The end of this month will also spell the end for Belgian fashion brand A.F. Vandevorst, the life-long dream of An Vandevorst en Filip Arickx – both former assistants to members of the Antwerp Six.
End of an era
After 22 years of existence, Vandevorst and Arickx pull the plug on their fashion label. The current Spring/Summer collection will be the last: on 29 February (during the Paris Fashion Week), the couple will host a farewell party to thank staff and fans. The label’s store in one of Antwerp’s most fashionable streets, Lombardenvest, will most likely close its doors too at that time.
“The dynamics in the fashion world have changed. We have concluded that we can no longer reach the same level of creativity (…) and work in the way that has always set us apart. The digital evolution has changed everything: exclusivity and intimacy are history now”, Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad quotes the pair.
Before embarking on this project, both were employed by other famous designers from the Antwerp Six. Vandevorst was Dries Van Noten’s assistant for six years, while Arickx sat at Dirk Bikkembergs’ side.
