Designer Izumi Hongo was born in Tokyo and based in Antwerp.

After obtaining Master degrees from the fashion department of the Royal Academy Antwerp, and the architecture department of Waseda University, she started her own fashion brand Van Hongo. At the same time she opened an atelier-shop in Antwerp in 2011.

Since 2017, she engaged in textile design for architectural projects. By collaborating with international architects, she has realized several interior textile designs for the specific architectural projects including the gigantic curtains for the public library in Japan and the textile walls/curtains for a complex in Ghent with a spa and yoga room.

‘Texture and structure’ are the main themes of her creations. The fact that she originally studied architecture reflects on her cross-over as these explore the boundaries between fashion and architecture. By developing original yarns, textiles and knitting/weaving techniques in close collaboration with manufacturers, recent years she applies her own special knitted/woven fabric to interior design. She realises her innovative and unique designs can build up the cross-over beauty and comfort in people's life.