Antoine Peters
The international and interdisciplinary FASHIONCLASH Festival just wrapped up their 12th Edition. During this three-day festival, a new generation of designers and (performing) artists from home and abroad were given the opportunity to show their work digitally to a broad and international audience. The program consisted of virtual fashion shows, exhibitions, short films, crossovers with performing arts and live fashion talks with festival participants. Additionally, the festival provided visual spectacles, behind the scenes, personal stories of the participants, and wide audience reach. The 4th edition of the Fashion Makes Sense Award was also presented Teun Seuren (TEUN) taking home the Chapeau Magazine Young Talent Award.
DOMINIK
Openness, generosity, and intimacy are some of the keywords defining this unique and innovative edition, placed under the sign of craft, as well as personal expression and boundless ideas. Designers are now willing to reveal the essence of their work while sharing freely the intricacy of their technique, something Branko Popović, co-founder and co-director of the Festival, sees as a significant step towards a new path: “I was impressed by the resilience of the designers involved, despite the challenges brought by COVID-19. This young generation is looking for ways to present and promote itself efficiently, but it’s also very open and willing to share its know-how and processes with others. 5 or 6 years ago, designers would have been much more secretive about their ideas, marking a key shift within creative spheres.”
PAERS
SANKIM
Not only does this 12th edition offer exhibitions -which can be toured digitally- as well as original films, personal statements, and performances, it also features interactive events, such as the live announcement of the winner of the Fashion Makes Sense Award on the 27th, and a Community Talk broadcast on the 28th, giving participants and organizers the chance to gather online and exchange ideas while discussing their experience of the Festival itself.
SASKIA-LENAERTS
TURTLEHORN
Unlike previous editions, which may have been more militant in spirit and vocal about certain societal and political issues, this Digital Edition underlines a need for closeness, togetherness and understanding, using the digital as an entry into subjective -and highly private- landscapes.
TEUN
More than ever, designers are willing to assert their own strengths and singularity, as well as the complexity of their craft, inspiring us with their poetic and forward-thinking vision.
