Spotlight: The Antwerp Six at MoMu

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The Antwerp Six changed the international fashion landscape. Celebrating 40 years since the group’s breakthrough, MoMu presents a large-scale exhibition that opens on 28 March.. We take a closer look at what to expect from The Antwerp Six.

MoMu in Antwerp features the largest collection of contemporary Belgian fashion in the world. This spring, MoMu opens a new exhibition in honour of The Antwerp Six.

Established in 1986, it is now 40 years since the breakthrough of the six iconic fashion designers, who each presented own collections at the British Designer Show in London; Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene and Marina Yee.

Although they never operated as a label, fashion house or collective, the six designers became a powerful brand. The new exhibition will highlight what connected these exceptional designers, from their studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. For the first time, visitors will be able to see clothing, accessories and textiles, plus unexpected items including tools, machines for textile production, patterns, and more.

The Antwerp Six, 1985 © Photography: Patrick Robyn Graphic design: Victor Robyn

Glimpses from the programme

MoMu’s exhibition The Antwerp Six will be accompanied by a programme of events, from openings, performances and workshops, to youth projects. Kicking off with the opening weekend, 28-29 March, MoMu offers free guided tours, drop-in workshops for families, plus other activities, and the museum library will have a special display about Belgian fashion.

From April, MoMu presents Wave Together. The initiative brings together young people and professionals, creating spaces where informal conversations can take place and motivate them to make a difference. The encounters may even grow into collaborations such as internships and assignments.

The creative fashion project REVERSE will take place on 17 April. Developed by MoMu in collaboration with Alex Akuete, REVERSE is for young people aged 16-25, who can explore their creativity and a new future through fashion – connecting them with fashion students, teachers and professionals. REVERSE offers hands-on workshops and culminates in a fashion show.

Photo: Jeroen Broeckx

This fall, MoMu supports a pilot fashion maker space. In collaboration with Permeke Library and Kubus, its youth library, Makerspace invites young people aged 15-25 with an interest in fashion and creation to workshops, talks and digital formats. Participants will be able to experiment with materials, machines and techniques, discover upcycling, repair and craft practices, and the environmental impact of fashion.

And from 20 November, in collaboration with hetpaleis, MoMu invites young audiences to SEW WHAT, which promises a fresh look at the clothes they wear and the impact on their media consumption. Aimed at young people aged 10-14, SEW WHAT focuses on fashion, identity and sustainability.

Photo: Jeroen Broeckx

Book celebrating 40 years of The Antwerp Six

For those who want to read more, Hannibal Books is publishing the book The Antwerp Six, available in English and Dutch from late March. Accompanying the exhibition at MoMu, the book celebrates the six designers and their enduring impact on the fashion scene.

The new book features essays by leading fashion experts such as Tim Blanks, Angelo Flaccavento, Eugene Rabkin, and Oscar van den Boogaard. Furthermore, it delves into the lasting impact of the groundbreaking designers on contemporary fashion.