Fashion Moves

Things are moving this summer at MAD Brussels. With Fashion Moves, the Centre for Fashion and Design presents a fascinating exhibition on the multifaceted relationship between fashion and dance.

What does movement do to a piece of clothing? How does the fashion designer adapt to the demands of dance costume? To what extent do fashion and dance inspire each other? Dance and movement have always influenced fashion. For the exhibition Fashion Moves, MAD Brussels explores the interaction between the two worlds. From breathtaking creations dedicated to the stage to the latest trends emerging through social media, especially the influence of ballet and techno, or creations inspired by clubs and nightlife. Numerous creations and trends are reviewed in four different chapters.

From the stage to the club

Designs for the stage require a different approach than designs for the catwalk. It should be more dramatic and fluid, as well as highlight the dancers' movements. At the same time, it may also shape a particular dance expression. Here we think of Pieter Mulier and Walter Van Beirendonck's costumes for the Paris Opera, or Christophe Coppens designing costumes and sets for La Monnaie. In pop culture, too, creations are made for the stage, such as Jasmien van Loo who made the catsuit for Dutch singer Merol.

The exhibition also explores different styles through the social and cultural issues at play in fashion and dance. From the evolution of sportswear that became popular thanks to hip-hop culture, to its current presence on the catwalks of luxury fashion houses. As well as the club and rave party culture seen recently at fashions shows by Glenn Martens for Diesel. A lot of young fashion designers also draw inspiration from nightlife for their designs, such as Leonneke Derksen, Stephanie D'Heygere and Marie Vandewiele. ​

Lastly, the expo takes a look at the fashion trends of 2024, inspired by the rapid evolutions on platforms such as TikTok. Trends that symbolise a radical and daring generation. A new trend is the return of the ballerina, like the bolder versions by Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten and Mats Rombaut, though the ballet trend goes beyond shoes. Tulle remains a popular material choice among designers, with Jordy Arthur even making a handbag out of it. Accessories and clothing are also strongly influenced by techno culture, using elements such as metal, tribal features and vibrant colours. Great examples are the jewellery by Cleo Chrome and Bobby or the designs by Stefan Kartchev.

An exhibition with

Alphonse Maitrepierre, Audrey Large, Bobby Jewels, Christophe Coppens for La Monnaie / De Munt, Clara Besnard, Cleo Chrome, Dries Van Noten, Eunji Oh, Flora Miranda, Florentina Leitner, Glenn Martens & Diesel for (La) Horde, Igor Dieryck, Iris Van Herpen, Isabelle Lhoas for Ultima Vez, Jasmien Van Loo, Jean-Paul Lespagnard for Pierre Droulers, Jeanne Friot, Jennifer Defays, Jordy Arthur, Komono, LĒO Official, Lila and John for Rosas, Margiela for Reebok, Marie Vandewielde, Mats Rombaut, Maxime Mathieu, Pieter Mulier, Raf Simons for Adidas, Riccardo Tisci for Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui et Damien Jallet, Romain Bichot, Salomé Poloudenny for (La) Horde, Sander Boss, Sarah De Geyter, Sarah Mayer, Saul Nash, Skin Series, Stefan Kartchev, Stephanie D'Heygere, Studio Elementaires, Theophile Blandet, Tuna Mess, Walter Van Beirondonck, Y/Project for Fila, Yamuna Forzani, Yuma Labs

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening days & hours:

• The exhibition runs from Friday 7 June until Saturday 31 August 2024

• Open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m

• MAD Brussels is closed on Thursday 15 August 

Price: A visit to the exhibition is free

Address: MAD Brussels, Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 10 / Nieuwe Graanmarkt 10, 1000 Brussels