Talking Flemish Fashion

Made infamous by the ‘Antwerp Six’, Antwerp has slowly but surely become the fashion capital of Belgium, begging the question; could it be the new Paris? Coined the ‘Antwerp Six’ by the British press who found difficulties pronouncing their Flemish names, the six 1980s graduates of Antwerp’s Arts Academy headed for the UK with their individual and unique ambitions of success, at the same time, placing Antwerp on the fashion map. With it’s quaint side streets and awesome public squares, the Flemish-speaking port city is now buzzing with wannabe fashionista’s wining and dining a la mode at one of the many charming square-side cafes after a hard days shop. The choice of vintage and antique shops lining the old streets of the city and Antwerp’s high street equivalent, the Meir shopping street, allows the cities fashion-conscious to thrive into their own. Ann Demeulemeester, Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Van Saene and Dirk Bikkembergs have, between them, transformed Antwerp from fashion underdog to becoming a key runner amongst Europe’s Fashion capitals.


Walter Van Beirendonck at the Antwerp Royal Academy Of Fine Arts