“My European Life: Growing up as the Son of an Irish Father Working for the European Space Agency in the Netherlands and Settling in Brussels”

Damian O’Sullivan, an Irish designer who grew up in the Netherlands and France, now resides in Brussels. His father worked for the European Space Agency, which inspired his interest in solar power, a technology that was still in its infancy when he was a child. Growing up with an Irish identity, he was given an Irish passport at the age of 10, solidifying his connection to the country. Damien is a designer who has worked for Hermès and Louis Vuitton, and he is launching his own luxury leather brand called DAMIAAN. Through his travels to Paris and inspiration from Brussels’ art and architecture, he has created designs with nods to famous artists such as René Magritte. When not working, he recommends checking out the beautiful art nouveau and art deco masterpieces such as the Horta museum and more that are scattered throughout Brussels. If you’re in need of some home comforts, there’s the Irish fish and chips shop, Biamara, as well as the usual crop of Irish pubs.