The Seventh Edition of the Awards Celebrated Belgium’s Leading and Emerging Design Talent in Brussels
The Belgian Fashion Awards 2024 spotlighted the rich diversity and innovation of Belgian fashion, honoring both established names and emerging talent. Organized by Flanders DC, MAD Brussels, Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode, and publications Weekend Knack and Le Vif Weekend, the event celebrated its seventh edition with a jury chaired by Dutch trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort and trend analyst Philip Fimmano. Winners received unique trophies designed by graphic artist Paul Boudens, known for his contributions to Belgian art and fashion.
Meryll Rogge became the first woman to receive the prestigious Designer of the Year award. Known for her gender-fluid ready-to-wear collections, Rogge has gained both national and international recognition. “Meryll stays true to herself while making a global impact,” the jury stated. A graduate of Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Rogge began her career at Marc Jacobs in New York before joining Dries Van Noten as head of women’s design. She launched her own label in 2020 and previously won Emerging Designer of the Year at the 2021 Belgian Fashion Awards.
Woman designers dominated this year’s awards. Veteran designer Marina Yee, a member of the iconic Antwerp Six, received the Jury Prize for her artistic versatility and recent relaunch of her label, focusing on unisex fashion. Emerging Talent of the Year went to Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, whose Paris Fashion Week debut in 2024 and nominations for the LVMH and ANDAM Prizes marked her as a rising star.
The Accessories Designer of the Year award went to Paris-based Stéphanie D’heygere for her inventive approach to jewelry and accessories. Known for her collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier, Jil Sander, and Diesel, she impressed the jury with her belief that “any object can become an accessory.”
RE Antwerp, a sustainable fashion workshop founded by Tim Van Steenbergen and Ruth Goossens, was named Changemaker of the Year for its commitment to social engagement and craftsmanship, training linguistically diverse newcomers using deadstock materials. Daniel Henry, a textile designer known for his work with Maison Margiela, was honored as Professional of the Year for his innovative contributions to fashion and interiors.
Célestin Verheyden, a La Cambre graduate, was recognized as Most Promising Graduate of the Year for his experimental menswear designs. The public prize for Fashion Brand of the Year went to family-owned Four Roses, which has expanded with new stores and collaborations with multi-brand retailers.
