Filip Arickx reveals how people react to his new line of luxury sextoys after 23 years in fashion.
Friedl' Lesage hosts Filip Arickx on Touché for a conversation about his life and work. Arickx recently launched Nightfall, a collection of luxury sextoys, after 23 years co-running the fashion label AF van de Vorst with his wife Anneke. He explains that Nightfall continues the name from their lingerie line and reflects his passion for eroticism, which he defines as 'the art of loving' rather than something pornographic. Arickx describes the four products: a glass dildo with a peacock feather, a faceted glass butt plug, a mini glass vibrator, and one silicone toy, all designed as beautiful objects. He shares his early fascination with eroticism, sparked by seeing the film Emmanuelle at age 12-13, and his desire to change societal perceptions. The interview delves into his background, including growing up in a bakery family and his early interest in fashion, exemplified by a letter he wrote at 15 criticizing a magazine article, which led to a TV appearance on Blikvanger where Dirk Bickenbergs praised him. Arickx discusses meeting his wife Anneke on the first day of fashion academy and their 37-year relationship, both personal and professional. He recounts the decision to end AF van de Vorst four years ago, just before the pandemic, and how they archived their collections in museums. Arickx now studies glassblowing at IK in Mechelen and finds creativity in thinking, not just making. He reflects on aging, sexuality in long-term relationships, and his goal to inspire younger generations. The episode includes music chosen by Arickx, such as songs from Emmanuelle, Talking Heads, and ABBA, with personal anecdotes tied to each.
