When talking about fashion hubs, our attention is often drawn to globally-known cities like London, Paris, New York, or Milan. However, there is an often overlooked yet remarkable fashion city nestled in Belgium: Antwerp. This city holds the title of being the fashion capital of Belgium.
Antwerp has a rich history in the fashion industry, with a reputation for producing some of the most innovative and avant-garde designers in the world. The city is home to the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts, which has produced incredible designers such as the Antwerp Six –a group of influential designers who graduated from the academy in the 1980s and went on to revolutionise the fashion world.
Despite its exciting art scenery and architecture, the influence of fashion has shaped the culture of the city. Today, it is recognized for its emerging Belgian designers who are rewriting the fashion narrative for the current generation.
Lies Mertens
Recipient of the Henry van de Velde consumer award, Mertens’ main goal is to create timeless, high-quality handbags. The brand prioritises sustainability by using bio-leather and eco-friendly production methods.
Designed in Antwerp and handcrafted in Italy and Tunisia, this Belgian designer offers a beautiful collection of handbags that are innovative and sustainable. Founded in 2017 by Lies Mertens, the founder finds inspiration in people and their stories. As a result, each bag is named after a different person who has impacted her life. If you’re looking for classic styles that can be carried throughout the year and complement your personal style, this is a brand you don’t want to forget.
Odette Lunette
Odette Lunettes was founded in 2015 by TV host and influencer Eline De Munck and director Bob Geraets. A timeless fashion eyewear label with an edgy touch, they offer a fresh take on frames. They turn optical glasses and sunnies into an extension of your personality, making you feel confident and empowered. The brand has two collections: Allure and Voyeur. Allure is for those who like contemporary style, while Voyeur caters to people who prefer something more extravagant.
Façon Jacmin
Founded by the Jacmin sisters–Alexandra and Ségolène Jacmin–in 2016, the label aims to build confidence and empower individuals in their everyday life. Their ultimate goal: to help women be themselves without any societal restrictions. As the designer, Alexandra plays with the concept of seduction by marrying together masculine and feminine silhouettes as well as design elements.
Denim is always at the centre of their collection, and the brand experiments with it season after season through various interpretations, textile manipulation, and new cuts. Merging bold silhouettes with charming designs, Façon Jacmin continues to make its mark in the European fashion world.
La Collection
La Collection, the brainchild of Florence Cool and Autur Tadevosian, offers a curated selection of clothing and accessories that focus on material experimentation and artisanal techniques. Their pieces blend fashion, art, and architecture together beautifully, creating a unique elegant style that’s simply unmatched.
Their designs are fluid and purposeful, crafted to perfection using high-quality fabrics. Each new collection expands on the last, with pieces that go beyond current trends. If you’re on the hunt for well-crafted garments that make you look and feel good, then you’ll love La Collection.
Christian Wijnants
Born in Brussels, Christian Wijnants moved to Antwerp in 1996 to study fashion design at the Royal Academy of Fine Art. His graduate collection won the Dries Van Noten Award for best collection. After graduation, he presented the collection at the prestigious Festival d’Hyères, where it was awarded the Grand Prix. In 2003, the founder launched his namesake womenswear brand.
Today, it is known for innovative knitwear, striking prints and a rich colour palette. There’s a certain romanticism and dreamlike quality to Wijnants’ work which is inspiring, invigorating, and absolutely breathtaking.
Written by Menyene Silas
All Images are courtesy of the brands mentioned.
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