>> Christian Wijnants <<
JB: Where did you grow up? CW: I was born in Brussels, in a French ‘quartier’ and my very first memories of living in Belgium are linked to the francophone culture. I remember Brussels in the early eighties being a very spirited city, very creative and full of interesting energy that was coming from other countries in Europe. My mum is from Switzerland and my father from Germany so I inherited part of their cultures as well. JB: You moved to Antwerp quite young, didn’t you? CW: I was attracted by what was happening in Antwerp, so I moved there to study and afterwards I stayed to live and work there. Nevertheless, I love to go to Brussels once or twice a week. In a way I miss that feeling of being anonymous and to walk around and have fun. There are many different entertainment options in Brussels, which is nice. JB: Who were your icons when you discovered you wanted to become a fashion designer? CW: That was in the early 90’s and I admired Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemester and Dries Van Noten. I moved to Antwerp because I was eager to study at the Fashion Academy – I loved the energy that these designers – who all studied there – gave to the fashion scene. I still believe there is a positive energy in the air here, although it’s quite an indoors culture, maybe because of the horrible weather. You could say that everything works very structured, but very quiet too. There’s a bit of a myth about this being a revolving city. There’s a lot of space for spontaneity too, that’s true. Antwerp remained in the spotlight in the period I studied here.
JB: What had happened industry-wise in the 80’s was very haunting. It was the moment when Belgium became very well-known and respected worldwide? CW: I fulfilled my creative expectations since I studied in the Arts School, a year before I started studying at the Academy. Then I went on thinking that I wanted to live the same way these designers did. Being in Antwerp I kept that enthusiasm, but I also got tired many times because of this feeling of being in a very small circle of people. That’s why I run to Brussels every time I have the chance. JB: Have you ever dream about going to a bigger city? CW: Right after I graduated from the Academy I moved to Paris for six months. I worked in a very classic fashion house, directed by Angelo Tarlazzi, but I moved back to Antwerp after that, quite disappointed when I found out about many aspects that I don’t like about Paris. The fashion world is much more regulated there and I was used to another kind of freedom. Plus of course it’s much cheaper for me to work in Antwerp. Living so close to Brussels, you can fly to many other places from there in the blink of an eye. Our location is a privilege. JB: In central Antwerp, where you have your atelier, you enjoy quite a view? CW: It’s very inspiring to me. I used to live here myself since I was a student until a couple of years ago. I can appreciate the vibrant architecture of the city, it’s what gives this perception of history, between the Middle Age and modernity, that I love.
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