MoMu Exhibition Examines The Antwerp Six's Legacy and Today's Creative Conditions
The MoMu museum in Antwerp has unveiled a new exhibition that highlights the influence of The Antwerp Six, a group of renowned fashion designers who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 1986. Curated by Geert Bruloot, the exhibition features separate spaces dedicated to each designer, showcasing their unique styles and contributions. Notable elements include Walter Van Beirendonck's provocative designs and Marina Yee's focus on sustainability. The display also addresses critical topics such as the shrinking support for the arts and increasing education costs. Visitors can explore this exhibition until January 17, 2027.
Key facts
- The Antwerp Six exhibition is on view at MoMu, Antwerp, through 17 January 2027.
- Guest curated by Geert Bruloot, who originally sold their work at his boutiques Louis and Coccodrillo.
- The group drove to the British Designer Show in 1986 with no contacts or backing.
- Members include Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, and unofficial seventh Martin Margiela.
- Marina Yee died in November 2025.
- Dries Van Noten sold his brand to Puig in 2018.
- Dirk Bikkembergs dressed Inter Milan in 2003, first fashion designer to do so.
- The BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2026 report notes 80% of luxury market growth from price increases between 2023 and 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Dirk Bikkembergs
- Ann Demeulemeester
- Marina Yee
- Walter Van Beirendonck
- Dries Van Noten
- Dirk Van Saene
- Martin Margiela
- Haider Ackermann
- Demna
- Glenn Martens
- Raf Simons
- Geert Bruloot
- David Bowie
- Boy George
- Vivienne Westwood
- Malcolm McLaren
- Rei Kawakubo
- Yohji Yamamoto
- Patti Smith
- PJ Harvey
- Arthur Rimbaud
- Stephen Jones
- Antwerp Six
- Pieter Mulier
- Matthieu Blazy
- Meryll Rogge
- Patrick Robyn
- Tim Blanks
- Etienne Russo
- Sergei Diaghilev
- Nadège Vanhée
- Anthony Vaccarello
- Julien Dossena
- Nicolas Di Felice
- Versace
- Armani
- Hans Baldung
Institutions
- MoMu
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp
- British Designer Show
- Barneys New York
- Bergdorf Goodman
- Liberty of London
- Louis
- Coccodrillo
- Inter Milan
- Puig
- BoF-McKinsey
- 1Granary
- MoMu (Fashion Museum Antwerp)
- British Fashion Council
- Ballets Russes
- i-D
- McKinsey
- MoMu fashion museum
- MoMu Fashion Museum Antwerp
- Antwerp Academy
- La Cambre
- Versace
- Prada
- Chanel
- Gucci
- Hermès
- Saint Laurent
- Rabanne
- Courrèges
- Marni
- MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp
- Brooklyn Museum
- France's culture ministry
Locations
- Antwerp
- Belgium
- London
- Kensington
- Olympia
- Paris
- Milan
- New York
- Brussels
- Brooklyn
- France