The fashion world is buzzing with excitement as the MoMu museum in Antwerp presents a comprehensive exhibition that celebrates the 40th anniversary of a group of emerging designers from a small Belgian city who took the fashion world by storm. This exhibition is a tribute to the incredible talent and creativity that emerged from Antwerp and continues to inspire and influence the fashion industry today.
It was in the late 1970s when a group of young designers, known as the Antwerp Six, burst onto the fashion scene with their avant-garde designs and unconventional approach to fashion. These designers, including Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, and Walter Van Beirendonck, were all graduates of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and quickly gained international recognition for their unique and groundbreaking designs.
The MoMu exhibition, titled “Antwerp Six: From Avant-Garde to Icon,” showcases the evolution of these designers over the past four decades. It takes visitors on a journey through their early collections, which challenged traditional fashion norms, to their current work, which continues to push boundaries and redefine the fashion landscape.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the display of the original collections that put the Antwerp Six on the map. These collections, which were presented in London in the 1980s, were met with critical acclaim and catapulted the designers to international stardom. The exhibition also features rare archival footage and interviews with the designers, giving visitors a deeper understanding of their creative process and inspirations.
But the exhibition is not just a retrospective of the past. It also celebrates the present and future of these designers, who have continued to innovate and inspire with their collections. The MoMu has collaborated with the designers to create new pieces exclusively for the exhibition, showcasing their current design aesthetic and vision.
The exhibition also pays tribute to the impact of the Antwerp Six on the fashion industry. Their unconventional approach to fashion and rejection of traditional fashion norms paved the way for a new generation of designers who continue to challenge and redefine the industry. The Antwerp Six’s influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary designers, making their legacy truly timeless.
The MoMu exhibition is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of the fashion industry. It not only celebrates the incredible talent of the Antwerp Six but also highlights the importance of creativity, innovation, and individuality in fashion.
In addition to the exhibition, the MoMu has organized a series of events and workshops to further explore the impact of the Antwerp Six on the fashion world. These events include talks by industry experts, workshops with the designers, and a fashion show featuring their latest collections.
The comprehensive exhibition at MoMu is a testament to the enduring influence of the Antwerp Six and their contribution to the fashion industry. It is a celebration of their creativity, vision, and determination, which continues to inspire and influence designers around the world. So, if you want to experience the magic of these iconic designers, make sure to visit the MoMu in Antwerp and be a part of this extraordinary exhibition.

