Bart’s Diary
06-06-2005
Following a highly productive Delivery Day at the American InterContinental University on Tuesday 31st May we are pleased to announce that Bart Adriaensen will be reporting on life in Belgium.
To view Bart’s profile click here.
And read on to view Bart’s first diary entry:-
On June 23rd, I will finally graduate A BA in Fashion Marketing People have been asking me what my plans are. And they were expecting an answer I could not provide I have no idea of where things are headed now. All I know is that, for a while at least, they’ll be heading back home to Belgium. In this diary, I will report on a regular basis from my base in Antwerp on what I experience in Belgium: the fashion, the parties, the shops, the places, the language, the emotions anything really.
Just for those of you who are not familiar with Belgium yet. It’s one of the most diverse European countries I know. I hear you thinking: that’s probably because he’s from there. And you are so right, but there is more to it. Belgium is the embodiment of post-modernity; fragmentation is the main feature of the country’s political and social structure.
In Belgium, two cultures meet the Germanic and the Romantic resulting in a mind-boggling cocktail of moodiness, romance, melancholy and structure. Many Belgians have a difficult time grasping the essence of what it means to be Belgian. I used to be one of them, until I wrote my final dissertation in which I explored all this Belgians are confused and the country is looking for its identity. Maybe that is why I am so looking forward to moving back there.
Since Belgium is all about searching and constructing its identity, creativity thrives. Linked with economic prosperity, especially in the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, that search has resulted in a large and thriving arts scene. This is backed up by an extensive educational network that contains some of the world’s most renowned universities. As a result, Belgian art QUESTIONS, DECONSTRUCTS and CREATES. Concepts are more important than the finished products, and that makes the approach truly modern.
Fashion-wise, this all has resulted in a strong emphasis on cut and construction. No tacky glamour in Belgian fashion, or hollow concepts like femininity, elegance and beauty. Belgian fashion will question those concepts, deconstruct them and create images that will EXPRESS views on life, love, religion, art, sex,
Okay, I’m exhausted. Writing this down has taken energy. It’s difficult to get your head around things like this. I think this will be the diary of a fashion philosopher. How does that sound? I’ve always wanted to re-inject the world of fashion with more substance and depth, and I believe that can only be done by looking at its social relevance, both individually and collective. I hope at some point people in this industry will be able to transcend oh but you still look good as their highest possible levels of empathy!
I’m passionate
And anxious!
Watch this space!
Bart*
