FLANDERS DC 2024
Antwerp's Fashion Legacy at Royal Academy
written Dennis Cappabianca
While the fashion world struggles with the constant search for new creative directors to boost sales and create increasingly commercial and sellable collections, the opposite happens in Antwerp.
Here, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts’ students amuse crowds by playing with shapes and volumes, transforming garments into true works of art. The commitment, artistry, and creativity of the students, together with the fashion show's scenography and choreography, made it once again an unforgettable experience for every guest.
GUILLAUME GOSSEN
RODRIQUEZ RODRIQUEZ
TIM WIRTH
Each year, Antwerp hosts its customary show of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, undoubtedly one of the most prestigious on the global stage. Expectations run very high as many creatives have studied and walked through the institute’s halls before reaching the pinnacle of success, like Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Demna Gvasalia, Kris Van Assche, and Glen Martens—just a few of the alumni who started their careers here, confirming and reinforcing the institution's high reputation for excellence and innovation that it has maintained since 1663. All eyes are on the final year students, who have the chance to shine and showcase an entire collection to hundreds of attendees, including international press and a revered jury (also composed of former students like Jezabelle Cormio and Dilara Findikoglu this year). Avant-gardism and a knack for provocation have always characterized Belgian fashion, with many references to the '70s and '90s—decades known for social protests, gender equality, and extreme clothing.
MERT SERBEST
ROHAN KALE STEINMEYERI
YUJEI UEDA
credits for all images
©Catwalkpictures
header look credit
POMMIE DIERICK
The collections presented during the show were a triumph of creativity and sartorial mastery, where each designer brought a distinctive vision to the runway, showcasing a wide range of styles and techniques.