MoMu explores the relationship between fashion and interiors from a gender perspective.

In nineteenth-century domestic ideology, women played an important role as ‘beautifiers’ of themselves and their homes. With an eye on comfort, the lady of the house would decorate the interior with soft cushions and textures, drapes, handiwork and all manner of knickknacks. Her body, too, was weighed down with layers of fabric and passementerie with the result that she merged with her interior, almost to the point of disappearing altogether.

This visual mergence was given substance by a number of discerning male creatives, including Henry van de Velde, who started designing women’s clothes. In their pursuit of harmony, they unified architecture, furniture, decor, clothing and accessories to create a total work of art.

Modernist (interior)architects like Adolf Loos, Lilly Reich and Le Corbusier also had their opinions about fashion, which were consistent with their vision of design. They strove for functionality and were opposed to unnecessary ornament.

Contemporary creations by (among others) Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, Raf Simons and Hussein Chalayan on display in the exhibition, serve as a cue to reflect on the historical correlation between interior and fashion.

On the occasion of Antwerp Art Weekend, MoMu offers a free guided tour through Fashion & Interiors. A Gendered Affair. on Sunday, 1.06 11:00.

No reservations are needed, but the tour is limited to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis. All you need is a valid museum ticket.

Based on his 2025 Spring-Summer collection, Khayal, MoMu offers insight into the world of Antwerp fashion designer, Jan-Jan Van Essche. The exhibition is an invitation to experience both the past and the future, all in the now.

Jan-Jan Van Essche graduated from the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 2003. In 2010, he founded his own label, based at Atelier Solarshop, a shop he shares with Pietro Celestina.

Garments designed by Van Essche embody a quiet dynamic. His generous approach does not follow the Western tradition of restricting freedom of movement. He offers every body, regardless of gender, age or norms, the space to shape the garment. Executed in artisanal fabrics made of natural fibres, his discrete creations stimulate our conscious awareness. Taking great care, he searches around the world for materials and collaborations that often evolve through travel, personal relationships and shared understandings.

Starting with ten individual silhouettes, the exhibition highlights his working method, beginning with the material. His signature is characterized by subtle layering and balanced proportions. In addition to Van Essche’s technical and pattern-based expertise, the use of natural pigments and his predilection for indigo are important features.

MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp houses the largest collection of contemporary Belgian fashion in the world and stands out with its immersive fashion exhibitions and a permanent collection presentation. We kindly remind you that a ticket is required to visit the exhibitions at MoMu - Fashion Museum Antwerp. Get your ticket here.