DANIEL MENCEL
Daniel Mencel is a furniture designer and maker whose practice sits at the intersection of craftsmanship, architecture and object design.
His work approaches furniture as an autonomous presence within space — not simply as something functional, but as an object defined by proportion, material and construction. Each piece is conceived, developed and produced in his own workshop, allowing for complete control over every stage of the process.
Released exclusively in limited series, Mencel’s work is guided by restraint rather than trend. No mass production, no unnecessary gestures — only considered objects designed to endure.
1. What is the one thing you never leave the house without?
I rarely leave the house without my dog. He is a Belgian Shepherd Groenendael named Noce “walnut” in Italian. He is with me most of the time.
Dogs have been part of my life for years. They are simply part of who I am. If I can’t go somewhere with my dog, I simply don’t go. I can easily forget my phone, but I never forget Noce.
2. Which piece in your wardrobe has stayed with you through every version of yourself?
Definitely long-sleeved shirts. I wear them every day, and they are also part of my work clothes. I love loose-fitting ones that don’t restrict movement. Plain, in muted colours. Ideally with a pocket for cigarettes and a lighter.
There is something comforting about the long sleeves and collar. They make me feel protected. At work, they protect my arms from dust. They are very versatile, appropriate for most occasions. At the same time, they are masculine, elegant and timeless.
Most of my shirts go through a natural cycle. First they are everyday clothes, then they become workwear. Because of the way I live and work, my clothes get worn out, and only the strongest make it through the full cycle :)
3. What is your personal style code?
My style is simple — and it has stayed that way for years. I never follow trends, and form always follows function. It has to be comfortable, neat and slightly elegant classic, but never overdressed.
I can be drawn to a particular colour for several years, but the form remains the same.
I don’t treat clothes as a way of expressing my personality - I don’t feel the need to. I used to buy something different on impulse from time to time, but the result was always the same: a piece of clothing that would stay in my wardrobe for years without ever being worn. Even if I looked good in it, I didn’t feel like myself.
My wardrobe is very small and modest. I can buy the same pair of shoes several times simply because they are comfortable and I feel good wearing them.
4. What do you value most in your relationships with people?
Honesty, because it is the foundation. Authenticity, because it shows the truth. Selflessness, which largely defines the value of a relationship, and the kind of unconditional love I know from Noce and value in people.
I value people who have a certain distance from themselves and the world around them. It creates openness without imposing anything on others. I value people with principles, even when I completely disagree with them. And I love people with passion that spark you can see in their eyes, the thing that creates a connection.
Living in Silesia, I particularly appreciate the openness and kindness people show in their everyday relationships. It creates bonds between neighbours and at work.
5. What is your ritual for feeling well, grounded, and truly yourself?
Every day starts with coffee, a cigarette and a walk with my dogs. I’m addicted to walking. My workshop is 8 km from my home. Sometimes I walk there and then walk back.
But ultimately, it is my work, which is also my passion, that allows me to feel truly myself. The combination of physical and mental effort helps me maintain a balance between body and mind.
6. What is one thing — in fashion, culture, or life — that you have truly enjoyed lately?
Lately, I’ve found the greatest pleasure in the simplest everyday things. Putting up shelves or pictures that have been waiting to be installed for a long time. Spending unhurried time with my two-year-old daughter, Julia. Meeting friends or going for a walk with no particular destination. Being present in the moment is what matters.
The past two years have been a very difficult time for me a time of huge changes and difficult decisions, losing both of my parents within just a few months, but also the birth of my child, professional successes, good changes and good decisions. That mix of completely opposite emotions has taught me to appreciate the small, everyday things even more.
Today, one of the greatest pleasures is watching my daughter discover the world and learn about emotions being there for it and discovering life together. Designing something simple and seeing the beauty in it.
I can see this reflected in my work as well. I stopped looking for elaborate forms and constantly trying to raise the bar for myself. I started simplifying and reducing.
And for some time now, I’ve been completely fascinated by light. The way it passes through, emphasises form, shapes shadows, changes the way we perceive places and objects, and affects our emotions. You just have to notice it.
