Thursday 3 April saw the official kick-off of Antwerp Design Week 2025. More than 60 premium brands and a growing group of 20 to 30 young creative talents gathered to celebrate the start of a renewed edition. The organisers promise an edition that will not only be bigger, but especially closer, more welcoming and more international than previous years.
The kick-off was opened by alderman Koen Kennis, who emphasised the event's strategic importance for Antwerp. 'Events like Antwerp Design Week connect the creative industry with our local economy. They attract new visitors and showcase the versatility of our city - from design and fashion to gastronomy,' Kennis said.
Besides the city's official welcome speech, several ambassadors, keynote speakers and Antwerp Design Week chairman Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert also spoke briefly. The message was clear: Antwerp Design Week is no ordinary event, but a movement within the Belgian design scene.
From community to ecosystem
What makes Antwerp Design Week unique is the strong network of participants. During the kick-off, business owners, designers, sales and marketing teams met not only to receive information, but especially to connect. 'We want to create a cohesive community in which Belgian design companies strengthen each other, inspire each other and become internationally visible together,' says Emma Vanbeckevoort, chief organiser of ADW.
A separate info room explained the many new initiatives and partners. Fedustria remains a trusted force as a supporting partner, while BMW, Dezeen and other new names make their appearance in 2025. This expansion underlines the growing relevance of the event beyond the design world.
Design for professionals and enthusiasts
Although Antwerp Design Week remains primarily a B2B event, 2025 will for the first time make room for design enthusiasts. Through the new Design Lover Walk, visitors can get to know design at their own pace at various Discover Points in the city. 'Our aim is to make the love of Belgian design accessible, without compromising on quality,' says Emma.
However, personal contact remains at the heart of ADW. 'We are not aiming for masses of visitors, but for real encounters. No quick pitches, but valuable conversations,' Emma adds.
Antwerp as a showroom
Antwerp Design Week's successful format remains: spread across five city districts, brands open their own HQs, welcome guest brands or move into a temporary location in the city. The organisation will again ensure clear routing, efficient transport and a clear structure, so that both brands and visitors can easily orientate themselves.
A central point remains The Club: the meeting place for participants to network and share knowledge. This year, The Club will not only be an exhibition space, but also the stage for inspiring talks and lectures by national and international design experts.
A city in motion
What once started as a small-scale initiative is steadily growing into an internationally acclaimed design week with Antwerp at its beating heart. ADW aims not only to give Belgian design a stage, but also to put Antwerp on the international map as a design city.
Antwerp Design Week 2025 will take place from 1 to 5 June. The ambition is clear: sustainable growth, deepening content and connecting people.
For those who see design not as a product, but as a story - see you soon in Antwerp! Says the organisation.
More information:
Antwerp Design Week
[email protected]
www.adw.life