Fashion Moves
Fashion exhibition from 7 June to 31 August
Things are moving this summer at MAD Brussels. With Fashion Moves, the Centre for Fashion and Design presents a fascinating exhibition on the multifaceted relationship between fashion and dance. From breathtaking creations dedicated to the stage to the latest trends emerging through social media, especially the influence of ballet and techno, or creations inspired by clubs and nightlife. This will feature numerous renowned names and young design talent such as Raf Simons, Glenn Martens, Walter Van Beirendonck, Flora Miranda and Igor Dieryck.
Dance and movement have always influenced fashion. For the exhibition Fashion Moves, MAD Brussels explores the interaction between the two worlds. What does movement do to a piece of clothing? How does the fashion designer adapt to the demands of dance costume? To what extent do fashion and dance inspire each other? Numerous creations and trends are reviewed in four different chapters.
"Belgium means a lot on an international level when we talk about contemporary dance. Simply think of dance companies like Rosas, Ultima Vez or Jan Martens. Numerous Belgian fashion designers created pieces for international dance companies and many of our choreographers are internationally renowned. A lot of crossover, especially if you include the creative talent who studied at Belgian institutions," says Dieter Van Den Storm, Artistic Director.
From the stage to the club
Designs for the stage require a different approach than designs for the catwalk. It should be more dramatic and fluid, as well as highlight the dancers' movements. At the same time, it may also shape a particular dance expression. Here we think of Pieter Mulier and Walter Van Beirendonck's costumes for the Paris Opera, or Christophe Coppens designing costumes and sets for La Monnaie. Iris Van Herpen's costumes for 'Pelléas et Mélisande' by Damien Jalet and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, directed by Marina Abramovic, is one of the highlights of the exhibition for Margaux Dibos, curator of the exhibition, "The technical craftsmanship, innovation and uniqueness reveal a vulnerable and determined Mélisande. Since her first creations, Iris Van Herpen has reinvented feminine beauty, balancing between delicacy and hostility." In pop culture, too, creations are made for the stage, such as Jasmien van Loo who made the catsuit for Dutch singer Merol.
The exhibition also explores different styles through the social and cultural issues at play in fashion and dance. From the evolution of sportswear that became popular thanks to hip-hop culture, to its current presence on the catwalks of luxury fashion houses. As well as the club and rave party culture seen recently at fashions shows by Glenn Martens for Diesel. A lot of young fashion designers also draw inspiration from nightlife for their designs, such as Leonneke Derksen, Stephanie D'Heygere and Marie Vandewiele.
Lastly, the expo takes a look at the fashion trends of 2024, inspired by the rapid evolutions on platforms such as TikTok. Trends that symbolise a radical and daring generation. A new trend is the return of the ballerina, like the bolder versions by Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten and Mats Rombaut, though the ballet trend goes beyond shoes. Tulle remains a popular material choice among designers, with Jordy Arthur even making a handbag out of it. Accessories and clothing are also strongly influenced by techno culture, using elements such as metal, tribal features and vibrant colours. Great examples are the jewellery by Cleo Chrome and Bobby or the designs by Stefan Kartchev.
Scenography
The exhibition's scenography has been entrusted to Dutch scenographer Dennis Vanderbroeck. With his studio called Studio Dennis Vanderbroeck, Dennis works, on an international scale, on projects in various disciplines and contexts. A physical encounter in a physically designed space is always at the core of his work. Since founding his own Studio, Vanderbroeck has since designed stage sets for Internationaal Theater Amsterdam and Het Nationale Theater, among others, fashion shows for Diesel and Y/Project, developed live sets for Yung Nnelg and Wende and designed exhibitions at TENT Rotterdam and Modemuseum Hasselt. More recently, he also designed Mugler's latest show in Paris, for the FW2024 season. Currently, he is working as Creative Director for the WECANDANCE festival in Zeebrugge.
Practical information
07.06.2024 - 31.08.2024: Fashion Moves
The exhibition takes place at MAD Brussels: Nieuwe Graanmarkt 10, 1000 Brussels. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Images can be downloaded immediately by clicking on the images in the press release. For more information or interview requests, please contact: