Who doesn’t love a gorgeous, flowy kaftan in a warm, tropical climate? While the recent third season of The White Lotus had us gripped, it was some of the designs from the show’s wardrobe that had us wanting to book a one-way ticket to Thailand pronto. And that’s exactly what designer Marie France Van Damme wants from her creations.
Canadian-born Van Damme, a renowned fashion designer, art collector, and interior designer, pioneered her presence in Asia during the early 1980s when she relocated to Hong Kong to establish her manufacturing company specialising in women’s wear. By 2011, she launched her eponymous Marie Van Damme resort wear line, tailored for savvy and sophisticated women seeking timeless elegance. With over four decades of industry expertise, Marie France Van Damme’s collections reflect her personal journey, diverse influences, and passion for style, making her a distinguished figure in the realms of fashion, art, and interior design.
In a chat with YourLuxury Africa, she reveals how her designs ended up on The White Lotus, what inspires her and why her familiar surname link to a certain action movie star isn’t so coincidental after all.
YLA: You’ve got over 40 years of fashion industry experience under your belt – what made you eventually start your own line in 2011?
MFVD: I started my own line after over 30 years in the fashion industry, working as a manufacturer and designer with major retailers like Monoprix and Marks & Spencer. During my travels to hotel resorts in Asia, I noticed a gap in the market for luxury resort wear, which inspired me to create my own brand.
YLA: In your own words, how would you describe your brand’s style? Is this a direct reflection of your own personal style?
MFVD: I would describe my brand’s style as characterised by elegance, versatility, and timelessness. It reflects my personal style, utilising a monochromatic palette of blacks, whites, and greys, accented with touches of silver, gold, and bronze. I design garments that flow and move with the body, emphasising ease of movement. They should be comfortable yet chic, allowing for both style and freedom.
YLA: Do you ever have a muse in mind when you design?
MFVD: My muse is a woman who doesn’t have time to deliberate over her outfit. She needs to effortlessly slip into something that makes her look fabulous and allows her to walk out the door with confidence. Loulou de la Falaise?
YLA: Are there any other avenues of fashion design you’d still like to take on or master during your career?
MFVD: I have a deep passion for interior design and have worked on several projects in this field. I consider it my true passion. Recently, I launched a side project as a luxury consultant, called MFVD Luxury Consulting. It is a consulting firm that focuses on high-end design and lifestyle solutions.
YLA: You’ve got boutiques around the world, but you’re based in Hong Kong – tell us a little about your life there?
MFVD: Life in Hong Kong embodies the best of both worlds – East and West. This unique blend creates a vibrant cultural tapestry where traditional Chinese customs coexist with Western influences. I wake up in a paradise oasis just 10 minutes from the bustling city and from my office/design atelier. It’s wonderfully quiet, with birds singing, with an amazing view of the sea from my bedroom window – it’s hard to believe that just next door, minutes away, 500,000 people live in towering high-rises, where life buzzes around the clock. The contrast is striking.
YLA: Congratulations on your designs being featured in the recent season of The White Lotus. How did this collaboration come about, and were you a fan of the show before?
MFVD: The collaboration with The White Lotus emerged from my meeting with the talented costume designer Alex Bovaird, driven by a shared vision for style and aesthetic. As a fan of the show, the partnership was even more thrilling for me. In Season 3, set in Thailand, I have four ladies wearing my kaftans. My love for Thailand, where I have several stores and a strong presence, made this collaboration a perfect match.
YLA: What makes Thailand, in particular, so special to you?
MFVD: The inspiration for my brand was born in Thailand back in 2011, drawn from the serene way of life and a zen attitude that permeates the culture. I fell in love with the flowy silhouettes, monochrome colours, and the essence of quiet luxury that defines the Thai aesthetic. Today, I have three stores in Thailand, each catering to a diverse clientele of locals and tourists alike. I will probably add a fourth store very soon.
YLA: You’re known for your luxury resort wear. What are some of your favourite go-to luxury resorts around the world?
MFVD: First and foremost, I must mention Amanpuri in Phuket, a true paradise that embodies luxury and tranquillity. I would also highlight La Mamounia in Marrakesh, where I have a store; while not a traditional resort, it feels like the most luxurious escape. In that same vein, the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok stands out as what I consider a city resort, offering an exquisite blend of urban sophistication and relaxation. My kaftans are the perfect look for strolling down to breakfast in all these amazing locations.
YLA: Your surname reminds us of a certain action star. Can you explain and clarify your link to Jean-Claude Van Damme?
MFVD: My surname may remind people of the action star Jean-Claude Van Damme, but there’s no familial connection. My father-in-law took care of Jean-Claude when he was a youngster – he had a large gym in Brussels where Jean-Claude came to work out. They became close, and Jean-Claude has been like a little brother to my husband ever since. When JC went to America in the hope of becoming a movie star, he asked my husband if he could change his name to Van Damme.
YLA: What’s next for the Marie France Van Damme brand?
MFVD: Although I’ve had a presence at Le Bon Marché in Paris for several years, I’m excited to announce that I launched a pop-up space on 23 April for two months. This allows me to present the full collection and to share it with everyone who will visit the city.
YLA: As a designer, what’s your proudest career moment so far?
MFVD: My proudest career moments come when a client sends me a note expressing how my designs have made her feel beautiful and confident. That’s truly what I work for. I’m passionate about what I do, and when someone shares their love for the brand, it reaffirms why I’m on this journey.
