The eighth annual Belgian Fashion Awards lit up Antwerp’s historic Bourla Theatre on Tuesday evening, celebrating established icons and rising stars who continue to shape Belgium’s global fashion identity.
The event, open to the public for the first time, drew industry professionals, creatives, and fashion enthusiasts eager to witness a new wave of Belgian talent being recognised.
This year’s winners were selected by an international panel of experts and journalists, following a shortlist compiled by 200 leading fashion professionals. Each laureate was presented with a bespoke artwork created by renowned designer Paul Boudens, underscoring the ceremony’s emphasis on artistic collaboration.
Julian Klausner earned the coveted Designer of the Year award, following his appointment as creative director at Dries Van Noten. The jury praised Klausner’s vision and leadership, describing him as the ideal figure to continue steering one of Belgium’s most influential fashion houses into the future.
Another highlight of the evening was the Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to Tony Delcampe of La Cambre Mode(s). Delcampe’s decades-long role in shaping generations of designers has cemented his place in Belgian fashion heritage.
Sonja Noël, founder of the iconic Brussels boutique STIJL, was honoured as Creative Professional of the Year. Reflecting on her 41-year career, Noël expressed deep gratitude. “I am very proud and see it as recognition for the past 41 years, but also as encouragement for the future,” she said.
Noël acknowledged the challenges faced by independent retailers in recent years, from the pandemic to shifting consumer habits. “Without the team behind STIJL, I would not be here today. I hope that Brussels can count on even more independent fashion stores in the future to give Brussels a face,” she added.
Sustainability emerged as a prominent theme. Mats Rombaut, known for his plant-based brands ROMBAUT and Virón, took home the Accessory Designer of the Year award for redefining eco-conscious luxury. Arte Antwerp was named Company of the Year, while Machine was recognised as Changemaker of the Year for its innovative practices.
The Love Brand of the Year Audience Award went to MXDVS, an alternative streetwear label with a devoted following. Meanwhile, the social fashion label REantwerp, which supports refugees and promotes upcycling, received the Emerging Talent of the Year award.
The Most Promising Graduate accolade was awarded to Chloë Reners of the Antwerp Fashion Academy, reaffirming the institution’s reputation as a global incubator for visionary designers.
In a new addition to the awards, Hanne Gaby Odiele was named Model of the Year. Odiele, an internationally acclaimed model and intersex rights advocate, was recognised not only for their professional success but also for their activism and visibility.
Organised by Flanders District of Creativity, MAD Brussels, Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode, and Knack Weekend/Le Vif Weekend, the awards once again demonstrated Belgium’s enduring influence in international fashion—rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and social awareness.
