Antwerp Six

One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of designs by the famous Antwerp Six. The Antwerp Six is a group of fashion designers who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in the 1980s. The group includes Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs, and Marina Yee.

Each designer has made a significant contribution to the fashion world. Walter Van Beirendonck is known for his bold and colourful designs, while Ann Demeulemeester is known for her dark, romantic aesthetic. Dries Van Noten is famous for his use of prints and patterns, while Dirk Van Saene is known for his avant-garde designs. Dirk Bikkembergs is a pioneer in the field of men’s fashion, and Marina Yee is famous for her experimental designs.

Exhibits

At the MoMu Fashion Museum in Antwerp, the current exhibitions offer a lively exploration of fashion’s multifaceted nature, inviting visitors into immersive experiences that go beyond mere garments. The museum’s exhibits delve into the cultural and social contexts that have shaped fashion throughout history.

One of the standout exhibitions is “Masquerade, Make-up & Ensor,” which runs from September 28, 2024, to February 2, 2025. This exhibition delves into the interplay between fashion and identity, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic works of Belgian artist James Ensor. It examines how masquerade and make-up have historically shaped personal and societal identities, inviting viewers to reflect on the transformative power of fashion.

Complementing this is the “MoMu x Fashion Department” exhibition, showcasing a curated selection from the museum’s extensive collection. This presentation, available from June 29 to November 10, 2024, highlights key pieces that define contemporary Belgian fashion while also addressing the evolving narrative of what it means to be a designer in today’s world. The exhibition features a diverse array of designers who have made significant contributions to the fashion landscape, emphasizing both innovation and tradition.

Additionally, the Collection Presentation offers a retrospective look at four decades of Belgian fashion. This ongoing display not only revisits iconic pieces but also poses thought-provoking questions about the essence of Belgian identity in fashion today. With each visit, guests can expect to encounter new stories and perspectives as this exhibition rotates annually, ensuring that even regular visitors will find fresh insights into the world of fashion.

The MoMu is known for its innovative and immersive exhibit design, which often incorporates multimedia elements to bring fashion to life. Recent exhibits have explored themes like sustainable fashion and gender identity, and the museum regularly hosts events and workshops that engage visitors in conversations about fashion and its role in society.

History

The MoMu Fashion Museum, a beacon of contemporary style in Antwerp, opened its doors on September 21, 2002, with a mission that resonates deeply within the fabric of the city’s rich fashion heritage. Founded to collect, conserve, and exhibit Belgian fashion, MoMu emerged during a pivotal moment when a cadre of innovative designers—often referred to as the “Antwerp Six”—began to redefine the global fashion landscape. Visionaries like Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Ann Demeulemeester were not just creating clothing; they were crafting narratives that challenged conventions and invited audiences to reconsider the very essence of fashion.

Under the pioneering leadership of its first director, Linda Loppa, who also helmed the Fashion Department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, MoMu quickly established itself as a hub for fashion education and appreciation. The museum’s location within the ModeNatie building—a historic site that underwent extensive renovation by architect Marie-José Van Hee—symbolizes a union of past and present. This architectural transformation created a dynamic space where exhibitions could flourish, showcasing the intricate relationship between clothing and cultural identity.

As the years unfolded, MoMu became known for its immersive exhibitions that not only displayed garments but also wove together the inspirations and stories behind them. Each show is meticulously curated to engage visitors in a dialogue about fashion’s impact on society. The museum has continually evolved its collection, which now boasts over 35,000 pieces—making it the largest and most significant collection of contemporary Belgian fashion worldwide. This impressive archive includes not only historical garments, but also avant-garde creations that reflect the ongoing dialogue within the fashion community.

In 2021, MoMu celebrated a new chapter with the reopening of its expanded facilities, which included additional exhibition spaces dedicated to both permanent and temporary displays. This renovation allowed for an even greater exploration of themes and narratives within fashion, reinforcing MoMu’s commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering critical discussions about style.

Today, under the direction of Kaat Debo, MoMu continues to champion Belgian designers while engaging with global fashion dialogues. The museum stands as a testament to Antwerp’s status as a fashion capital, inviting visitors to explore not just what we wear, but what our choices say about us as individuals and as a society. As it looks to the future, MoMu remains dedicated to cultivating curiosity and reflection within the ever-evolving world of fashion.

Training Tomorrow’s Talent

At the MoMu Fashion Museum, the commitment to education is as forward-looking and dynamic as the fashion it showcases. The museum offers a range of educational programs designed to engage visitors of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of fashion’s cultural significance and its intricate relationship with identity.

One of the standout offerings is the Interactive Visit: Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair, which invites primary school students to explore the museum through a creative lens. This program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging young minds to translate visual stimuli into words while paying close attention to materials and colours. Guided by a knowledgeable MoMu educator, students embark on a journey that not only highlights the current exhibition but also includes engaging assignments and a hands-on workshop in the MoMu Studio. This immersive approach allows students to connect with fashion as a form of expression and storytelling.

For secondary education, MoMu provides tailored programs such as MoMu Connect, which features interactive tours through both permanent and temporary exhibitions. These sessions are designed to provoke thought and discussion among older students, addressing themes like sustainability in fashion and the historical context of clothing choices. Programs like Identi(time): The Stories Behind Clothing delve into how garments shape personal identity, while The Language of Fashion offers an interactive exploration for foreign-language newcomers, enhancing their language skills through cultural engagement.

The museum also hosts workshops and talks that cater to adults and young adults, such as the Embroidery Workshop for Beginners and insightful lectures featuring prominent figures in the fashion industry. These initiatives not only enrich the visitor experience but also serve as platforms for community engagement, allowing participants to connect with fashion on a more personal level.

By offering these diverse educational programs, MoMu not only cultivates curiosity about fashion but also nurtures a deeper appreciation for its role in society. Each visit becomes an opportunity for reflection, creativity, and learning, making MoMu a vital hub for both fashion enthusiasts and those new to the world of style.