Alain Gilles

Alain Gilles, born in 1970 in Brussels, followed an unconventional path to becoming a world-renowned industrial designer. 

After studying Political Science and Marketing Management, he spent five years working in international finance, including a tenure at J.P. Morgan. 

Driven by a lifelong passion for design, he made a pivotal career change at age 32, enrolling in industrial design at the Institut Superieur de Design in France. 

In 2007, he founded Alain Gilles The Studio in Brussels, launching a career often described as his "second life". His work is defined by a philosophy he calls "Simplexity," creating pieces that appear visually simple but contain complex architectural layers and details that reveal themselves over time. 

This approach has led to prolific collaborations with international brands such as Ligne Roset, Bonaldo, BuzziSpace, and Varaschin. 

Gilles' portfolio includes iconic designs like the Big Table for Bonaldo, a bestseller that won the Good Design Award and became an industry icon. His diverse body of work spans furniture, lighting, and interior architecture, earning him the prestigious Designer of the Year title at the 2012 Biennale Interieur. 

Recently, in 2025, he was appointed Art Director for the luxury brand Milla&Milli, continuing his focus on sustainable, high-end design.