Komono is a Belgian brand which produces sophisticated eyewear and elegant watches at an affordable price. Its simple but also alluring attitude can be found in the mind behind this project, Anton Janssens.
His project started almost ten years ago, when he wanted to create something new and intriguing but, once again, affordable. He embarked himself on a new professional journey and nowadays Komono has become a reality sold worldwide.
In collaboration with Hub, he invited Acrimònia to an interesting journey through contemporary art at Miart, a prestigious art fair, and then to a delicious dinner in the beautiful corniche of Lùbar.
As a creator, where do you draw inspiration from?
It could be anything. I appreciate art of course, but reality itself is full of inputs. It could be an adventurous journey with a friend, or a conversation with someone new, or a detail from a photograph. I think we’re all like sponges, absorbing things from the outside to make them ours.
What’s your attitude towards your job?
It’s definitely about freedom of expression, together with the naivety of doing something new without really knowing the consequences.
What’s the brand’s attitude then?
I think Komono is not just a brand, but it’s also a lifestyle, a positive vibe towards life. It’s about not repeating yourself and searching for new things. And this is also reflected in how I work with my team, always pushing it to new uncharted zones. It might be scary sometimes, not knowing what’s going to happen next, but I always dare myself to think bigger.
Why did you choose eyewear and watches?
Well, these are products that I personally like, of course. And I wanted to decline them in a personal way, also because these small objects can really tell something about you. You can choose a pair of flamboyant sunglasses and a big statement watch, or you can go for a minimalist design. On the other hand, I focused on business, asking myself if I was able to make such expensive accessories more affordable but still cool and high-quality.
How does it feel to see people wearing you creations?
It is a little bit weird. People send me pictures of themselves wearing Komono’s eyewear or watches from all over the world, from Canada to Italy. I started from Antwerp, a small Belgian town, and now I found myself travelling all over the world with my business. I just want to cherish this moment.
You collaborated with some young illustrators in the past, would you like to do it again?
Of course I would. I love the idea of a reciprocal exchange of inspiration, because this is what pushes me to do better and search for something new. In the end it’s all about karma, what you give is also what you take back.
Your campaigns and your products are one-of-a-kind, and you can really tell the brand’s identity looking at them. Is it difficult sometimes to think out of the box?
This is an interesting question, because when you start making business in the fashion system is gets harder to choose. Nowadays hype can make you rise and fall very easily, since trends keep on changing. What I’d like to keep doing with my brand is preserving its identity, without trying to copy someone else. It might be risky, but comfort zone is not for me.
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