Dirk Van Saene

Purely visual art forms labeled "design" or "decoration" have always faced skepticism in the art world. Specifically, within this twilight zone, Dirk Van Saene, a Belgian fashion designer and artist, finds his fascination. Van Saene's work is non-functional, showing the human body as an abstract notion of a human figure. His creations go beyond practical utility, conveying emotions and evoking profound sentiments. His sculptures become masterful storytellers, narrating their own unique tales.

Van Saene has consistently avoided following trends, leading to a body of work that cannot be pigeonholed.

Biography of Dirk Van Saene

Dirk Van Saene was born in Leuven, Belgium, in 1959. He established a shop, Beauties & Heroes, shortly after completing his studies at the esteemed fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. He designed a commercial collection for Bartsons, a Belgian raincoat manufacturer, back in 1990. Soon after, he presented his first collection in Paris, although it did not immediately lead to an international breakthrough. 

The painter's signature of Dirk Van Saene was already evident in his graduation collection in the hand-painted fabrics. In recent years, he has been displaying his signature in dresses adorned with prints of his paintings. Dirk Van Saene's affinity with the visual arts is apparent in his sources of inspiration, which include Ellsworth Kelly's abstract visual language, sculptures by Louise Bourgeois, and African and South American art.

Refusing to be driven solely by desires for growth or marketing, Van Saene instead chooses to create at his own rhythm. Collaborating closely with small, independent studios, he brings his collections to life. He has also engaged in significant partnerships with brands such as Scapa, for fellow designer Veronique Branquinho, and with the Belgian leather goods house, Delvaux.

Since 2009 Van Saene has been imparting his knowledge and expertise to master's students at the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

Dirk Van Saene received the prestigious Belgian Fashion Awards jury prize in 2019. Currently, he is residing and creating in Zandhoven, Belgium.

His work has been exhibited at various venues, including Gallery Sofie Van de Velde, Song Song Gallery, and Showroom Delvaux.