Walter van Beirendonck Van Beirendonck studied Fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, establishing his own label, Walter Van Beirendonck in 1983. He had his first breakthrough in 1987 as part of The Antwerp Six British Designer Show. Influences range from art, music and literature to ethnic culture, nature and safe sex. Humour, strong graphics and innovative cuts combined with unusual colour combinations are a constant in his work.
Sexangel, Spring/Summer 08
Photo: Andreas Pettersson/Science Gallery
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From the Sexclown collection the work reflects a fascination with new types of future fetishism. Avatars, digital life forms and African Sogobo rituals combine to create an aesthetic that celebrates masculinity and body diversity. Van Beirendonck’s intention was to create a look that gave the appearance of having just stepped out of the digital world. This is a hyper-reality of accentuated shoulders, hips and waistlines.