A new generation of Thinkers. Dreamers. Doers. Designers.

In a world that speed, yells and grinds, these young designers offer a counterbalance. They ask critical questions about how we live, produce, and consume. They design for the long term, with attention to reuse, well-being and benignity. Not with grand gestures, but with meaningful interventions. For most of them circularity is no longer an ambition, but has turned into a habit. 

What stands out: they scope out close to home. In their very own stories, in leftover material that is otherwise forgotten, or in the environments where they grew up. And yet they also look ahead. Each project shows witness of commitment, imagination, and craftsmanship. 

This isn’t a generation that waits, but one that approaches things differently. In the selected projects, you won’t find uniformity. You’ll see a shared awareness. This new generation wants to make the difference and knows that you do so by starting small, by connecting beauty to commitment, and material to story. 

featured artists

The 6 winning Ecodesign award final works will be included in the WE ARE THE NEXT GENERATION expo.

Graphic design & scenography by 019 Ghent

FEATURED EXHIBITORS:

Louise Nys – KU Leuven Campus Sint-Lucas Brussel, Master Architectuur
Edward Janssen – KU Leuven Campus Sint-Lucas Gent, Master Architectuur
Laurien Thevelein – KU Leuven Campus Sint-Lucas Gent, Master Interieurarchitectuur
Renée Sykora – KU Leuven Campus Sint-Lucas Gent, Master Architectuur
Frauke Soetewey – LUCA School of Arts Brussel, Master Architectuur
Jitte Jansen – Universiteit Hasselt, Master Architectuur
Ying Sun – KU Leuven Campus Sint-Lucas Gent, Master Architectuur
Jora van Baarle – KU Leuven Campus Sint-Lucas Gent, Master Architectuur
Eleni De Brandt-Van Rumst – Arteveldehogeschool, Bachelor Grafische en Digitale Media
Norine Bisschops – Haute Ecole Charlemagne, Bachelor Green Packaging Design
Paulina Kuchta-Leśniak & Klara Pogačar – Howest, Devine (Digital design and development)
Clara Hsu – Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, Master Grafisch Ontwerp
Adrien Berintan – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Bachelor Visual Arts
Amber De Roo – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Bachelor Visual Design
Roemer Vuerstaek – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Master Grafisch Ontwerp
Thea Toulabor – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Bachelor Visual Design
Woud Schoutteten & Mauro Keymeulen – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Master Grafisch Ontwerp
Monica Hutama – PXL – Mad School of Arts, Master Visual Arts
Robbe Oyen – Universiteit Antwerpen, Master productontwikkeling
Emylen Gutierrez – Howest, Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen
Ione Ariznabarreta – Howest, Master Digital Design & Development
Kristina Daneva – Howest, Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen
Linde Lemaire – Howest, Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen
Madelief Clinckemaillile – Howest, Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen
Takara Hamaya – Howest, Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen
Tijn Debusschere – Howest, Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen
Mina Huybrechts – KASK School of Arts, Master Textielontwerp
Mira Caulier – KASK School of Arts, Bachelor Interieurvormgeving
Emma Claeys – LUCA School of Arts Genk, Bachelor Product Design
Emme Neirynck – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Master Textielontwerp
Louisa Moerman – LUCA School of Arts Gent, Bachelor Interieurvormgeving
Elisabeth Pira – PXL-Mad School of Arts, Master Juweelontwerp & Edelsmeedkunst
Svea Finck – PXL-Mad School of Arts, Master Visual Arts
Brecht Beddeleem – Thomas More, banaba Meubelontwerp (VOMO)
Viktor Longueville – Thomas More, banaba Meubelontwerp (VOMO)
Bo Schreurs – Universiteit Antwerpen, Master Productontwikkeling
Cilia Dhondt – Howest, Industrieel Product Ontwerp

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Walter Van Beirendonck Designs Exclusive Knitwear Collection for JBC

Renowned Belgian fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck has created a striking knitwear collection for JBC.

The pullovers were made using leftover yarns from previous collections by the well-known Zottegem-based company Cousy.

Staying true to Van Beirendonck’s signature style, the designs feature bold, colorful blocks. The technique used—intarsia knitting—allows for these color segments to seamlessly take over from one another without carrying the yarn across the back of the fabric. This results in clean, vibrant patterns.

The use of surplus materials led to the creation of 500 unique sweaters, available exclusively at JBC stores. Prices range from €69.99 to €89.99.

Source: Nieuwsblad

Pictures: JBC

Nyobe Belgotex to close its textile factory in Kruisem
Belgian textile manufacturer Nyobe Belgotex has confirmed the imminent closure of its plant in Kruisem, East Flanders, threatening 157 jobs, says Leen Van Lierde, the ACLVB/CGSLB trade union federation’s secretary for East Flanders.

“The decision was taken after a thorough examination of ongoing losses and challenging market conditions,” the company explained in a statement on Tuesday. It cited several external factors that have had a negative impact on its competitiveness, including increased raw material and energy prices, changes in demand, and heightened competition.

Nyobe Belgotex has initiated a mass dismissal procedure under the Renault law. This law requires an employer planning a collective redundancy to respect a mandatory consultation period and provide a specific termination indemnity.

“The closure had been on the cards for a while due to declining sales and economic layoffs, mainly as a result of fierce competition from Asian firms,” Van Lierde said, “but even for long-serving staff, this is a heavy blow.”

The union and management are scheduled to meet on Friday to start constructing a potential social plan.

Nyobe Belgotex, which produces nylon polymers and synthetic fabrics, was formed following the acquisition in 2019 of nylon producer Nyobe, active since 1976, by textile specialist Belgotex International.

Belgotex’s Belgian operations also include a carpet manufacturing plant in Renaix and an artificial grass factory in Harelbeke.

Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.
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At the end of this week (April 19 – 20), designer Valérie Berckmans is organizing a new stock sale in Sint-Goriks. She does this on behalf of Mode in Brussels, a new non-profit organization that wants to make Brussels designers better known to the public.

Fashion Sales have existed for almost a quarter of a century. At that time, stock sales of designer clothing grew into an institution. For years, the semi-annual event was organized by the non-profit organization Modo Brussels. After the non-profit organization was merged with MAD Brussels, the center for fashion and design, the latter took over the organization.

But last summer MAD announced that there would be no autumn edition, after which designer Valérie Berckmans decided to take the reins into her own hands. This way the autumn sale could still go ahead.

In the meantime, Berckmans, together with Elizabeth Djamdjiev (Design September), has established a new non-profit organization, Mode in Brussels. They received financial support from Alderman for the Economy of Brussels City Fabian Maingain (Défi) and Brussels State Secretary for Economic Transition Barbara Trachte (Ecolo). From now on, the non-profit organization will organize the Brussels Fashion Sales twice a year in the Halles Saint-Géry, but it has other ambitions. “We want to strengthen the contact between Brussels designers and the public,” Berckmans explains. “So that the public understands that we are not Zara or H&M.”

Fabric sales

To this end, the non-profit organization plans studio visits, a new trail, Fashion in May, and also a fabric sale. There will also be a website presenting Brussels designers. Berckmans: “We are also thinking about a kind of marketplace, a joint e-shop for the designers.”

The aim of the non-profit organization is to make the lives of designers a little easier. “Our sector is having a hard time. Most Brussels designers cannot make a living from their designs and have another job, which is not ideal. Designers must be able to concentrate 100 percent on their work.”

Berckmans wants to look at it very practically. “We strive for a community of designers who support each other to be more profitable. For example, they could share spaces or an accountant. Fabric sales also fit into that context. Every designer is faced with a surplus of fabrics every year. That stock is dormant money. These fabrics can better be exchanged among designers or sold to the public so that money can be raised. It is also more ecological.”

Competitor for MAD?

Does MAD, which is organizing its own course this autumn, have a competitor with the new non-profit organization? “We are much smaller, MAD is a real institution. They tend to work B2B, business to business, while our focus is on business to consumer,” says Berckmans. “We want to work additionally. Our course next year in May will be slightly different than the MAD course.”

The Brussels Fashion Sales take place on Friday and Saturday. About thirty Brussels designers show fashion, jewelry and accessories. Among them are established designers such as Annemie Verbeke, Conni Kaminski and Berckmans themselves, who offer their stock and prototypes, but also young recently graduated designers such as Thu, who are there with their first collection.

Halles Saint-Géry!
April 19 and 20 2024

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Fashion, jewelry and accessories: the best of Brussels creations will be exhibited for a weekend in the beautiful setting of the Halles Saint-Géry!
This spring’s edition will take place on April 19 and 20 and will bring together about thirty designers, from the young graduates presenting their collection for the first time to the experienced designers offering their previous collections and prototypes at reduced prices.

« The Brussels Fashion Sales are a unique opportunity to discover what Brussels fashion has to offer, get to know and support local designers. It is also the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to beautiful, original and sustainable items at attractive prices. As designers, we love these moments that allow us to present our pieces and advise our customers » explains Valérie Berckmans, Brussels designer and organizer of the event.

« My colleague Elizabeth Djamdjiev and I also have the great pleasure of announcing the creation of the non-profit organization ‘Fashion in Brussels’, with which we will from now on organize the Sales. This non-profit organization was born from our desire to set up structures and organize events that respond to a series of concrete expectations of Brussels designers and allow them to make their work known to the public. This is the start of a beautiful adventure in which we are fortunate to be supported by Fabian Maingain, Alderman for Economic Affairs of the City of Brussels and by Barbara Trachte, State Secretary for Economic Transition of the Brussels-Capital Region.”

« By renewing our support for the Brussels Fashion Sales, we reaffirm our commitment to our Brussels designers, true guardians of our local identity. Their unique pieces and the service they provide to their customers embody the soul of our city. Moreover, this initiative gives new impetus to our entrepreneurs, encouraging them to persevere in their exciting work.” explains Fabian Maingain.

« Another fashion is possible! A fashion that does not destroy the environment. A fashion that does not trample on human rights. A fashion that enables those who create it to make a decent living from it. It is obvious for me to support the non-profit organization “Fashion in Brussels”, which represents a responsible approach to fashion: sustainability and creativity, local and ethical production. We ‘consume’ fashion every day. Governments must promote a vision of fashion that goes beyond the simple act of dressing, while supporting Brussels companies that respect eco-design and social progress.” specifies Barbara Trachte.

Jury Prize: Jan-Jan Van Essche
Emerging Talent of the Year: Igor Dieryck
Professional of the Year: Frederik Heyman
Changemaker of the Year : Laetitia Bica
Most Promising Graduate of the Year: Leslie Novignon (Francisco Ferrer in Brussels)

Anthony Vaccarello, creative director at Saint Laurent since 2016, can call himself ‘Designer of the Year 2023’.
You can read an excellent article with Antony Vaccarello by Nick Haramis for the New York Times.

Fashion designer Jan-Jan Van Essche wins jury prize of Belgian Fashion Awards 2023
Fashion designer Jan-Jan Van Essche has won the jury prize of the Belgian Fashion Awards 2023. The organization announced this on Thursday evening.

Van Essche founded his fashion label of the same name in 2010 and, despite remaining under the radar for a long time, is highly regarded internationally by connoisseurs. The judges praised its authenticity, consistency and very clear identity. “Jan-Jan Van Essche brought slow fashion before the phenomenon had a name. He deserves the ‘Jury Prize’ because he shows that it is not about the size of your business, but about your talent,” he said.

Young fashion designer Igor Dieryck takes home the ‘Emerging Talent of the Year’ award, digital artist Frederik Heyman takes home ‘Professional of the Year’

Changemaker of the Year
This year’s ‘Changemaker of the Year’ award goes to Laetitia Bica, a contemporary artist who places research at the heart of her work. Leslie Novignon, who graduated with a master’s degree in fashion and pattern design from the Haute École Francisco Ferrer in Brussels, receives the ‘Most Promising Graduate of the Year’ award.

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JAH 01-12-23, 00:24 Source: Belga

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Will you also come to Fashion Talks on Thursday, November 30, 2023?

Thursday, November 30, 2023 is time for Fashion Talks. During this biennial event, the entire fashion sector, in the broadest sense of the word, comes together: fashion designers, fashion companies, PR agencies, stylists, journalists, photographers… A highlight for the fashion sector not to be missed.

Main stage speakers

The day starts with a presentation of The State of Fashion 2024, the annual trend report compiled by McKinsey in collaboration with Business of Fashion, which will be presented by Hanna Grabenhofer (McKinsey & Company).

On our main stage you will find the following speakers throughout the day:

Sinéad O’Dwyer & Aya Noël
Sustainability panel with Muchaneta Ten Napel, Valérie Boiten, Lieve Vermeire (Van de Velde) and Charlotte Van Dierendonck (Studio D)
Calum Knight (SHOWstudio) & Dominique Nzeyimana
Lena-Sophie Röper (Zalando) & Ann Claes
Tom Eerebout & Alexander Fury
Meryll Rogge, Stéphanie D’heygere & Eugene Rabkin

Breakout sessions

Breakout sessions are intimate talks for a limited audience that provide a unique look behind the scenes of the fashion sector. Would you like to follow a breakout session?

SCIRT – Delphine Williot (Fashion Revolution), Muchaneta Ten Napel (Shape Innovate & FashNerd.com), Charlotte Delfosse (Bel&Bo), Anse Smeets (VITO), Tom Duhoux (VITO) & Simon Gryspeert (Flanders DC): Sustainability, the power or true cost thinking about Sustainability: the power of true cost thinking
Alison Bringé (Launchmetrics) about Beyond Followers: Exploring Instagram’s Influence on Brand Performance
Caroline De Bruyn & Céline Vermeulen (The Dot Society) about TikTok’s Influence on Your Fashion Label
Cédric Jacquemin & Quinten Schaap (Bakermat) about An innovative ecosystem for a transparent textile and fashion industry
Kaat Debo & Baloji about the exhibition “Augurism” and magical realism
Benjamin Daemen (Creative Finance) about Leadership in fashion
Julia Olivio, Leslie Lee & Martin Van den Abeele (Lectra) about Digital transformation: trends and strategies for success
Leonneke Derksen (LĒO) & Sarah Mayer about Digital Faces, Digital Fashion

Meetup tables

During the Meetup tables you will have the opportunity to talk to one of the experts present and get an answer to all your questions. The Meetup tables are limited to a maximum of 5 participants per conversation. So sign up quickly!

Davidson Leite (Resortecs) about Circularity
Natalie Helsen about Storytelling
Florentina Leitner on Design
Ruth Van Soom & Dries Vriesacker (ENFNTS TERRIBLES) about Social media strategy
Lotte Lijnen (Essentiel Antwerp) about Collection development
Katrien Huygens (City of Antwerp) about Fashion opportunities in Antwerp
Roel Auwers (Tomorrowland) about Fashion production

In the spirit of mindful consumption, RectoVerso is steering away from the traditional Black Friday hustle. No flash sales, no excess — just a deliberate step towards responsible choices.

Here’s our exclusive Green Friday Deal: this week every order will include a thoughtfully crafted neck warmer from leftover fabric, plus complimentary shipping. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting our journey.

At RectoVerso, sustainability isn’t a compromise; it’s a conscious decision. Your continued support empowers us to grow responsibly.

We strive to find a balance between offering you something special and not encouraging unnecessary purchases. Your feedback means the world to us, so feel free to share your thoughts on our approach!

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The Wool and Fashion Tourist Center (CTLM) in Verviers (Belgium) offers the opportunity to discover the textile history of the city by considering its creative, social, economic and human aspects.

The CTLM is located in a listed historic monument, the former Thier textile factory.

Lieux-Communs based in Namur (Belgium) organizes contemporary art exhibitions, particularly in heritage places in Belgium and France.

Lieux-Communs provides artistic direction for various events: Festival of the 5 Seasons, Biennale Romanesque, etc.

These two partners collaborate to offer fabrics:

The history of Verviers, former world textile capital, is closely linked to textile creation.

Through the Étoffe(s) Prize, the ambition is to generate and strengthen a dynamic of contemporary textile artistic creation. It is also to provide a showcase for this renewal of textile creation observed in the field of contemporary art.

A special feature of the prize is that it is also open to multidisciplinary artists for whom textiles are only one aspect of the practice and of the piece proposed for the Biennale.

13 artists present their work to you, included in the CTLM’s permanent tour dedicated to the region’s industrial past.

Nineteen Brussels designers join forces to organize the 2023 autumn edition of the Brussels Sales in the beautiful setting of the Sint-Gorikshallen building.

These sales bring together Brussels designers for a weekend, ranging from recent graduates introducing their collections to the public for the first time, to experienced designers offering prototypes and collections from past seasons at reduced prices.

The Brussels Sales present a fantastic opportunity for the public to discover what Brussels fashion has to offer, to get to know and support local designers, and to treat themselves to beautiful, original, and sustainable pieces at attractive prices.