Walter Van Beirendonck, the Belgian fashion designer, emerged as a prominent figure in the avant-garde fashion scene during the 1980s. Born in Brecht, Belgium, in 1957, Van Beirendonck studied fashion design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he honed his creative skills and developed his bold and eclectic aesthetic. In 1983, he co-founded the influential "Antwerp Six" collective, which propelled Belgian fashion onto the global stage. Van Beirendonck launched his eponymous label in 1983, showcasing collections that defied conventions with their vibrant colors, oversized proportions, and playful prints.