With one of the world's leading fashion academies, Antwerp breathes fashion. Consequently, many alumni choose the vibrant city as their base of operations. At these stores in Antwerp, you'll be shopping for some unique creations by the Academy's fashion talent.

The Fashion Palace of Dries Van Noten

The iconic Modepaleis (Fashion Palace) on Nationalestraat is home to the beautiful store of Dries Van Noten, one of Antwerp's famous six and one of Belgium's most famous fashion designers. The Fashion Palace, built in 1881, is a landmark building worth visiting just for its authentic atmosphere. The designer characterises his label as 'wearable with non-neutral prints and always open to change'.

Ann Demeulemeester

With a career spanning more than three decades, Ann Demeulemeester – also a member of the Antwerp six – is one of the world's most respected creative voices. At the store on Leopold de Waelplaats, immerse yourself in the label's dark, romantic world. Marvel at the elegant silhouettes with some edgy details.

Christian Wijnants

You can also shop for stylish women's clothing from Christian Wijnants. Striking prints, artisanal knitting techniques and a rich colour palette give a sense of suppleness and timelessness. You'll find his store right in the historic heart of Antwerp, in the shadow of the Plantin-Moretus Museum. The understated shop overlooks a lush garden. An unforgettable shopping experience!

VIER

In VIER's spacious premises on Theodoor van Rijswijckplaats, iconic brands such as Walter Van Beirendonck and Dries Van Noten really come into their own. For the latest streetwear labels, this cool store is also the place to be. Cheerful prints, neon lights and lanterns: you can also feast your eyes on the interior.

Atelier Solarshop

Fashion designer Jan-Jan Van Essche graduated from the Academy in 2003 and founded Atelier Solarshop in Dambruggestraat with Pietro Celestina. His sober, integrative designs, as well as timeless antique objects and contemporary works of art, are not all you'll find there. A true paradise for treasure-hunters looking for objects with a story.

Maankids

Looking for some cheerful and stylish children's clothing? Vicky Vinck, a graduate of the Royal Academy, creates some beautiful new items for the label Maankids year after year. Along with her business partner, she ensures that children up to 16 years old across the globe can walk around like true fashionistas. You can shop for Maankids clothing in Antwerp at Princess-Space.

Second-hand designer clothing: Rosier 41, Labels Inc and Vrijdagmarkt6

For ten years, Labels Inc. has been a fixture for those looking for affordable and recent designer clothing. Brands by Dries Van Noten or Ann Demeulemeester are on the rails there, alongside some top international brands like Dior and Balenciaga. Rosier 41 is another place where you'll find fashion labels by Belgian designers and international brands at cheap prices. Uniquely, you'll also find some brand-new items straight from the showroom of well-known designers. For men, Vrijdagmarkt6 on the square of the same name is a true paradise.

Vrijdagmarkt 6, clothes racks full of clothing and displayed shoes

MoMu shop

No better place in Antwerp for those seeking contemporary items from young design talent or looking to snag a limited-edition original item. The MoMu shop features merchandising and gadgets from UNRUN, Walter Van Beirendonck, Grounds (Mikio Sakabe), Merryl Rogge, Christian Wijnants and Bernadette, among others.

Louis

The well-established Louis always remains true to his first love: avant-garde labels from home and abroad. Here, you'll find some timeless, classy fashion from Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee and Balenciaga, among others. That last fashion house, by the way, has Antwerp alumnus Demna Gvasalia as its creative director.

The Corner Shop

Step inside the light-filled, inviting building at Hopland and immerse yourself in the universe of The Corner Shop. The colourful statement pieces from label Rosie Antwerp – founded by sisters Marie and Ellen Martens – are a perfect match for Ceremony's cheerful tableware with a vintage feel.

Bernadette

Sumptuous clothing that literally brightens you up is you go to Bernadette for. The creative mother-and-daughter duo Bernadette and Charlotte de Geyter brought this fresh label to life. Charlotte, an alumnus of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, draws all the botanical motifs by hand. You can shop for Bernadette at multi-brand store Renaissance and luxury concept store Graanmarkt 13.

Even more alumni with their own store

Crazy about high-quality shirts and chemises? Then you're sure to find what you're looking for at Souâd Feriani 's store on Leopoldstraat. Closer to the quays on Reyndersstraat, you can shop for Stephan Schneider's minimalist tailoring, soft colours and sophisticated collections. Or step into the enchanting world of Maison Heylen, an impressive former warehouse on Lombardenstraat, where you can try on some of Anna Heylen's designs by appointment.