Inge Onsea & Tom De Poortere

Els Keymeulen, fashion director and columnist for Feeling magazine, in conversation with Inge Onsea and Tom De Poortere, the creative minds behind Essentiel Antwerp. They've been around for about 20 years, successfully adapting their strategy to the ever changing fashion industry.

Inge Onsea founded Essentiel Antwerp in 1999 with her husband, Esfan Eghtessadi. Today, she leads the design team with her unstoppable positive energy. Inge continues to travel the world in search of inspiration but remains deeply rooted in Antwerp.

Tom De Poortere graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in 1999, the year Essentiel Antwerp was founded. Now he is the brand's Art Director and Head of Design, working in close relationship with Inge. When he needs a break from fashion, you can sometimes find him DJ'ing his favorite tunes.