Walter Van Beirendonck

Biography

• Born: 04.02.57,Brecht, Belgium
• Studies: Fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp
• First breakthrough: British Designer Show / London in 1987 as part of ‘The Antwerp Six’
  (with Dirk Van Saene, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester and  Marina Yee).
• Since 1983 collections under the label Walter Van Beirendonck

Since his early collections, Walter has been inspired for his designs by art, music and literature; all mixed with ethnic and nature influences. Walter Van Beirendonck is considered to be one of the main trend-setters in men’s fashion by the professional press. His designs are very recognisable by either strong graphics or innovating cuts and unexpected colour combinations.

The red thread throughout his collections is his sense of humour, sex with a wink and his concern about ‘safe sex'. His continous statements about the fashion world, earth, nature, contemporary life and society are collected in prints and slogans.

 

Interview

Where do you come from in Belgium and where are you living now?

 

Zandhoven and I am now living again Zandhoven.

 

What do you really miss from Belgium when you travel?

 

The rest of Antwerp and my village.

 

Your favourite place to relax?

 

Nature and cities, museums and galleries, book stores and my library.

 

Your favourite Belgian dish?

 

Stew with fries.

 

If you were…

 

If I were a comic strip character I would save the world especially nature and wildlife.

 

For you, the European Union is…

 

Good.