artist feature filipe blanquet
Get ready to meet Filipe Blanquet, a conceptual designer and pastry chef from Portugal who's turning sugar into wearable art.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Filipe to discover the magic behind his sugary fashion creations.
In this Q&A, we'll explore what inspires him, his creative process, and the sweet connection between art and food.
Join us as we step into Filipe Blanquet's captivating world.
instagram: @filipeblanquet @__blanquet__
1. Introduce yourself shortly. Who are you? Where are you from ?
My name is Filipe Blanquet, and I work as a pastry chef and a creative conceptual fashion designer. I am from Portugal.
2. Where did the idea of designing clothes made of sugar come from?
I had the chance to work with an executive chef at the start of my pastry chef career,
who provided me with the flexibility to experiment with sugar decorations.
He showed me new decorating techniques and the best way to work with sugar.
One opportunity arose when a major event was happening, the casino opening party, in
the same hotel where we worked. The challenge was to create a moving sugar sculpture.
I started experimenting without any prior planning, and the end result was a sugar dress. The director of the hotel was so pleased with it that she requested me to create a total of 8 outfits.
That was my first experience as a conceptual fashion designer, conducting my first fashion presentation in this manner.
3. Was it complicated to find out how to make it work ?
Yes, it took a little bit of time because there are several factors that affect how well a sugar piece turns out, like finding the ideal texture, being mindful of the drying times for the pieces, and the entire process of putting them together.
4. Tell me a bit about your creative process. What inspires you ?
There are a lot of things that might inspire me, such as a song that sends chills down my spine or a scent that transports me back in time.
But in my opinion, nature is a great source of inspiration, in its priceless details. However, I believe that a creative person can still create if they have a productive working method in place, even without epiphanies.
5. When you are working in your atelier what kind of music do you listen to?
My preferred musical genres are pop or classical. Depending on the level of drama I want to present. In art, I adore drama.
6. What tips or tricks have you picked up from your job?
Being a pastry chef has taught me that while creativity should be encouraged, it´s also
crucial to be effective and practical. Without it, nothing will materialize.
7. What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
The hardest lesson in life is that significant losses may both humble us and make us stronger.
8. What is your biggest dream career-wise?
Traveling the globe and exhibiting my work wherever I can.
9. What kind of art do you enjoy most?
There are several, making it difficult to choose, but perhaps I´ll go with cinema.
10. What fashion trend makes you cringe or laugh every time you see it?
Look for someone wearing flip-flops and white socks. No, I can´t look.
11. Do you have any hidden talents ?
Kill mosquitoes.
12. What are you interested in that most people aren’t?
I like testing unusual or never-before-used materials and bringing them into fashion. It is never a waste of time.
13. What values are most important to you?
Humility and transparency.
14. What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it?
Homophobic and racist remarks.
15. What are some small things that make your day better?
Eating sugar and drinking coffee.
16. What is something that most people consider to be a luxury, but you don’t think you
could live without?
I want to see the world and travel. I aspire to travel to every country in the world.
The luxury we receive from nature is incomparable. I want to experience all the luxuries that are making the world a great place to live.
17. What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?
Fries sandwich
18. What’s one thing that totally relaxes you, when you are stressed?
Creating while in my atelier.
19. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Probably when someone chews with their mouth open.
20. An epic feast is held in your honor, what’s on the table?
Obviously, desserts! My biggest addiction!
