Antwerp - fashion capital in the heart of Belgium

Antwerp has been one of the most influential fashion capitals in the world for decades. This vibrant city in Belgium combines avant-garde design with craftsmanship, history, and a distinctive sense of individuality. Anyone who lives and breathes fashion cannot ignore Antwerp.

A cradle of world-leading fashion

Antwerp’s international success as a fashion capital began in the 1980s with the legendary Antwerp Six. The Six — Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, and Marina Yee — conquered the world from Antwerp with their innovative, conceptual style. Their influence is still visible today, both in the streets and on international catwalks.

Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp – a breeding ground for talent

Royal Academy of Fine Arts. (Image Credit: Friedrich Tellberg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Antwerp’s international reputation as a fashion city is inseparably linked to its Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The Fashion Department of this prestigious academy is considered among the very best in the world. Students are challenged to develop their own signature style, with a strong focus on concept, craftsmanship, and artistic freedom. Many renowned designers graduated from here and helped put Antwerp firmly on the global fashion map. The annual graduation shows attract press, buyers, and fashion professionals from around the world.

MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp

In the heart of the historic city centre you'll find MoMu, Fashion Museum Antwerp. This leading museum not only showcases iconic pieces by Belgian designers, but also places fashion within a broader cultural context. With rotating exhibitions, impressive scenography, and an extensive collection, MoMu offers an inspiring perspective on the past, present, and future of fashion. An absolute must-visit for fashion lovers.

Antwerp Celebrates Fashion in 2026

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the international breakthrough of the Antwerp Six. To mark the occasion, MoMu – Fashion Museum Antwerp, Flanders District of Creativity and the City of Antwerp, in collaboration with EventFlanders, are launching the exhibition “The Antwerp Six” and the Antwerp.Fashion Festival.

The Antwerp Six exhibition will be a major attraction in the city in 2026 (Image credit: Graphic design © Viktor Robyn; Photography © Patrick Robyn)

The Antwerp Six – Exhibition

The exhibition “The Antwerp Six” traces the unique journeys of Dirk Bikkembergs, Ann Demeulemeester, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene, and Marina Yee, and demonstrates how their vision and imagination continue to influence the fashion world today.

The exhibition runs from 28th March 2026 until 17th January 2027 at MoMu and will be complemented by lectures, guided tours, workshops, and late-night openings. 

The Antwerp Six, photographed in 1987. © Philippe Costes

Antwerp.Fashion Festival

From 4th to 7th June 2026, the Antwerp.Fashion Festival celebrates both established names in the fashion world and a new generation of designers. Throughout the city, contemporary fashion brands and emerging talents will take the stage through fashion shows, exhibitions, talks, and events.

Antwerp’s shops will also open their doors for presentations, installations, and events featuring fashion brands and designers. In this way, visitors and tourists can experience fashion in the city in a new and accessible way. Most activities during the festival are free of charge.

Travel to Antwerp this year for your fashion fix

Antwerp is a wonderful city to visit at any time, but the events happening in 2026 makes Antwerp an essential destination. The fashionable Flanders city is just 2½ hours driving time from the LeShuttle terminal in Calais, with the crossing from Folkestone to Calais taking just 35 minutes!