Walter Van Beirendonck mentor of the Master in Fashion Design

Starting in October, the renowned Belgian designer will join the faculty of the school

Walter Van Beirendonck mentor of the Master in Fashion Design

Starting in October, the renowned Belgian designer will join the faculty of the school

Polimoda announces the arrival of Walter Van Beirendonck as a mentor of the Master in Fashion Design for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Walter Van Beirendonck represents the quintessence of the purest creativity, the synthesis of an absolute, uncompromising aesthetic.
Massimiliano Giornetti

Starting in October, the renowned Belgian designer will join the faculty of the fashion school directed by Massimiliano Giornetti.

Walter Van Beirendonck represents the quintessence of the purest creativity, the synthesis of an absolute, uncompromising aesthetic. A hymn to independent thinking that does not bend to rules and trends. For Polimoda it is a real honor to have Walter as Mentor of the Master in Fashion Design, his vision and methodology in teaching will bring to the school the possibility to explore new horizons,” declares Giornetti.

Van Beirendonck, an original member of the Antwerp Six, is one of the most relevant independent designers of our time, known as much for his bold use of color combinations, slogans and prints as for his quirky humor. His collections range from a playful and humorous style to more critical themes, using fashion as a means to explore and reflect on social issues. In addition to his eponymous line, he has created iconic brands such as W.&L.T. (Wild & Lethal Trash) and Aestheticterrorists. He has also collaborated with internationally renowned artists and cultural institutions, such as designing costumes for U2’s POPmart-tour and the Berlin Opera. Van Beirendonck also has extensive academic experience, having taught at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp Fashion Department from 1985 to 2022 and served as its Headmaster from 2007 to 2022.

At Polimoda, Van Beirendonck will help shape the creativity of the students and, during the nine-month master’s program, work closely with students, offering in-person review meetings and feedback on projects. His role will include overseeing the development stages of students’ collections, providing valuable guidance based on his long experience in the industry.

 

I am ready to stimulate, encourage, excite and motivate a new generation of fashion designers!
Walter Van Beirendonck

I am looking forward to starting the mentorship for Masters students at Polimoda in Florence and I am ready to stimulate, encourage, excite and motivate a new generation of fashion designers!” comments Van Beirendonck.

Polimoda’s Master in Fashion Design offers a comprehensive program that integrates theory and practice, training fashion professionals capable of translating a creative idea into garments. The course is divided into two main areas: a research phase, which consolidates the cultural and technical foundations of design, and a practical phase, culminating in the creation and presentation of a personal capsule collection. Among the resources available, students will have access to Europe’s largest fashion library and to the modern garment and paper pattern laboratories on the Manifattura Tabacchi campus.

Walter Van Beirendonck’s mentorship represents an exclusive added value for the students, who will have the opportunity to confront and learn directly from one of the protagonists of the contemporary fashion system, thus enriching their training and curriculum with unique skills and perspectives.

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