Meeting Walter in Charleroi

On the way back home from my mini-holiday in Italy, I had the pleasure of meeting fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck. 
He was waiting for his luggage at the Charleroi airport. As he was such a good sport to us paparazzi who recognized him, I asked him how he felt about traveling being a celebrity and he answered that this is just part of the game. 
I also did ask him for permission to take his photograph but forgot to mention that I had a posting on This is Belgium in mind. I assume and hope he will approve.
Walter  graduated from the Antwerp Fashion Academy in 1980. Together with Dirk Van Saene, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee and Dirk Bikkembergs, he became known as one of the Antwerp Six, a group of pioneers and very influential fashion designers who graduated from the Antwerp Academy in the period 1980-1981. 
You can read more about Walter Van Beirendonck and have a look at his collection on the link below.   
http://www.waltervanbeirendonck.com/index.html
http://www.visitflanders.in/discover/flanders/people/fashion-designers/walter-van-beirendonck/index.jsp

Kaat Tilley, a tribute

                                Photo: de standaard.be

I just heard the sad news on the radio of Kaat Tilley, a well known Belgian fashion designer,  passing away today at the age of 52. 

Kaat Tilley who graduated from the Antwerp Academy had her own unique and particular style. She mixed colors, materials, different layers and created dreamy, romantic clothing. She was a very special lady.

According to her personal website "Her views do not adhere to trends rather they reflect more of a life story by mirroring a woman's journey and the lesson learned through living life. Kaat Tilley drives esthetics to the extreme... her world balances between female fragility and strength..."

The fashion community lost one of its creative and very talented members.

http://www.kaattilley.com/frames.html

http://www.flanderstoday.eu/content/dreams-design

http://www.viona-art.com/pages/gothic/fairytale/kaat-tilley.html

http://www.visitflanders.co.uk/discover/flanders/people/fashion-designers/kaat-tilley/index.jsp