A new exhibition at MoMu in Antwerp, guest-curated by Geert Bruloot, explores the enduring legacy of the 'Antwerp Six'—a group of visionary designers who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the 1980s. The show features dedicated rooms for members including Walter Van Beirendonck and Dirk Van Saene, showcasing their distinct aesthetics ranging from maximalist rave-wear to surrealist runway recreations. It traces their journey from a self-funded trip to a London trade fair in 1986 to becoming global icons who challenged the dominance of Parisian couture.
The exhibition serves as a critical reflection on the conditions necessary for creative flourishing, highlighting the role of subsidized tuition and government-backed production funding in the group's early success. By contrasting the Six's radical, democratized approach with today's industry pressures, the show underscores how these designers paved the way for subsequent generations of Belgian talent like Raf Simons and Demna. It frames their work not just as fashion history, but as a politically charged response to the cultural shifts of the late 20th century.