The Walter Van Beirendonck collection: Eccentric A/W ’24

The Walter Van Beirendonck collection: Eccentric A/W ’24

The Walter Van Beirendonck collection embraces a peculiar and unconventional process, Beirendonck likening it to a Frankensteinian art game with his mind. The result? A ‘Cadavre Exquis,’ a collage of consequences where tops and bottoms engage in a whimsical game of telephone. The result? A ‘Cadavre Exquis,’ a collage of consequences where tops and bottoms engage in a whimsical game of telephone.

Fittinalv clashes and the discovery of new holes and loops became part of the surreal narrative. Van Beirendonck, deeply rooted in the Belgian DNA of surrealism, hooked up tubes to tap into an absurdist way of designing. The collection exudes an eccentric energy with the playful exclamation, “BANANA WINK BOOM!”—a phrase that means everything and nothing at all.

The freedom felt in bringing these beautiful monsters to life is evident throughout the brand-new garments. However, to underscore the randomness in creation, Van Beirendonck revisited styling and make-up from 30 years ago, incorporating hats by Stephen Jones and accessories from his archive.

In a call to embrace freedom over automation, he invites everyone to plug into a new era of fetishism. The reference to David Bowie echoes Van Beirendonck’s repulsive need to transcend humanity, a sentiment woven into the collection’s fabric.

The freedom felt in bringing these beautiful monsters to life is evident throughout the brand-new garments. However, to underscore the randomness in creation, Van Beirendonck revisited styling and make-up from 30 years ago, incorporating hats by Stephen Jones and accessories from his archive.

As the fragments of the collection were pieced together, a tapestry of beauty emerged. Walter Van Beirendonck invites you to experience this peculiar pleasure portal and urges you to reach into his tunnels of creativity.

The collection pays homage to archival accessories, hair, and make-up from past shows, including notable themes like “OVER THE RAINBOW,” “PARADISE PLEASURE PRODUCTIONS,” and “WONDERLAND.” Hats by Stephen Jones, make-up by Jenneke Croubels & team, and hair by Charlie Le Mindu & team contribute to the show’s production, orchestrated by Mark Vandebroeck.

With gratitude to the fantastic W-team, Walter Van Beirendonck signs off with a triple-X, inviting fashion enthusiasts to explore the surreal wonders of his AUTUMN-WINTER 2024-2025 collection.