At the helm of his eponymous label for over a decade, Mats Rombaut is looking at the bigger picture, embracing the invaluable lessons that have transpired along a tumultuous yet rewarding trajectory. Almost every season has teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, yet still, the Belgian designer banked on his vision for a more distinctive iteration of footwear, keeping afloat with multiple side hustles and boundless perseverance. The current day sees Rombaut venture towards a more accessible format, investigating new design methods that support his ambitions for a greener industry, whilst elevating his statement, cyber-tinged aesthetics.
Spending his early career at Lanvin working on product development before joining the now-defunct luxury brand Damir Doma, Rombaut awoke to the realities of waste in fashion, seeing the everyday realities on the factory floor. This, coupled with a passion for techno-fuelled dancefloors, birthed a maximalist, sci-fi underworld. With a glance across his body of work, it is the bulked-up platforms, sport-ready heels and industrial detailings that helm Rombaur’s brand, ramping up each silhouette with an extraterrestrial twist. A balance between gritty yet super-swish styles, the brand leans into the avant-garde, repped by cultural emblems such as Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Ecco2k and Hailey Bieber. Ultimately, Rombaut has set out with an intrigue that isn’t afraid to prioritise ethics or admit the challenges of running your own business – with brutal honesty, the brand takes on risks to maintain its ethos, experimenting with forward-thinking materials like pineapple leather, algae materials and biodegradable TPU.
Following a brief hiatus in 2023, a result of extended burn-out periods and a subsequent breakdown, the designer returned to his craft with a newfound perspective, a vigour that shines across ‘CORE’, his latest collection. Launched on Earth Day, Romabut’s latest work strips things back as he re-visits the archives, offering a fresh take on the brand’s classic Boccaccio style at a lower price point. Composed of high recycled-plastic content and 30% recycled rubber, each pair is free of any harmful chemicals, building a community of consumers who take a more conscious approach to apparel, engaged in an ever-growing canvas for self-expression.
To celebrate the release of ‘Core,’ CLASH caught up with Mats Rombaut. Here, he offers a candid conversation that unpicks his early beginnings, the influences behind his work, and what drives him to continue creating during a time when fast fashion dominates the mainstream.
—
—
Where does your journey begin as a designer, what first drew you in towards this form of expression?
I was always drawing, even in class when I was supposed to be paying attention — it was just something I loved. As a kid, it was kind of my way of escaping. Later in high school, I started getting bullied for the way I dressed, and my drawings weren’t really appreciated either. It made me want to rebel a bit, to carve out my own space. Growing up in the Belgian countryside, everything felt very quiet and limited — so drawing and creating became a way out, a way to dream up something different.
What kind of designs and styles did you first lean into, and how did that vision evolve into Rombaut?
Before I started the brand, I worked with Damir Doma for a couple of years — that definitely shaped my early taste. I was really into Rick Owens too. I remember using tree bark coated with latex as one of my first materials, which naturally pushed the designs into this darker, avant-garde territory. It was all very raw and experimental back then, but even from the beginning I was trying to do something that felt ethical and new.
Who would you say are the key forces that shaped your identity and aspirations as a designer?
Definitely Raf Simons. He made me feel like it was possible to do something bold and emotional in fashion, coming from Belgium. And then Jodorowsky — I love how surreal and layered his work is. He opened up a whole different way of thinking about storytelling and visuals. Those two, in totally different ways, helped me shape my world.
When people describe Rombaut as future-facing — is that something you think about consciously?
Yeah, I’ve always had this thing with the future. I never felt super connected to the now. Thinking about what the world could look like in 20 or 50 years, it excited me — it also helped me cope with the present. There’s this mix of hope and urgency in it.
But now I’m more aware and focused on the present. The vibe has become more retro-future, where it connects past present and future. I’m quite fascinated about how people imagined 2020 in the 80s.
I’ve also learned that real change takes time. Whether it’s systems, habits, or values — you have to play the long game. A lot of my work comes from imagining a world that’s healthier, in every sense of the word.
—
—
How important is sustainability to you, and what steps do you take to make the brand greener?
It’s always been at the core of Rombaut. From the beginning, I didn’t want to make just another fashion brand. I wanted to find better materials, better practices — even if it meant things were more difficult or more expensive. We’ve spent over a decade sourcing and testing materials, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
How do you avoid greenwashing, especially in such a trend-driven industry?
It’s tricky. Let’s be honest — no one really needs anything new. But I do think there’s something specific about shoes… I personally prefer to wear new ones instead of someone else’s old pair, with their sweat and all.
That’s where our CORE line comes in. It’s built to last, made from the best recycled materials we’ve found over the last 10 years. It’s about everyday wear, timelessness, and function — not just making a trendy product.
You took a break from the brand in 2023. Did that change how you see Rombaut?
Definitely. When you’re in it every day, especially running a small independent label, it’s easy to lose perspective. I was drowning in the work.
Rombaut is like my first child — I care deeply about it. But I realised I only wanted to do things that brought more joy than pain. So I’ve been trying to bring more creativity, more feeling back into the process.
Over the past decade, you’ve faced the ups and downs of running your own brand. What kept you going?
Music, for one. But also that feeling when you see a prototype come to life — it’s addictive. I love solving problems, and there are so many in this industry. I weirdly enjoy being in the factory, getting my hands dirty, fixing things. That keeps me moving.
—
—
You referenced Erwin Wurm during the ‘CORE’ campaign — what about his work connects to yours?
His way of twisting reality — the humor, the surrealism, the quiet social commentary — it really speaks to me. I think there’s a similar spirit in Rombaut. We actually tried to make a ‘fat shoe’ years ago, inspired by his ‘Fat Car’, but it turned out horrible. Now felt like the right moment to try again, and do it properly.
What inspired you to revisit your signature silhouettes at a lower price point?
Honestly — inflation. Things got expensive for everyone. I wanted Rombaut to be more accessible, especially because people kept asking. It didn’t make sense to gatekeep it. Good design, good ethics — it should be for everyone.
What kind of community do you want to build around Rombaut, and where do you see it heading?
I’m drawn to creative people — they give me energy. I want to keep blending fashion with other art forms like music, movement, performance. Working with people like Damien Jalet or Max Cookward, or artists like Twigs, Arca, Eartheater… it brings the work to life in new ways.
I want the brand to stay rooted in care — for people, for the planet, for ideas. I want to stay close to good, sensitive people who care about making the world better.
Any scenes or collectives you’re curious about exploring in 2025?
A lot, actually. I’ve been into PAN records for a while. I want to go out more again, see what’s happening. I always feel inspired in London. And I’ve been surfing more in Lanzarote — there’s something about that place. Also, weirdly, I’m really fascinated by dark energy and dark matter lately. If there’s a scene for that, I want in.
If you could change one thing about the fashion industry right now, what would it be?
Less ego, more care. Less obsession with empty social media clout. I’d love to see more attention given to people who actually move the world forward — scientists, philosophers, artists. People who aren’t just performing for likes, but who are actually thinking deeply and creating meaning.
—
The full ‘CORE’ colelction is available to purchase via Rombaut’s e-store.
Join us on WeAre8, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine HERE as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and photo shoots. Get backstage sneak-peeks and a view into our world as the fun and games unfold.
Less Ego, More Care: Mats Rombaut Interviewed – clashmusic.com
