Walter Van Beirendonck designs for Ikea
This summer, the Swedish giant Ikea is launching a limited edition collection based on five surrealist creatures living in the clouds, the "wondermooi". Their mission is to make our world, terrorised by war and violence, a better place with their original looks. The designer of these creatures is none other than the Belgian, Walter Van Beirendonck.
Accustomed to working with designers, this year Ikea has turned to the fashion designers. The idea is to see what these collaborations can bring to furniture. In addition to Katie Eary, the British men's streetwear designer, and the Swedish Martin Bergström, Ikea has also chosen the Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck, known for his originality.
Graduating from the Antwerp Academy in 1980, Walter Van Beirendonck first worked at Bartons and launched his own collection in 1983. At the 1987 "British Design Show", he was the focus of attention with the other members of the "Antwerp Six". Today, he is considered as one of the great experimenters in the fashion world, where his imagination is fed by a fascination for modern art, anthropology, historical costumes and international events. Van Beirendonck uses the catwalk as a stage for political engagement and imaginatively expresses his strong ideas. Since 2000, his collections have reflected his environmental and social concerns with shocking results, such as his designs for the 1995-1996 autumn-winter collection where men were covered head-to-toe in latex evocative of giant condoms (and the ravages of the AIDS epidemic).
True to himself, Walter Van Beirendonck has created a collection for Ikea in which he "tells a story" using cartoon characters. Known for his humorous collections featuring graphic shapes and bright colours, the designer's furniture collection is available in Ikea stores from June. What better way to brighten up and add colour to your daily life!