Walter Van Beirendonck, my very first fashion icon, is truly a genius, and I am completely obsessed with his work. The much-anticipated collaboration with G-STAR, which was originally unveiled at Paris Fashion Week last June, has finally hit selected stores worldwide. This unisex capsule collection embodies the essence of bold denim explorations, seamlessly melding Van Beirendonck’s avant-garde aesthetic with G-STAR’s innovation-driven craftsmanship.
@waltervanbeirendonckofficial // @gstarraw
Denim with Balls
In this groundbreaking capsule collection, aptly titled ‘Denim with Balls’, Van Beirendonck has artfully combined his legendary craftsmanship with the denim expertise of G-STAR. Given complete carte blanche, he took the opportunity to push the boundaries of conventional garment-making, employing minimal stitching techniques and experimenting with unconventional methods like glueing and taping.
“I aimed to challenge and reimagine traditional methods. Why are clothes still being stitched when we have the potential to explore so many other techniques? This project is all about innovation, research, and pushing the conventions of fashion. It was great to be given total creative freedom by G-STAR.” – Walter Van Beirendonck
This limited-edition collection features 19 stunning pieces, including standout items like the Square Jeans, Wader Jeans, Embossed Pamflet Jeans, and the Future Proof Jacket, all showcasing embossed dots, taped seams, and exaggerated details. Crafted from certified cradle-to-cradle fabric, the collection also boasts 3D-knitted tops and sweaters embellished with Van Beirendonck’s cheeky slogans ‘Future Proof’, ‘Wow’, and ‘Stitch Less’. The playful ‘Denim with Balls’ concept is unmistakably present throughout the collection.
“Van Beirendonck is one of the most important fashion designers of our times. His unique vision, playfulness, and extremely creative mind are why we decided to work with him. ‘Denim with Balls’ is a testament to our shared vision of challenging norms and redefining what denim can be.” – Gwenda van Vliet, CMO at G-STAR
The campaign, featuring the maestro himself, captures the unmistakable spirit of Walter Van Beirendonck through the lens of the bold Dutch photographer Paul Kooiker. Shot entirely on an iPhone, Kooiker’s avant-garde visual style introduces an unfiltered, surreal edge to each frame, perfectly amplifying the daring aesthetic of the collection.
Antwerp Avant-Garde
Renowned for his avant-garde and playful designs that often challenge societal norms, Walter Van Beirendonck’s distinct style has gained accolades since his debut. As a beloved member of the Antwerp Six, his vibrant colours, graphic prints, and unconventional silhouettes always infuse humour and social commentary into fashion.
Beyond his label, Van Beirendonck has made significant contributions as the former head of the fashion department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp—mentoring legends like Raf Simons and Demna Gvasalia. He is set to mentor the Master in Fashion Design program at Polimoda in Florence for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The G-STAR x Walter Van Beirendonck capsule will be available through selected retailers and at g-star.com on February 25, 2025. Prices range from 140 to 1000 euros.
