Walter Van Beirendonck

Fashion Designer

Walter Van Beirendonck is a Belgian fashion designer. He studied fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, establishing his eponymous label in 1983 and showing in London in 1987 as part of the influential group of designers and artists known as the Antwerp Six.

His influential designs are notable for their strong graphics, innovative cuts and unexpected colour combinations, along with a sense of humour. His use of prints and slogans is intended to make statements – both playful and serious - regarding fashion, nature and contemporary life and society. He is a strong advocate of ‘Safe Sex’, consistently using red thread in his collections to express this message.

Between 1993 and 1999 Van Beirendonck was also designer of W.&L.T. (Wild and Lethal Trash), the first fashion label to launch a full CD-ROM and website alongside their collections. He has also designed a children’s collection ZULUPAPUWA for JBC, and was artistic director for Scapa Sports.

Alongside his commercial designs, Van Beirendonck works on projects for theatre, ballet and film, including designing the costumes for U2’s 1997 Popmart tour. Van Beirendonck has also experimented with retail concepts, in 1998 opening Walter, a multi-label store including the Window gallery space, which he co-curated. Van Beirendonck has taught in the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Arts Antwerp since 1985.

Walter Van Beirendonck is a Belgian fashion designer. He studied fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, establishing his eponymous label in 1983 and showing in London in 1987 as part of the influential group of designers and artists known as the Antwerp Six.

His influential designs are notable for their strong graphics, innovative cuts and unexpected colour combinations, along with a sense of humour. His use of prints and slogans is intended to make statements – both playful and serious - regarding fashion, nature and contemporary life and society. He is a strong advocate of ‘Safe Sex’, consistently using red thread in his collections to express this message.

Between 1993 and 1999 Van Beirendonck was also designer of W.&L.T. (Wild and Lethal Trash), the first fashion label to launch a full CD-ROM and website alongside their collections. He has also designed a children’s collection ZULUPAPUWA for JBC, and was artistic director for Scapa Sports.

Alongside his commercial designs, Van Beirendonck works on projects for theatre, ballet and film, including designing the costumes for U2’s 1997 Popmart tour. Van Beirendonck has also experimented with retail concepts, in 1998 opening Walter, a multi-label store including the Window gallery space, which he co-curated. Van Beirendonck has taught in the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Arts Antwerp since 1985.

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