2017-03-17

Antwerp, Fashion capital

When we talk about Fashion Capitals, we generally think first about Paris, London, Milan or New-York. But these cities are not the only ones to get this title. Antwerp, where we just opened a new Made & More pop-up store, is also a Fashion Capital.

Quick review of the fashion history of Antwerp and the unmissable places to visit when you’re a fashion addict.

#1 –The “Six from Antwerp”

Everything began with six Belgian designers, who studied fashion design in the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. In 1986, Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs et Marina Yee rent a van with their small savings to go to the London British Design Show to show their autumn/winter collection. They had an immediate success and made the image of Fashion in Belgium explode. The English Medias just couldn't pronounce their Flemish name, so they called them the “Six from Antwerp”.

The reputation of Antwerp as a Fashion Capital is mainly due to them. In fact, after this episode in London, each member of the Six will had his own international success (and still has).

#2 –The Mode Natie

Nationalestraat, 28 - B-2000 Anvers. The Mode Natie is a building opened in 2002 and which shelter the MoMu (Mode Museum), the Mode Department of the Academy of Fine Arts from Antwerp and the Flanders Fashion Institute. This building is kind of the QG of fashion in Antwerp.

#3 –The Academy of Fine Arts from Antwerp, Mode Department

In 2006, the mode academic training of the Academy got the 4th place from the “Global Fashion School” world ranking. The school is one of the most prestigious and influential in the world and has got about 45 different nationalities amongst the student. Currently, Walter Van Beirendonck, member of the Six, is managing the school.�

#4 –The MoMu, fashion museum

The MoMu is a very living place because the Museum and the School are located into the same building, so the visitors mingle with the students.

Each year, the museum organizes two big exhibitions, which tell the story of a famous designer or deals with a special fashion theme. The exhibitions are very different from one to another, and they are very detailed to make visitors discover the complete universe of a fashion theme.

The visitors can also attend some workshops, nocturnal visit, congress, etc.

#5 –Flanders Fashion Institute (FFI)

The Flanders Fashion Institute broadcasts a lot of information about fashion in Belgium. The institute also helps Belgian stylists and designers by giving them management advice, promoting them abroad, publishing job opportunities, organizing event, etc.

Made & More popup store à Anvers, wiegstraat 12, 9/03 > 8/04 !