Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars! On Friday 4, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September the streets of Antwerp are turning into one big catwalk. Yes, it's that time of year again: the annual is here! Last year's success is about to be topped now the festival expanded with a third day full of exciting events. We have the low-down for you on what to expect this weekend...
Kicking off the countless moments of #AFF15 fun on Instagram will be the fashion show at brand new hotspot The fashion show is a multi-brand affair, presenting collections from Antwerp's finest fashion stores and designs from young creative talent. Fun fact: This Is Antwerp's very own contributors Jonas Beldé and Vincent Van Reusel are styling the show! Models from the Flag agency will be gracing the catwalk with hair dues styled by Antwerp salon Toni Kalin and make-up is provided by MUD. After the show it's time for drinks, as if that needed to be said. Fashion + alcohol = match made in heaven.
What's fashion without shopping? Time to turn your Pinterest wish board and sticky notes in the Vogue September Issue into a reality! A lot of stores have special events and entertainment planned for the evening and some stores are offering some pretty good deals too. From high-street retailers to designer boutiques, over 100 stores are participating and it's open to everyone. Events on the street will start around 2 PM and in-store events start at 5 PM. Things to expect: DJ's everywhere, loads of iPhone camera flashes, champagne, finger food, discounts and crazy lines at the check-out counters, as I learned from last years late night opening (which is also where above photographs are from).
Must-visits for me are:
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- and the recently opened .
Check out all the participants .
Next to the regular shopping you'll be able to cop some new designers at the #AFF Fashion Village at Oudaan. Shopping outfits from your favorite Belgian fashion bloggers is also possible at the Village from 2 PM until 10 PM. After that it's time to head to the basement of the Ramada Plaza hotel, better known as the Magic Club, for the obligatory after-party. Attendance must be confirmed beforehand so get on that guest list while you can.
If any of your cards have reached their daily limit the evening before, they'll hopefully be replenished by morning because this year #AFF has expanded with an extra day. More shopping at tons and tons of stores! I recommended heading into the city around 2 PM because a lot of stores don't open on Sunday until the afternoon.
Of course, there is much more to experience during #AFF15. From yoga sessions to live music, fashion films to art installations, you name it and it's probably happening. We can't wait! See you this weekend. Check back for the report on This Is Antwerp soon.
Get all of the details on
#AFF15 Fashion Show tickets available .
Text by Laurent James
Pictures by AFF15 & Laurent James