Where Silk, Style, and Color Merge into Timeless Art

August 2, 2025

Where Silk, Style, and Color Merge into Timeless Art

Interview with Monique Verreydt

In a world dominated by fast fashion, handcrafted creations hold a unique value. We explore the fascinating journey of Monique, the driving force behind the exquisite hand-painted silk scarves of MoVe. After a long career in HR, Monique decided to radically change course and pursue a long-cherished childhood dream: silk painting.

What began as a quest for the perfect scarf to balance out less flattering wardrobe colors grew into a recognized Belgian craft. In this interview, Monique speaks candidly about the unexpected twists in her life, the “Eureka” moments that inspired her, and how she gradually developed her own style. She shares her love for silk painting, her personal approach to bespoke designs, and her vision of the enduring value of handmade craftsmanship in the fashion world.

Be inspired by Monique’s passion, craftsmanship, and the philosophy behind every MoVe scarf.

Question 1: Can you explain how your silk scarves came to be?

The origin of my silk scarves is the result of an unexpected twist in my career. After a long run in HR and an announced restructuring, I decided to completely change course. My childhood dream of doing something creative resurfaced.

I trained as a color and style consultant and quickly discovered how powerful color can be. One cold autumn day, I wore a comfortable but dull gray dress, which my husband lovingly called “my sad little dress.” I paired it with a warm red scarf and unexpectedly received compliments. That’s when I realized how transformative a scarf can be: a single accessory that changes your entire appearance.

That experience sparked an idea: why not make scarves in clients’ top colors, so they could still wear clothes in less flattering shades? A scarf could not only elevate their look but also allow them to wear such clothes stylishly, sustainable and elegant.

Because the ideal color combinations are unique to each person, I couldn’t find existing scarves that fit the bill. So I decided to make them myself and learned silk painting. Silk was the perfect fabric for me: luxurious, natural, and sustainable. What started as a practical addition to my color consultations evolved into a full-fledged craft.

I sign my scarves “MoVe,” a short form of my name, and that has now grown into a recognized brand in the Benelux. Since last year, I’ve also been officially recognized as an artisan by the Belgian Federal Public Service for Economy.

Question 2: Which Japanese techniques inspire you most, and how do you apply them in your work?

I’m particularly inspired by Japanese Shibori techniques, though I always give them my own interpretation. Shibori is actually a collective term for different ways of manipulating or binding fabric so that certain parts don’t absorb dye. In Japan, this is used on various fabrics, but I consciously focus only on silk.

Within Shibori, I prefer working with the mokume shibori technique, a stitching method where small stitches form patterns. Once stitched, the threads are pulled tight, creating a gathered effect. I then apply the dye, which doesn’t penetrate evenly, resulting in subtle patterns. After drying, the scarf is fixed, rinsed, and ironed. Each step is artisanal and time-consuming, but essential for a sustainable and high-quality result.

While Shibori is traditionally done with indigo, I enjoy playing with color. I often start with a light base and layer a darker tone over it, tailored to the client’s preferences. This makes every scarf unique, even when using the same technique, the dye always finds its own path.

Question 3: Japanese silk scarves are rich in symbolism. How do you incorporate this into your work?

Though I’m inspired by Japanese techniques like Shibori, I don’t delve into traditional symbolism or fixed motifs. I prefer to combine different techniques in my own way, without strictly adhering to traditional rules. That gives me the creative freedom to intuitively respond to what a design needs in the moment.

This freedom is important to me, Each design emerges from the moment, the colors, and the person the scarf is meant for.

Question 4: How do you balance tradition and contemporary influences? Can you give an example?

I don’t follow historical designs but instead give my work a contemporary twist. When painting silk, color flow, fabric type, and thickness all play a major role, it’s as if the dye chooses its own path. That makes each design exciting and unique.

A great example is how I adapt the mokume shibori technique: I begin with a light base color and fix it. Then I apply a thickened dye in a different color using a screen – print-like method on both sides of the scarf. Because the dye penetrates less deeply, the effects are more subtle. The drying process takes longer, but the result is more refined and modern than the classical method.

Question 5: How do you translate a customer’s personality into a custom-made scarf?

Every custom scarf starts with a good conversation. Some clients choose an existing design and ask for it in their favorite or seasonal colors, while others come with very specific wishes. Thanks to my archive of numbered designs, I know right away which techniques to use, but I also explain that the result will never be an exact copy. Each scarf remains one of a kind.

Sometimes I receive unusual requests. One client asked for a scarf inspired by the Middle Ages, with emerald green flames. She wanted something mysterious, reflecting her fascination with dragons and witches.

I sketched the flames with disappearing ink, applied black gutta, added depth with green paint, and layered black over the rest.

It was technically challenging, but she was thrilled with the final result and that’s ultimately what drives me.

Question 6: How do you help clients use their scarf as a tool for self-expression and confidence?

Because every scarf is tailored to their favorite or most flattering colors, clients feel genuinely connected to their piece. It enhances their appearance and offers versatility, they can pair it with various outfits, even those in less flattering colors. They don’t need to throw anything out, which brings peace of mind and boosts confidence.

I also show them how to wear their scarf creatively, for example, using long scarves to create vertical lines that make them appear taller or slimmer. And regardless of body size, a scarf always fits. It’s a timeless accessory, unaffected by trends, that always expresses something personal.

Question 7: How does your background as a color and style consultant influence your designs?

My background as a color and style consultant is indispensable. I don’t just offer color advice, I also think along with clients about the right size and design, tailored to their body shape, style, and preferences.For instance, I’ll never recommend a 1.80 m long scarf to a petite woman, even if it’s more expensive. It has to feel right for the person wearing it.

When fulfilling custom orders, I first visualize the end result. Sometimes this leads me to suggest changes, so the design and the client align better. This helps avoid disappointment and ensures we co-create a scarf they’ll truly love.

A great example is a client who wanted to gift a scarf with bold block-lettered text. I showed him a comparison between his idea and a more elegant handwritten version. He immediately saw the difference, the cursive style suited the design much better. These small details can make a huge difference.

Question 8: What recent techniques or innovations have enriched your work?

Last year I took a batik course with Rita Trefois in Eindhoven. While batik is more suited to cotton and uses chemical fixation (which is less sustainable), I still gained valuable insights. I now adapt some of the techniques and ideas to suit my own environmentally friendly and artisanal approach with silk.

Every new technique I learn challenges me to think further and continue growing creatively, as long as it aligns with my values: quality, sustainability, and originality.

Question 9: What do you think is the lasting appeal of Japanese silk scarves, and what role do you see for handmade products in the future of fashion?

The strength of Japanese silk scarves lies in the quality of the fabric, the refined craftsmanship, and their fidelity to tradition. They stay close to their cultural roots, often using fixed symbols like flowers and dragonflies, and are less subject to trends. Many of these scarves are woven rather than hand-painted, but always elegant and well thought out. Their exotic allure continues to captivate globally.

Handmade products often struggle against the speed of fast fashion, but a shift is happening. More people – and designers like Armani – are embracing slow fashion. I see three target groups emerging: trend-followers who opt for cheap fashion, young people shopping second-handfor sustainability and budget reasons, and a growing group that chooses authentic, unique pieces with a story. That last group is my audience: people who value craftsmanship and consciously choose quality and character.

Question 10: What lessons have you learned along the way, and what advice would you give to aspiring silk painters?

I’ve mostly learned by doing, by making mistakes, and by constantly reinventing myself. The more techniques you master, the more creative freedom you gain. But the most important thing is: work with passion and strive for quality. Things won’t always go right the first time, and that’s okay. Learn from it and always build in extra time in case you need to start over.

Don’t undervalue yourself by underpricing your work. In the beginning, I practically worked for free out of insecurity. That’s not sustainable. Clients feel your passion and value your craftsmanship, especially when you involve them in the process. Empathy helps: listen closely, but also give honest advice if something doesn’t suit them.

Networking is crucial. As a small Belgian brand in a niche market, you have to make yourself visible. You may not get rich from it, but the satisfaction of a happy customer is priceless.

And above all… don’t give up.

MoVe on!

August 2, 2025