Based on his 2025 Spring-Summer collection, Khayal, MoMu offers insight into the world of Antwerp fashion designer, Jan-Jan Van Essche. The exhibition is an invitation to experience both the past and the future, all in the now.

Jan-Jan Van Essche graduated from the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 2003. In 2010, he founded his own label, based at Atelier Solarshop, a shop he shares with Pietro Celestina.

Garments designed by Van Essche embody a quiet dynamic. His generous approach does not follow the Western tradition of restricting freedom of movement. He offers every body, regardless of gender, age or norms, the space to shape the garment. Executed in artisanal fabrics made of natural fibres, his discrete creations stimulate our conscious awareness. Taking great care, he searches around the world for materials and collaborations that often evolve through travel, personal relationships and shared understandings.

Starting with ten individual silhouettes, the exhibition highlights his working method, beginning with the material. His signature is characterized by subtle layering and balanced proportions. In addition to Van Essche’s technical and pattern-based expertise, the use of natural pigments and his predilection for indigo are important features.

In the role of guest curator for MoMu, Jan-Jan Van Essche helped develop the space of the gallery on the ground floor, as well as the presentations of his designs, infusing the whole with his personal visual language.

Jan-Jan Van Essche has moreover invited members of his own community to share aspects of their lives by way of an associated and varied programme of music, dance and film.