Young talent, Brussels creativity and renewed business support in 2024 at MAD Brussels
The new year will once again bring an extensive agenda for MAD Brussels, the centre for fashion and design. Besides an extensive mentoring programme for young starters in both fields, numerous international actions and a new selection of residents are in the pipeline. All under the slogan We Inspire, Connect & Guide. We take this opportunity to present our highlights of the year.
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We inspire
In April, MAD Brussels will host the second edition of Brussels Jewellery Week. This festival puts contemporary jewellery centre stage and focuses on the innovation sometimes embodied in a precious gem. From ocean waste plastics and bits of road surface to tape and corn. No material too crazy to get to work with. The jewellery exhibition PARTICLE(S) brings together established and emerging designers such as Charlotte Van de Velde, Thierry Bontridder, Chloe Ucedo and Raphaelle Leaux.
During the summer months, audiences can immerse themselves in the world of fashion and contemporary dance. A large exhibition will bring together creations by both Belgian and international designers for contemporary dance companies. Thus, names such as Jean Paul Lespagnard and Christophe Coppens as well as Glenn Martens and Marine Serre can be discovered. Several chapters explore the influence of performance and the impact of movement on fashion and related trends.
The autumn of MAD Brussels will be all about young Brussels design talent with the presentation of the MAD Graduation Show, the MAD Incubator Show and the Designer of the Year. In addition, we are also looking forward to the seventh edition of the Belgian Fashion Awards, which this year takes place in Brussels.
We connect
MAD Brussels is even more committed to connecting Brussels designers with the industry in 2024. This by helping jobseekers in the Brussels fashion and design sector in their search, as well as through a professional strategy in which experts put many designers in touch with potential clients, publishers or bigger brands.
Work also continues on its international presence. Thus, under the joint Belgian name Belgium is Design, MAD Brussels will leave for Milan Design Week in April. For the first time in the history of the project, more than 30 designers and design studios will exhibit together. For this, Belgium is Design is joining forces with the two curators of Baroness O. who are bringing together Belgian talent under the title BOLD Dualities and in a scenography by Karel Burssens.
On the fashion front, the Brussels centre for fashion and design also represents Belgian talent internationally. In August, In Our Name Belgium will have its second presence at Copenhagen Fashion Week. In addition, MAD also plans a presence at Paris Fashion Week in the autumn.
We guide
The new year also marks the start of a new mentoring programme to support emerging and established fashion and design entrepreneurs in setting up or strengthening their businesses. This can include one-on-one meetings, several long term mentoring sessions or even a two-year residency. The mentoring programme is complemented by monthly seminars and sessions such as Ask the Expert. Starting designers are thus assisted through the many aspects of entrepreneurship as well asof the fashion and design sector.
"The creative industry remains a challenging but also vulnerable sector," says Anaïs Sandra Carion, managing director of MAD Brussels. "Business support therefore remains necessary, which is why our renewed and sharpened approach is what we have been working on. We also continue to be very inclusive, as MAD Brussels' activities remain free and sustainable, for both professional visitors and general public."
Finally, MAD Brussels is organising two major B2C events this year. From April 12th to 14th, the public can come to the centre for fashion and design for the Ethical and Upcycling fashion fair called SLOWROOM. This will be the opportunity to discover sustainable Brussels brands. Then, in autumn, the MAD Parcours: Downtown Edition will take place. From November 15th to 17th, MAD Brussels will highlight the creative spirit of the capital. The parcours will feature studios and retail spaces of Brussels designers as well as spaces where young Brussels designers work.
Practical Information
25.04.2024 - 05.05.2024: Brussels Jewellery Week
06.06.2024 - 31.08.2024: Fashion and Contemporary Dance Exhibition
12.04.2024 - 14.04.2024: Slowroom
15.11.2024 - 17.11.2024: MAD Parcours: Downtown Edition
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