MariusPetrus is the new menswear label by designer Marius Op ’t Eynde based in Antwerp, Belgium. After graduating in 2011 from ‘Artez Hogeschool voor de kunsten’ in Arnhem and completing internships at Alexander McQueen’s menswear department and Raf Simons’ studio in Antwerp, Marius decided to focus entirely on his own brand.

MariusPetrus(24) is the menswear label by designer Marius Op ’t Eynde, based in Antwerp, Belgium. Petrus is Marius’ middle name, taken from his grandfather and as such paying honour to his heritage and emphasizing the masculine line of the family. The brand was launched in 2012 after completing internships at Alexander McQueen’s menswear department and Raf Simons’ studio in Antwerp.

MariusPetrus brings strong, masculine collections, with graphic shapes, bold colours and architectural prints. Classical tailoring elements with a modern signature merge seamlessly with sportswear influences and high tech materials, creating an interesting blend of men’s heritage and future concepts. Working with strong colours and fully ‘in-house’ designed prints, next to a base palette of crisp whites and deep black, adds another dimension to the collections.

High quality materials and production and a keen eye for detail and finishing are key to MariusPetrus' designs. Both the materials and manufacturing are fully sourced in Europe, ranging from Belgium to Italy, Germany and Britain.

1. When did you start having interest in fashion? When did you realise you wanted to become a fashion designer?

The interest in fashion started probably when I was a child. And I was always drawing and scribbling and when I was about 14 I started to do things in Photoshop just making designs for T-shirts. That continued and then I realised I wanted to designing for a living. I wasn’t so specially into fashion there yet, because I was also doing lots of graphic designing. But then I got more and more interested in fabrics, and because my mother is an interior designer so we had a lot of fabrics around that house, I am sure it raised my interest. Then I tried to get in the best fashion school in the Netherlands and I got it and that is how it started.

2. How would you describe your brand and designs?

Its a high end street wear brand, so its wearable, but not so affordable. My signature is my prints that I design from scratch. Its a very clean and graphic silhouette for men with some variations in cut and fit but still with a wearer in mind. So it is not just for clothes on the runway it is also something that men would wear.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your creations? 

Everything - travels, art, architecture, photography. 

4. How difficult is it to make it in the fashion industry? What does it take?

There is a lot of competition. To make it you have to be very persistent. I have done everything myself from scratch, but now Ive got a side job next to this one, which is being the mens denim designer for Wrangler jeans, so now I am working with factories with my own brand. Also to take it to the next level.

5. You have been an intern in Alexander McQueen? What did you learn in that company?

You really have to work hard. There were days when we started working at 9am and finished 2am. It was also good fun but very intense and a great experience. It was also my first working experience after school. Menswear department at that time was only 4 people and I got to see the whole working process from scratch.

6. Have you though about designing for women? 

Lot of people have asked and I have thought about it, but because I am so busy now I will do it in the future.

7. Are you working on any new projects?

Right now I am very busy with the new collection. I am just going to continue to grow as a designer. Working to Wrangler is also a great experience and is taking me to new places.

More info:

www.mariuspetrus.com