MARTINE ROSE

Before becoming a big international marketing exec at New Balance, LEE STUART was the very first brand director at streetwear juggernaut Patta.  A true curatorial-savant and connector, Lee Stuart's work lives at the intersection of style, music and purpose-first storytelling. Whether he's building legacy-shaping brand campaigns, curating gallery shows, or launching for-us-by-us initiatives - everything Lee touches is grounded in intention.  Lee's story serves as an important reminder that viable and fulfilling career paths can start from one's own story, that art and identity are scalable, and that they can be used in beautiful, impactful ways. Join Lee and Dominique Nzeyimana as they dive deep into Lee's fascinating journey, beginning with his upbringing as the youngest of ten in a Curaçaoan Dutch family. Lee's teenage years were infused with creativity and strong influences from hip-hop culture, which shaped his unique perspective on style and self-expression. Lee discusses the road that led to his tenure at the legendary streetwear brand Patta, where he was able to put his deep love for the company and its mission to work. We discuss some of his contributions, including community-centred campaigns and culturally relevant marketing initiatives that elevated the brand's voice in an often unforgiving landscape. Lee's passion for purpose-led storytelling comes through as he recounts pivotal projects that highlighted Patta's true core as a black-owned brand and a platform for change, pushing against industry norms. Transitioning into his current role at New Balance, Lee reveals how he applies lessons learned throughout his career and the importance of purposeful brand storytelling. He has shifted the focus of New Balance's lifestyle campaigns to reflect a richer cultural narrative that truly resonates.  Throughout the conversation, Lee maintains a vulnerable yet powerful stance, revealing some of the challenges he faced while navigating personal loss and the evolving demands of his professional life.  Follow Lee Stuart here Follow The Most:  on Instagram. on Facebook.

Cultural strategist, community builder and multi-disciplinary artist Alex Akuete is working tirelessly to create welcoming spaces for art and empowerment - one platform, one collective at a time. Alex takes Dominique into his world - from blueprint days in Nigeria to speedrunning towards an unknown future in Belgium.  He then speaks openly about growing up a dreamer, turning hardship into purpose and why real change always starts by making room for others.  The duo also discusses grassroots organising, artistic evolution, sustainable design and cultural strategy.  Alex shares how forming Xray Community to give young people a no-threshold stage led to his transformative work at MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp, where he continues to push conventions with community-first projects, shows and interventions.  From mentoring budding generations to curating festivals to co-founding new ventures - Alex Akuete's work is about breaking cycles, inviting the outside in and championing creative futures.  A must-listen for anyone driven to connect, empower and walk their path soul-first. Follow Alex Akuete HERE.  Follow Xray Community HERE.  Learn more about ‘Wave Together’ HERE. Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook.

British fashion designer Martine Rose has reshaped menswear and brought her village with her. A true ‘designer’s designer’, she is the force behind the self-titled label proudly worn by Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar, Neneh Cherry, Timothée Chalamet and A$AP Rocky, to name but a few. Her subcultural silhouettes have influenced everyone from Demna – who called her in during his early Balenciaga years – to mastodons like Nike and Supreme. On this very special episode of The Most, Martine welcomes Dominique into her London studio for a rare, walls-down conversation spanning 20-plus years of creating, honouring and shifting culture. From her polychrome childhood and early nightlife tales to creative breakthroughs, business chin-falls and industry recognition. She speaks about growing up in a multi-generational home where proud Black Panther politics, music and an embrace of eccentricity planted the roots of the designer she’d become. And yes, she also answers *that* creative director question. From trailblazing at Balenciaga Men’s and steering Nike into new lanes to the enduring power of her team and cheeky, humorous resilience – this is a portrait of a designer whose intuition and refusal to conform have built a legacy like no other. Follow Martine Rose HERE. More Martine Rose HERE. Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook.  

World-renowned Belgian interior architect and designer Gert Voorjans is a master at crafting daring, expressive spaces, and if you have ever set foot in a Dries Van Noten store, you know his work.   Celebrated for his intricate layering of historical and contemporary influences, exceptional use of colour and textures, and a deep understanding of art and psychology in design, Voorjans has shaped homes, flagships and hotels for clients, including Nina Garcia, Joyce Ma, Inge Onsea and Mick Jagger. On this episode, Gert sits down with Dominique Nzeyimana to discuss his foundational years working with Axel Vervoordt and Dries, the lessons learned as a young man living alone in Japan, and why great design should be about emotion rather than fleeting trends.  Follow Gert Voorjans HERE. More Gert Voorjans HERE Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook.  

Laura Villasenin is the founder and creative director of footwear and ready-to-wear label MIISTA.  In this special episode, recorded at the MIISTA factory in Galicia, Spain, Laura sits down with Dominique for an extensive talk about the brand’s come-up and vision.  She shares the quite revolutionary approach that challenges industry stereotypes and drives her desire to own all stages of the MIISTA supply chain.  Growing up along Northern Spain's rugged Atlantic coast, Laura's first visit to London opened up a universe that would eventually lead to launching MIISTA in 2010 after studying footwear design at Cordwainers, now part of the London School of Fashion. What started with the release of bold, sculptural designs that merge craft and radical aesthetics has expanded into a comprehensive brand with celebrity followers including Madonna, Charli XCX, and Bella Hadid.  However, MIISTA's most remarkable achievement to date came more recently when Laura invested big into opening their clothing factory in Galicia — a decision that wasn't just about production control but about revitalising an entire region's craftsmanship tradition. Laura also discusses why it's essential that she remains in London a couple of days a week and generously opens up about the pros and cons of having investors. She also gets into that surreal moment when Madonna slid in MIISTA's DMs (!). Follow MIISTA HERE. Shop MIISTA online HERE. Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook.

From a young age, fashion designer, artist and true club kid Judassime knew that surviving environments that weren't made for them would have to become one of their core skills.  Discussing the path from the first experiments with makeup to launching their debut collection, Judassime takes us inside their evolution—turning trauma into art and fashion school heartbreak into digital show strategies. With a visceral, otherworldly vision, they built their name from hand-crafting club couture for the Belgian underground to dressing high-profile names like Katy Perry and drag superstar Aquaria. Judassime also talks about the jacket that went club-viral, their creative family of Mothers and mentors, the work behind outfitting celebrities, and why they refuse to play the free exposure game.  Follow Judassime HERE.  Shop Judassime online HERE. Follow The Most:  on Instagram. on Facebook.  

Legendary artist and pioneering music producer Luc Van Acker might have made music history, he doesn't do nostalgia. With a career spanning over four decades, he has instinctively moved between solo projects; bands like Revolting Cocks, Ministry, Front 242, Arbeid Adelt! & many more and offered up cult collabs and genre-bending productions. His fearlessly fun, self-proclaimed 'insane', and experimental M.O. has navigated industry politics and backroom machinations for the longest time, yet he remains ahead of the wave, forever optimistically searching for new sounds.  On this episode, Luc and Dominique retrace his journey—from self-producing his first solo record in his bedroom to in-person straight-talk with William S. Burroughs and birthing industrial music together with Richard 23, Al Jourgensen and Wax Trax! Records.  He shares how experimenting with the first samplers put Belgian producers on the global map and why names like Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails and Slipknot's Joey Jordison cite him as an inspiration. Luc also tells stories of how he got through his darkest days and what led him to his current 'Twin Peaks' -ish happy place. But not before he divulges how he roped himself into his first gig with Shriekback, what 80's Chicago was like and, of course, the inception of Revolting Cocks. Get the vinyl or digital album for 'The Fear In My Heart' by Luc Van Acker on STROOM.TV here. Follow Luc Van Acker on YouTube here .  Follow The Most: on Instagram.  on Facebook. Get the vinyl or digital album for ‘The Fear In My Heart’ by Luc Van Acker on STROOM.TV here. Follow Luc Van Acker on YouTube here .  Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook.

Award-winning author and filmmaker Ish Aït Hamou sits down with Dominique Nzeyimana to discuss his remarkable debut feature film 'BXL' and the emotional journey behind its creation.  Born to Moroccan parents in Belgium, Ish opens up about growing up underneath the towering chimneys of one of Belgium's most infamous factories, carrying the weight of bi-cultural and scholastic expectations and confronting identity crises.  He shares his evolution from dancer to TV judge to award-winning writer and now filmmaker, crediting early inspirations from poetry, literature and music in shaping his creative voice. The conversation delves deep into the themes of 'BXL' - which he wrote and directed with his big brother Monir - mainly through the characters of Fouad and Tarek – two brothers wrestling with societal and familial expectations.  Ish and Dominique explore the nuanced portrayal of youth identity struggles and mental health issues that often go unaddressed. Ish discusses the ins and outs of bringing his and Monir's vision to life, how to tackle feedback notes from a funding committee and the importance of owning your story.  Follow Ish Aït Hamou HERE.  Go see ‘BXL’ in theatres now. More info HERE. Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook.

American artist & skateboarding hall-of-famer Ed Templeton talks to Dominique Nzeyimana at Tim Van Laere Gallery Antwerp a decade after they first sat down together. As Ed's new show, 'The Sprawl', opens at this esteemed gallery, the pair discuss his unique legacy carved out of skate culture and fine art. In this episode, Ed Templeton discusses the balance between practicality and artistry in building an immersive art show. He explains how honest conversations with Tim Van Laere led to a year of honing his artistic vision for this new expo and what giving people the 'full Templeton experience' means. Ed also opens up about life growing up, the outer/inner wounds that shaped his art, and how founding his brand, Toy Machine, gave him the freedom to pursue his aspirations on his own terms.  Collectors of Ed Templeton's art include names like Demi Moore, John Waters and Judd Apatow. Ed's extensive body of work is known for its candid portrayal of humanity - bloody palm and middle finger up. Themes of adolescence, suburbia, counterculture and personal complexities run through his oeuvre.  His acclaimed 25-plus-deep catalogue of photo books includes the incredible 'Teenage Smokers', the ground-breaking 'Deformer' and the fairly new publication 'Wires Crossed'. Ed Templeton's journey from world champion athlete to esteemed visual artist and tongue-in-cheek 'benevolent overlord' has influenced multiple generations, writing a new blueprint for life after going pro.  Follow Ed Templeton HERE. Go visit Ed Templeton: ‘The Sprawl’ at Tim Van Laere Gallery Antwerp until January 25 2025.  More info HERE. Read the KNOTORYUS x Ed Templeton interview (2013) HERE. Follow The Most:  on Instagram. on Facebook.

Prodigy time! Nacy Francis is a rising star in Belgian fashion known for her innovative and empowering sportswear-inspired designs. As a fashion designer with a rich personal heritage, Nacy transmutes her experiences and inspirations into pieces that speak literal volumes.  In this episode, Nacy and Dominique explore the intricate paths that led NF to establish her independent namesake label that fuses architectural beauty with street-smart sensibilities. Nacy’s story is rooted in resilience, having harnessed her creative spirit to navigate through personal struggles, including the loss of her father and encounters with bullying.  The duo discusses how these experiences shaped Nacy’s perspective and fuelled her passion. Through her designs, Nacy aims to empower individuals of all backgrounds, instilling a sense of confidence and self-acceptance. Her creations have caught the attention of notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Chris Brown, Aya Nakamura, Charlotte Adigéry, Dalilla Hermans and Kevin De Bruyne, further affirming her status as a fierce future fashion force.   Follow Nacy Francis HERE. Follow The Most: on Instagram. on Facebook. Get your The Most Merch here!