Walter Van Beirendonck

Place: Brecht

Born: 1957

Biography:

Walter Van Beirendonck is a Belgian fashion designer and the head of the fashion department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp until 2022. He graduated from the Royal Arts Academy in Antwerp in 1980, along with Dirk Van Saene, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee (graduated in 1981) and Dirk Bikkembergs (graduated in 1982), they became known as the Antwerp Six. He has been issuing his own collections since 1983, inspired by visual arts, literature, nature and ethnic influences. His unusual color combinations and a strong graphic influence are characteristic for his collections. In 1997, he designed the costumes for the U2 "PopMart Tour". In 1999, he was awarded the honorary title of "Cultural Ambassador of Flanders". He curated the 'Fashion 2001 Landed-Geland' project in Antwerp and launched a new magazine called N°A magazine. Walter Van Beirendonck is also known for his work as an activist, examining the frontiers of beauty and incorporating topical themes into his collections.