Cruso, simple, beautiful and functional local design!
Cruso, a new furniture brand from Brussels has appeared at Sit On Design. This is the opportunity to question its founder, Olivier Stevenart, on this beautiful Belgian story.
A furniture manufacturing project in Belgium is rather rare. Can you explain to us how Cruso was born?
The love of beautiful materials is a family affair! I inherited my father's love of wood; I worked for many years in the field of carpentry and management of development projects. My interest in furniture has only grown more and more. One day, I got started. I contacted Jean-François D’Or, designer whom I particularly appreciate and he was won over by my project. this gave birth to our first collection in 2014.
I started alone, thanks to my background, I produced the furniture myself! Today a small Cruso team is being assembled, the professionals of the sector welcome our products very well. I am delighted to see this dream grow. It is important to promote design in Belgium, whether with Belgian or even international designers, as long as they share our philosophy.
You collaborate with several renowned designers. Is there a common trait in their work, style? Are you looking for a common aesthetic that would be emblematic of "Cruso" products?
All the designers we work with create primarily for the end user. They are always committed to offering objects that integrate with a certain delicacy into people's lives ... and if possible improve it!
We are committed to offering a general public approach to design. I would like to change the very elitist image that sticks to this environment with simple, beautiful and well thought out products. The designers with whom we collaborate contribute to this ambition, through their work, their modesty and their generosity.
From a purely aesthetic point of view, we work around a round and soft line. We also highlight the sensual aspect of furniture which is made to be touched, to be in direct contact with the skin. This is why we put wood a lot in the foreground.
Ecology seems to be at the center of your thinking. Can you tell us more?
Yes, that plays a big role in our approach. By conviction on the one hand, but also by responsibility. Today, it is difficult to imagine a young brand not thinking in terms of ecology. This is a great creative axis for us, as our latest SPRINGBACK collection is proof of: designer Keiji Takeuchi has succeeded in creating a very beautiful lounge chair to assemble at home. This has enabled us to respond to a need to reduce the volume of our packaging.
For our furniture, we avoid plastics, MDF and other agglomerates ... We prefer to use solid or laminated wood, steel or aluminum. I want to make Cruso a timeless brand, this involves resistant and noble materials. And it's much more pleasant for our customers to interact with natural materials, I deeply believe that this helps to create an attachment to the object.
Cruso is based in Brussels. What should you absolutely visit in Brussels? Do you have favorite places?
I love the Bois de La Cambre or the Forêt de Soigne for a little jog or a family walk. It’s always very relaxing for me to take some time to find some greenery.
I recommend MAD Brussels, a place dedicated to design and fashion. It was an empowerment tool for creatives that supported me when I was starting out. The place is very beautiful architecturally and ideal for discovering what the young people of the trade offer.
Projects on the go?
Always ! We have great ambitions for the brand, new products to come of course, the introduction of new materials, to resume student competitions. We are also preparing projects aimed at pushing research and innovation but I cannot reveal too much yet ...!
The love of beautiful materials is a family affair! I inherited my father's love of wood; I worked for many years in the field of carpentry and management of development projects. My interest in furniture has only grown more and more. One day, I got started. I contacted Jean-François D’Or, designer whom I particularly appreciate and he was won over by my project. this gave birth to our first collection in 2014.
I started alone, thanks to my background, I produced the furniture myself! Today a small Cruso team is being assembled, the professionals of the sector welcome our products very well. I am delighted to see this dream grow. It is important to promote design in Belgium, whether with Belgian or even international designers, as long as they share our philosophy.
You collaborate with several renowned designers. Is there a common trait in their work, style? Are you looking for a common aesthetic that would be emblematic of "Cruso" products?
All the designers we work with create primarily for the end user. They are always committed to offering objects that integrate with a certain delicacy into people's lives ... and if possible improve it!
We are committed to offering a general public approach to design. I would like to change the very elitist image that sticks to this environment with simple, beautiful and well thought out products. The designers with whom we collaborate contribute to this ambition, through their work, their modesty and their generosity.
From a purely aesthetic point of view, we work around a round and soft line. We also highlight the sensual aspect of furniture which is made to be touched, to be in direct contact with the skin. This is why we put wood a lot in the foreground.
Ecology seems to be at the center of your thinking. Can you tell us more?
Yes, that plays a big role in our approach. By conviction on the one hand, but also by responsibility. Today, it is difficult to imagine a young brand not thinking in terms of ecology. This is a great creative axis for us, as our latest SPRINGBACK collection is proof of: designer Keiji Takeuchi has succeeded in creating a very beautiful lounge chair to assemble at home. This has enabled us to respond to a need to reduce the volume of our packaging.
For our furniture, we avoid plastics, MDF and other agglomerates ... We prefer to use solid or laminated wood, steel or aluminum. I want to make Cruso a timeless brand, this involves resistant and noble materials. And it's much more pleasant for our customers to interact with natural materials, I deeply believe that this helps to create an attachment to the object.
Cruso is based in Brussels. What should you absolutely visit in Brussels? Do you have favorite places?
I love the Bois de La Cambre or the Forêt de Soigne for a little jog or a family walk. It’s always very relaxing for me to take some time to find some greenery.
I recommend MAD Brussels, a place dedicated to design and fashion. It was an empowerment tool for creatives that supported me when I was starting out. The place is very beautiful architecturally and ideal for discovering what the young people of the trade offer.
Projects on the go?
Always ! We have great ambitions for the brand, new products to come of course, the introduction of new materials, to resume student competitions. We are also preparing projects aimed at pushing research and innovation but I cannot reveal too much yet ...!
