Marius Hordijk '05: Innovating Fashion with TheCube Archive

Alumni

By Kim Donaldson | Photography by Marius Hordijk '05

At the intersection of fashion, creativity, and research lies TheCube Archive, an exclusive menswear hub co-founded by Marius Hordijk ’05. Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, this innovative space is more than just an archive—it’s a dynamic realm where the past inspires the future of fashion.

TheCube Archive was born out of the longstanding research-driven practices of Studio Chiassai, founded in the 1980s by Alessandra and Stefano Chiassai. Originally an internal research tool supporting the studio’s creative process, its growing collection of vintage garments evolved into a full-scale archive. In 2016, with the publication of their photographic album CAOSORDINATO and the addition of Corinna Chiassai and Marius to the team, TheCube was transformed into a dynamic creative hub. Featuring over 20,000 curated pieces, it offers ever-changing installations and serves as a resource for designers, photographers, and creatives.

In a recent After UCU podcast interview, Marius reflected on his journey from studying psychology at UCU to co-founding TheCube, blending research and innovation to redefine the creative process.

From UCU to Tuscany

Marius’ path to TheCube was as diverse as the garments in his archive. While studying psychology at UCU, he developed a fascination with human interactions, though he did not intend on becoming a psychologist. A semester spent abroad in South Africa led to an unexpected modeling career, which took him to over 25 countries, on 6 continents.

Marius and his mother visiting his modelling agency, enjoying the moment he saw printed photos from his first test shoot.

Through modeling, Marius discovered the world of fashion while also keeping his brain active by exploring other creative pursuits. “It was a bit of a curvy path to get where I am today,” he admitted. “I like to diversify and do different things—I worked as a writer and a columnist for a few Dutch magazines, then worked in photography, and at some point I started going more towards coaching. All those experiences somehow come together in what I do now.” In 2017, Marius moved to Tuscany, a place he now calls home.

An Archive Reimagined for Today’s Creators

TheCube Archive is a fashion innovator, a place that not only preserves but reimagines clothing for contemporary inspiration and functions as a resource for fashion designers and fashion brands seeking to research and develop new collections. “We’re not a store. Everything is rental, focused on inspiring designers and students. When fashion designers start thinking, ‘What’s the theme for this year, this season, this collection?’ they often do research,” Marius explained. “That can mean going to vintage markets, exploring online, or tapping into personal archives. Or they can come to us.”

TheCube also collaborates with musicians through TheCube xArtists, helping them align their outfits with their artistic identities. “Sometimes, incredible music is being made, but the people creating it don’t have the resources or knowledge to dress in a way that amplifies their vision,” he explained. “We aim to help musicians use fashion as a tool to support and elevate their music, without overshadowing it.”

Twice a year, the archive undergoes a complete transformation in a process Marius calls the changing of the closet. “We empty out the archive and start over again. It’s based on our own trend analysis—not just fashion trends, but what’s happening in film, music, politics. It’s essential to understand the bigger picture.”

This holistic approach reflects Marius’ interdisciplinary philosophy. “If fashion only looks at fashion, it’s like a dog chasing its own tail,” he said. He believes in bringing different fields together, melding ideas from various disciplines to spark something truly creative.

Step into the world of TheCube Archive: a curated glimpse into their dynamic activities, from avant-garde installations and exclusive vintage collections to inspiring creative collaborations.

Planting Seeds for a Sustainable Fashion Future

With over 40 years of experience, research, knowledge and the physical space to share, TheCube Archive also aims to educate. Marius and his team welcome fashion schools and universities to book and organise visits and workshop days. Students get the chance to learn about what it means to be a fashion designer, stylist, or working in fashion communication, and how to do research while learning how to look at and work with vintage clothing.

Sustainability is also an important aspect of TheCube’s mission, though Marius is careful not to overstate their impact. “Fashion has a long way to go in terms of sustainability,” he said. “I’m very careful about greenwashing or ‘green wishing.’ We prefer to plant seeds and let our actions speak.”

A key part of this effort involves educating students to rethink consumption. For Marius, sustainability is as much about mindset as it is about materials, and this is what he hopes to instill in the next generation of fashion designers. “It’s about appreciating what you have,” he said. “You don’t like a sweater anymore? Do something with it. Turn it into something that you would like. Don't necessarily just toss it aside. Combine it in a different way with different clothes to give it life again.”

Adding Flavour to Life

Outside of TheCube, nature and music are important aspects of Marius' life. Nature is often deemed his 'office' by colleagues. Whether cycling, hiking, or simply tending to the vegetables and fruits in his garden, he takes full advantage of exercising and getting outside when he can.

The area surrounding Marius' home in the hills of Tuscany.

Music has always been a great source of inspiration and grounding for Marius. For over 190 consecutive weeks he has curated a weekly Spotify playlist aptly named the weekly (follow it!). He describes this project as an antidote to the algorithm. Every Sunday, he shares 30 tracks based on a theme, ranging from Japanese hip-hop and French indie to classical music. “Music adds flavour to life—it’s like the salt. It grounds me and inspires me in ways that nothing else can."

Music adds flavour to life—it’s like the salt.

Inspiring Growth and Curiosity

Marius looks back on his time at UCU fondly. “UCU instilled something in me,” he said. “It wasn’t the specific lessons I remember, but the environment—being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and interests." That openness and diversity still influences him today. He gained a lot in what he considers ‘very formative years,’ including life-long connections. “I’m thinking now,” he added with a smile, “and yep, my best friends are all from UCU, still today.”

Marius hopes his journey inspires others to embrace the twists and turns of their own paths. “If someone had told me at UCU that I’d end up running a fashion archive in Tuscany, I would’ve laughed extensively." Yet, it’s precisely these unexpected turns that have allowed him to merge his passions and make a lasting impact. Through TheCube Archive, Marius is not only reshaping the future of fashion but also championing a mindset of curiosity, sustainability, and the courage to reimagine what’s possible.

About Marius

Marius Hordijk is the co-founder of TheCube Archive, a dynamic menswear fashion hub in Tuscany. Combining his diverse background in psychology, modeling, writing, and photography, Marius, alongside Stefano, Alessandra, and Corinna Chiassai, has created an innovative space dedicated to research, inspiration, and creatvity in fashion. TheCube Archive not only serves as a resource for designers but also collaborates with musicians to enhance their artistic vision through style. Marius is passionate about rethinking fashion, blending creativity with sustainability to shape the future of the industry.

Listen to the full podcast episode to hear more about Marius' journey, the vision behind TheCube Archive and an in-depth conversation on how a diverse range of experiences shapes the future of fashion.

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