Welcome to the Dirk Bikkembergs Archive website!
In March 2023, Luc Willame and MoMu (Fashion Museum Antwerp) proposed the Dirk Bikkembergs Archive (Archief Dirk Bikkembergs) project to the Flemish Government’s ‘legacies of contemporary artists’ funding scheme within the Department of Culture, Youth, and Media. The collaboration between Dirk Bikkembergs, Luc Willame, and MoMu aims to develop a permanent and sustainable solution for the 'paper' archive of this important fashion house. Of fifty submitted proposals, twelve projects were approved, one of which being the Dirk Bikkembergs Archive project.
At the end of the project in August 2024, the Bikkembergs archive was transferred to MoMu, where it is stored in optimal conditions. The paper archive is available for consultation in the MoMu library reading room; an outstanding addition to the extensive Bikkembergs clothing archive in the MoMu collection.
Revealing his creativity and innovation throughout his artistic development, the archive demarcates two main periods: Bikkembergs’ student years from 1977 to 1982, and Bikkembergs' active period of designing for his successful eponymous label from 1983 to 2012.
Consisting of eighty boxes filled with sketchbooks, diaries, and other ephemera, like invitations and press kits, the archive offers a window to the past. Through its collection of published press clippings and publications, catalogues and lookbooks, the archive displays Bikkembergs' creative evolution, capturing the spirit of each season.
The mood boards in the archive provide insight into Bikkembergs' inspiration sources and the creative process of the designer and his fashion house. The archive also contains audiovisual material: negatives, photos, and slides. Each frame is a snapshot of an era and film footage allows the viewer to feel the space of the catwalk.
This website is regularly updated. Suggestions for improvement are always welcome, addressed to administator Luc Willame.
Use of the website
This website provides access to the digitalised paper archive of fashion designer Dirk Bikkembergs. The archive is divided into different sub-archives. Each sub-archive contains several archive documents, ranging from sketches and designs to epherma, lookbooks, and catalogues. Each document is carefully described and provided with extensive metadata, so that you can easily find the information you need. Additionally, many digitised images of the documents can be found alongside the written information to provide a comprehensive view of the content.
Please note: when (re)using the documents and images, take into account the applicable rights and attribution. The specific terms of use, such as copyright and attribution, are always mentioned in every individual document. We request that you closely observe these terms to avoid copyright infringement.
Disclaimer: The information and images on this website are provided for information purposes only and should be used with care. Please share any errors, omissions, and/or comments with the administrator Luc Willame. Users must take responsibility for (re)use of the material, in accordance with the stated conditions and applicable legal provisions.
