Backstage at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp | Show 2012

Dear Diane and Shaded Viewers // 

Nikolai Ahn took these beautiful images backstage friday night, at the Waagnatie in Antwerp for the Academy's SHOW 2012. I must say, the backstage felt calmer than in years past; no crying models, fewer frantic students – it was as if the air of pressure was completely lifted.

The show, a fashion super-bowl of sorts, lasted nearly three hours. The first segment was that of the 1st year students showing a conceptual shirt "NR 1 – Jurk", a Dress "2D into 3D" and lastly an experiment "Materialmix".

The 2nd year students, 25 in total, showed historical costumes and collections. Where as the 3rd year students, 19 in total, showed ethical costumes and collection. Its seemed our international jury member Olivier Rizzio was most excited by 2nd year student Jens Cuyvers, friend or family I am unsure – but – he made a point out of letting the room know that he is a fan. Which by any account is an endorsement of solid gold. I however also enjoyed the collections of Raffaela Graspointer (2nd year), Jinho Lee (2nd year), Niklaus Hodel (3rd year) and the cropped outwear by Lola Barre (3rd year). Most striking and memorable for the junior class-men is Marketa Martiskova (2nd year) considering her text-painted coat was the cover art of this years show collateral.

Lastly were the 11 Master's students which were individually highlighted in my earlier post. Please take a moment to review their work. 

These students are now apart of a dynasty of sorts, together leaving a lasting impression of this new creative Mecca far beyond their history of diamonds, tailoring and textile dying. 

// Kristopher Arden-Houser 

Photos by Nikolai Ahn

 

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