartier store in Paris in 2003, the Miquel Barcelo exhibition in Musée des Arts Decoratifs in 2000, backstage at a MoMu exhibit in 2000, and from ‘Jouer la lumiere’ at eh Musée de la Mode et du Textile [Museum of Fashion and Textiles] in Paris in 2001. His latest project is the new boutique and gallery Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp, currently showing the work of Ronald Stoops and Inge Grognard, the accomplished photographer/make-up artist couple who also feature in A#1.

Technically precise with an off-kilter creative streak, Bob’s work crosses the boundaries of interior and industrial design, to transform spaces and create enriching atmospheres in which to showcase the work of others.