Fashion Forward: MoMu to Celebrate 40 Years of the 'Antwerp Six' Revolution

Antwerp's MoMu fashion museum is set to launch a major retrospective dedicated to the 'Antwerp Six'. The exhibition, opening on March 28, 2026, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the six Belgian designers' momentous international breakthrough in London. The show will run through January 17, 2027, offering an in-depth look at the trajectory of these fashion visionaries.

This exhibition represents the first major retrospective collectively dedicated to Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dirk Van Saene, and Marina Yee. It will explore the shared history of these six graduates of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, who, in 1986, piled into a rented van to present their radical designs at the British Designer Show, catapulting Antwerp onto the global fashion map.

The exhibition, curated by Geert Bruloot, along with Romy Cockx and Kaat Debo from MoMu, will bring together original garments, sketches, accessories, and never-before-seen archival materials. The retrospective will not be limited to a static display, but will highlight the uncompromising, individual paths of each designer, while emphasizing their collective and enduring impact on the contemporary fashion landscape.

The exhibition is expected to provide a comprehensive view of the 'Antwerp Six' influence on global fashion. The show promises to be a significant cultural event, attracting fashion lovers, design students, and collectors from around the world. The exhibition is anticipated to generate great media interest and contribute to consolidating Antwerp's reputation as a center of fashion innovation.

The exhibition promises to be an immersive experience for visitors. Original garments, sketches, and accessories that illustrate the creativity and vision of the 'Antwerp Six' will be on display. In addition, never-before-seen archival materials will be presented, offering an intimate look at the creative process and the evolution of these designers.

The organizers have announced that the exhibition will include interactive and multimedia elements to engage the public. The exhibition is expected to be a tribute to the audacity, originality, and lasting impact of the 'Antwerp Six' on the world of fashion.

The group, consisting of Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dirk Van Saene, and Marina Yee, revolutionized the fashion industry with their avant-garde designs and innovative approach. Their audacity and originality opened up new paths and challenged established conventions. Their impact is still felt today, with many contemporary designers drawing inspiration from their work.

The MoMu exhibition is a unique opportunity to celebrate their legacy and discover the history behind this influential generation of designers. The show promises to be a must-see event for all fashion lovers and a tribute to creativity and innovation.

The opening date of the exhibition, March 28, 2026, marks the beginning of a celebration that will last for several months. The organizers expect to welcome thousands of visitors during the duration of the show. The exhibition will be open to the public until January 17, 2027, providing those interested with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the 'Antwerp Six'.

MoMu, as a leading institution in the field of fashion, is proud to host this retrospective. The exhibition promises to be a momentous event in the history of fashion and a tribute to creativity and innovation.