#vandevorstarchives

As we're slowly building the largest A.F. Vandevorst archive collection (which we already have here, just not posted online) you will get to see and buy pieces that no one else ever has. Either there are no runway pictures available, or poor ones, the pieces might've been unreleased or prototypes, or as this A.F. Vandevorst black long tailcoat with yellow pinstripes worn backwards — fall 2002 : a runway sample. Perhaps commercially produced. Perhaps not. Titled 'beekeeper' presumably because of the yellow stripes. However we haven't spotted it in the wild yet. This piece is yet again an example on how A.F. pieces are designed to be seen from the back too. Something which is an afterthought for most designers. Whether it's their trademark shoulder panel, newspapers stuffed under gathered fw 2010 skirts. (Which will come soon too) saddle coats, jackets with pantyhose braided through the back (yes pantyhose, and yes, we'll have this for you soon too) or series of backwards worn garments. We also might or might not have the matching backwards runway dress in black. We're building the largest archive, remember? 😉 #vandevorstarchives #afvandevorst https://www.instagram.com/p/CYzJ6jlAOmu/?utm_medium=tumblr

Love love love this cap/headband from @afvandevorst 's spring 2012 collection. Almost medieval milkmaid. Such a mood! And also the dress ofc. Which is now instore. Off the shoulder silhouette in a flowy firetruck red fabric, with this incredible lacing detail. As the SS2012 was infused with military influences we do see the reference to workwear boots. A beautiful juxtaposition between the softness of the dress and the hardness of the metal hook rings. Af wouldn't be AF if there wasn't a hidden detail in the back. Two small hooks with a ribbon to create a faint pleat. The ribbon is long enough to be tied around the waist but we chose to present it as worn on the runway. #afvandevorst #vandevorstarchives #backstage #pfw #belgianfashion #antwerpsix #fashiondetaile https://www.instagram.com/p/CamOhepACys/?utm_medium=tumblr

If you're attentive you'd have noticed a detail on our homepage. We are now the biggest A.F. Vandevorst archive. No lie. Most of it isn't online yet, some already went to museums but once we find a showroom, you will be able to discover 500+ pieces, most of them pulled from An and Filip's archives. Amongst which this unreleased FW2001 vest which was made of a deconstructed blazer. Both sleeves are attached to the body and flip forwards. Almost like hands in prayer. Perhaps a long shot? Even though the collection was infused with Catholic symbols such as rosaries and dove wing collars. Now online #afvandevorst #afvandevorstarchives #vandevorstarchives https://www.instagram.com/p/CXtkIf-gHTQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

Storytime! I think about 10 years ago I wanted to buy a vintage A.F. Vandevorst shirt, much like this spring 2014 dress. It was black, had the same panelling and was covered in studs. When trying it on my mom said it made me look like a bitch. So I put it back, which I've always regretted. After 10 years I have come to realize I should wear what I want, without considering anyone else's opinion. You won't be able to do good by everyone, so it's better to do good by yourself. Especially when others don't. So it is actually super emotional that after so many years I was able to purchase those studded pieces and buy directly from An and Filip nonetheless. But as a store I can't keep them all and need to let them go (slowly) So I hope some of you will also be able to snatch up those studded pieces or others that you always wanted, but didn't buy out of fear of what others might think. SS2014 dress now online #afvandevorst #vandevorst #avantgardefashion #darkfashion #vandevorstarchives #anndemeulemeester #alexandermcqueen #archivefashion https://www.instagram.com/p/CHaZDQaAGTg/?igshid=1dwwvv53l760e

Question: how would you like us to change our insta to simple look posts? Boring or easier for browsing? This look with A.F. Vandevorst black biker jacket in two fabrics with draped sash — fall 2010 and a deconstructed wedding skirt (online soon) requiered a full length pic. Notice the contrasting blacks? Half the jacket is executed in a different fabric, adding additional depth to it, besides the side draping of course. The sash can also be draped around the neckline as a scarf. Or when worn open, it can be layered underneath the vest panel. Now online. Together with a different version A.F. Vandevorst beige biker jacket with draped sash — fall 2010 #afvandevorst #vandevorstarchives #afvandevorstarchives #anndemeulemeester #avantgardefashion #archivalfashion #belgiandesign https://www.instagram.com/p/CR_11Ahjp2s/?utm_medium=tumblr

What is it with avantgarde designers and the Catholic church? We had Rei's nuns in 1988, Margiela's 1993 priests, Ann's 2004 rosary and cherub collection, Rick's nuns in 2004. Plus the A.F. Vandevorst fall 2001 clergy collection of which this collar was part.⁠ ⁠ As rosaries strutted down the runway, there were shirt interpretations of monk's robes and literal bishop collars. So it is not hard to recognize the dove wing in this neckpiece which has been attached to a nun's collar.⁠ ⁠ I am not mentioning all the other other avant-garde designers, because there are so much, such as Lieve Van Gorp's Catholic school influences,... So feel free to comment which other ones were iconic.⁠ ⁠ I presume there will be a lot, as being avantgarde means going against the grain, against institutions such as the government, religion and the current status quo.⁠ ⁠ In Belgium we even have a saying about this: "Kicking against holy houses." And that's what we should all do more of.⁠ ⁠ Collar one size, press sample, with original tag and model passport. Now online.⁠ ⁠ #afvandevorst #vandevorst #vandevorstarchives #avantgardefashion #darkfashion⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CIAvkbTgVLl/?igshid=183btfwd35fu1

New in. A small gift to give to someone you love, meaning: yourself. A.F. Vandevorst beige leather card holder with red stitches It's understated, but fellow Vandevorst lovers will instantly recognize the classic A.F. beige and their trademark red. This is what we love about avantgarde fashion, no need for bright logos because the 'in-crowd' knows. #afvandevorst #vandevorst #vandevorstarchives #wallet #leather #leathergoods https://www.instagram.com/p/CRv5h4TD12f/?utm_medium=tumblr

Sorry, no livestream this week. Forgot to announce it but today it's Father's Day so will be spending the day with my family. Sneak preview is this A.F. Vandevorst shirt with back lacing from the spring 1999 collection. See you next week for a full run-through of new arrivals for July. #afvandevorst #vandevorst #avantgardefashion #vandevorstarchives #archivefashion #belgianfashion https://www.instagram.com/p/CQDmNmGDK5N/?utm_medium=tumblr