Zalando Cultural Ties Antwerp
Zalando recently took us on an immersive journey through Antwerp to explore the city’s vibrant streetwear scene. Known for its cutting-edge style and creative spirit.
Known as a global fashion hub, especially since the Antwerp Six put it on the map, the city blends high-fashion sensibilities with edgy, urban aesthetics, creating a streetwear culture that’s as stylish as it is rebellious. In recent years, Antwerps high-fashion heritage has blended seamlessly with streetwear, leading to a unique scene where high-end and youthful styles meet.
Antwerp’s creative youth and a mix of multicultural influences shape this streetwear landscape, giving it an authenticity that feels both raw and refined. The scene is also strengthen by a community that embraces sustainability and craftsmanship, with vintage shops, pop-up events, and art-inspired streetwear providing an outlet for individuality and self-expression.
Meeting Nick Haemels, the Creative Director of Lockwood, shed light on how deeply embedded skateboarding is in Antwerp’s cultural fabric. As a cornerstone of the city’s streetwear and youth culture, Antwerp’s skate scene shapes much of its style and identity. Skate shops like Lockwood aren’t just retail spaces; they’re community hubs where skaters, artists, and creatives converge, fostering a sense of authenticity and collaboration. Nick emphasized how skate-friendly neighborhoods and dedicated skate spots have helped build a gritty, inclusive atmosphere that invites both local talent and international influence.
Nick an alumni of The Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, spoke about the school’s impact on the city’s fashion culture, saying, “The Academy has fostered a culture of fearless creativity and boundary-pushing aesthetics that shape Antwerp’s streetwear and youth scenes.”
Through this experience, Zalando provided us a deeper look into the communities and influences shaping Antwerp’s place in European streetwear, highlighting its bold, innovative character and multicultural edge.As the city continues to grow as a hub for innovation and individuality, Antwerp solidifies its position not just as a fashion capital but as a unique and influential streetwear destination.
Curated by Karim Awad