ABOUT THE STUDIO

I’m Nele Winckelmans (°91) and the face behind Monteyn. With a background in Graphic Design at KASK in Ghent and further training in leather craftsmanship in Lokeren, my work grew from a deep curiosity for materials and the joy of making things by hand.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a visual merchandiser, stylist and florist. These experiences shaped my eye for composition, colour and atmosphere. Now they naturally flow into my designs.

Monteyn is also deeply personal. The name comes from my grandmother, Margriet Monteyne (°1931). She taught me how to sew and as a child I often watched her paint on silk. Creativity was part of her everyday life, even though she never had the chance to study or pursue art professionally. Alongside this love for making and creativity, she also passed on a deep appreciation for the mountains and nature — a quiet influence that continues to shape the way I look at materials, form and balance.

The Monteyn logo is based on her handwriting. By using her family name and hand-drawn letters, her presence is woven into the brand. The logo is a quiet tribute — a way for her creativity to live on through my work.

Everything at Monteyn is handcrafted, one piece at a time. I don’t work with mass production or fast fashion. Each bag is made slowly, with care and intention — focusing on quality and durability.
My design approach is rooted in simplicity. I strip each bag down to its essence without losing what matters. Every detail has a purpose, nothing distracts from the form. The result is a clear, balanced design that feels intuitive to use.

Monteyn is a reflection of my hands, my vision and the story behind them.