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.

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Fashion Conversations with Bronwyn Cosgrave is a bi-weekly interview series featuring lively discussions with artistic luminaries working at the forefront of fashion. Bronwyn’s guests include leading designers, best-selling authors, filmmakers, museum curators and Hollywood stylists. Her conversations go deep. Guests reveal the secrets to their artistry, thoughts on social issues impacting fashion and the personal challenges they’ve overcome realizing their dreams. Bronwyn is the author of best-selling fashion history books. She produces feature-length fashion documentaries and writes journalism about design and fashion. Her humanistic, research-driven interview style is shaped by her extensive work as a fashion historian, a television commentator and broadcaster for international radio networks such as the BBC, CBC and NPR. Fashion Conversations with Bronwyn Cosgrave is a Wondercast Production.