The Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts never fails to be inspiring during their yearly spectacle of fashion: the graduation runway show of 2006... A catwalk spectacle that shows Antwerp 'still has it'. The students proved to ignore fashion trends but concentrated on creating a collection that is creative and experimental instead.
One of our personal favourites was Mikio Sakabe who stunned the audience with a grey collection that reflected urban environments, as the short show preceded the coats showed a lining of pastel artwork of skylines and buildings. Hanne De Wyngaert brought a Rock Roll, lipstick edge to the graduation show with a collection entitled 'About Girls like Laura'. De Wyngaert’s Laura’s like to dress up as grunge pin-ups in savaged stockings, some carrying large balloons that may take them to their ultimate trip.
Akiko Murata brought a touching moment to the show with his 'Lesson to become a lady'. Murata didn't use the young models for his show, an ensemble of sophisticated, older mannequins showed his gracious outfits. A tribute to the era when Audrey Hepburn or Elizabeth Taylor defined style and glamour, yet modern and truthful in its execution.
Second year student Daria Dazzan made a strong statement with a Grace Jones tribute that consisted of a powerful combination of piede de poule patterns, rubber and leather. We can't wait for her third year collection!
We could go on and on about the abundant creations that were shown, but with a show that lasts 4 hours we suggest you watch them for yourself once they appear on:

www.antwerp-fashion.be