Walter Van Beirendonck: The Eccentric Belgian Designer Injecting Fun into Fashion

Renowned for injecting a dose of eccentricity and vibrant hues into Paris Fashion Week, Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck seized the runway to deliver a playful jab at the mega-brands dominating the fashion industry.

In his latest menswear show, the veteran designer presented an exceptionally imaginative collection that pushed the boundaries of creativity. Tentacled jackets, colossal hats, oversized blue goat horns, and a vivid green gas mask graced the runway. Notably, jackets adorned with holes from front to back added a distinctive touch to the avant-garde showcase.

Even among the veteran designer’s zany creations, this collection stood out, resonating with Beirendonck’s devoted followers—many adorned in his past designs. For them, he represents a breath of fresh air in the often overly serious realm of high fashion.

Choosing an intimate setting for this season’s show, Beirendonck intentionally contrasted the extravagance of billion-dollar brand showcases by houses like Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

“I don’t want to do a big Far West movie,” he remarked backstage, taking a playful swipe at Louis Vuitton’s recent cowboy-themed extravaganza. Criticizing the excessive spending by major brands, he humorously suggested they “should spend it on better things.”

Deviating from the typical fashion show soundtrack, Beirendonck opted for a unique approach, embedding hidden speakers on each model, who walked to the tunes of Joy Division and David Bowie.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by independent labels, he expressed satisfaction in witnessing a new generation discovering and appreciating his work. The latest collection subtly revived elements from his groundbreaking work in the 1990s, incorporating prosthetics that sculpted novel shapes on both models’ and his own face.

Emphasizing that the collection was not nostalgic but rather a fresh interpretation, Beirendonck noted, “I have a really nice following of people that like what I’m doing—really young people are discovering my work from the ’90s. It’s a nice energy.”

Walter Van Beirendonck’s whimsical yet thought-provoking designs continue to carve a unique space in the world of fashion, offering a refreshing alternative to the mainstream.