Backstage at Dior Couture

Photos by Sonny Vandevelde...

Glad Grads

Buzzing with excitement, the Antwerp Academy’s graduation show this year once again delivered the goods. Shown to an international jury that included Kris Van Assche, Tim Blanks and Jefferson Hack, the fourth-year collections were truly innovative and technically accomplished. Glen Martens’ cocoon coats in luxurious fabrics and layered origami white dresses were terribly chic yet forward-looking. In menswear, Yu Fukumoto offered an irreverent take on classic tailoring, with models chasing imaginary butterflies in crisp, white shirts, impeccable cotton shorts and straw hats. Best shoes went to Yuima Nakazato, whose nude and gold leather with insane metallic heels aptly echoed the futuristic and constructed feel of his armor-like collection. Ek Thongprasert, meanwhile, had the cutest show concept, sending couples down the runway together, building his interchangeable collection around the notions of love and intimacy. His black necklaces had a surreal, Jean Cocteau-like feel, spelling out the words “Love” and “Dream” to a touched audience, who no doubt wondered if this might be the last time he—or any of these students—feels as rosy about his chosen profession.

—Philippe Pourhashemi, photos by Sonny Vandevelde



Glen Martens


Yu Fukumoto


Yuima Nakazata


Ek Thongprasert

Backstage pics of never-shy Iekeliene Stange...

At Bruno Pieters, John Galliano...


At Véronique Branquinho, Sonia Rykiel...


Photos by Sonny Vandevelde

Backstage beauty at Bernhard Willhelm...




Photos by Sonny Vandevelde

Backstage beauty at Vivienne Westwood...




Photos by Sonny Vandevelde

Backstage beauty at Dior...




Photos by Sonny Vandevelde