Christian Wijnants: In Pursuit of Happiness

From his design studio in Antwerp, Belgium, Christian Wijnants explains how working in isolation on his Spring/Summer 2021 collection, In Pursuit of Happiness, prompted him to imbue it with memories of his upbringing in Brussels. He revisits his childhood and reveals how his decision to pursue a fashion career was prompted by an exhibition showcasing the work of the Antwerp Six. This group of virtuosic designers garnered international attention after staging a guerilla-style show at London Fashion Week in 1986. As Christian tells it, living his dream - and studying at their alma mater - Belgium’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts - proved daunting. He considers his postgraduate years working for Dries Van Noten and Angelo Tarlazzi. Reflecting on receiving the most sought-after fashion prizes - the Swiss Textile Award, the ANDAM Prize, the European Woolmark Prize and International Woolmark Prize - Christian shares his belief that the fashion industry needs more awards to support tomorrow’s generation of independent designers.