Anchored in the city of Antwerp, launched its SS ’15 capsule collection last weekend. This is Antwerp got a chance to sit down with the founder and artistic director Bertony Da Silva to get a first look at the collection. Hands up and wave!
Bertony: The name Arternative is actually derived from the word “alternative”. I once heard it in a song by a Portuguese rapper. It’s about making a difference, doing your own thing and not following the mainstream culture. Which was exactly the feeling that I wanted to reflect when I started this label: doing things differently. As I love to express myself artistically, I made a pun out of it. And thus it became: Arternative. However, lately I’m using the abbreviated name “Arte” more often, as it sounds more powerful.
Bertony : It’s a bit too soon to say as I’m still defining my brand. Perhaps from an aesthetic point of view? I’ve been involving the city of Antwerp in my designs, and I think it’s safe to say that there isn’t another brand that has done the same so far.
Bertony: I don’t necessarily draw inspiration from particular places, but more from the vibrant culture within this city. Such as the port of Antwerp, the diamond sector, basketball and the art scene. I live here, so my city automatically serves as a creative operating base. But I don’t solely draw inspiration from Antwerp, I draw inspiration from everywhere I go.
Bertony : Sure. For other cities it may not be the typical traits those cities are known for, but more the impressions I get from wandering around. Arternative is Antwerp based, so I won’t be adding Eiffel towers in my prints (laughs). However, in previous collections I’ve already mixed the Antwerp city culture with my African roots. Maybe I’ll do that again some other time or maybe it will be a complete different culture. Who knows?
Bertony: Antwerp is a cozy and beautiful city. I grew up in this city and built my life here. Most of my friends live here as well. When I’m travelling and people ask me where I’m from, I tell them I’m from Antwerp. It’s just that I feel like representing my town. It’s a part of my identity.
Bertony: For the moment I’ve been very busy with the launch of the new collection, so I haven’t visited that much in Antwerp lately. But, when I’m less busy, I like to spend my summer breaks at “ ”, a lunch bar in the Kloosterstraat, “ ” at Marnixplaats or “ ” at De Coninckplein. I often go to in the Hoogstraat as well, their dishes are really good.
Bertony : I want my brand to be associated with positivity, which is put forward with this logo. To me, this heart only represents good vibes. The same exact vibes I get from Antwerp and the same vibes I want to give to others through the clothing line.
Bertony: This collection is a bit smaller than the previous ones as it’s only a capsule collection. I’m actually already working on a larger SS’ 16 collection, which will be launched somewhere during fall. In the meantime I’m releasing this collection consisting of 9 items. A couple of these items are very new to what most people are used to from this brand. Thus there’s one ensemble of a printed shirt with matching shorts and a pink sweater. I did revisit a characteristic print I used for a previous collection. So while this collection is completely new, it’s also a bit familiar. The SS ’16 collection on the other hand, is totally different from what I’ve done so far. That theme will be more maritime and I’ve also used different textures and fabrics. However, the brands identity remains the same.
Bertony : That’s a surprise (smiles). There’s so much more left to reach. I haven’t obtained my goals yet. I’d love to role in a big fat Beemer (laughs). No, I’m just kidding. I can only hope that Arternative will be given more visibility and that people will keep loving the clothes I design.
Text by Laetitia Sabiti -
Pics by Bertony Da Silva -