The Belgian iconoclasts who changed fashion

It was when the Antwerp Six – made up of Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Marina Yee, Dirk Van Saene, Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten – rented a truck and headed to London with their designs in 1986 that Belgium’s rep as a home of radical fashion was forged. Almost thirty years later, their legacy (along with the creative output of the country’s other fashion talents – including Martin Margiela, Raf Simons and rising stars like Devon Halfnight LeFlufy) is being celebrated in a new exhibition. The Belgians: An Unexpected Fashion Story features the work of over 100 designers, and explores the remarkable contribution the country has made to the world of fashion. The show will be held at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels as part of the city’s Summer of Fashion Festival, opening June 5th – but to get a sneak peek before the doors open, check out the gallery above. 

The Belgians: An Unexpected Fashion Story is on show at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts from June 5th – September 13th, 2015

Like this? Head here for more articles on Belgian designers:

Raf Simons talks being a fashion outsider

The dA-Zed guide to Walter Van Beirendonck

Watch the new Margiela documentary here

Follow Emegha Eleode on Twitter here @fashionwearbook