Quick Facts
Biography
Dirk Bikkembergs (born 2 January 1959) is a Belgian fashion designer.
Early life
Dirk Bikkembergs was born in Cologne, Germany, as his father was in the Belgian Army. He lived most of his younger years in Diepenbeek, Limburg, Belgium. In 1982, Bikkembergs graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Designer career
In 1996, the Bikkembergs label was introduced to focus on football dress. He was the first fashion designer ever who received permission to hold a fashion show in a football stadium.
Dirk started using the team as his laboratory for styling and fabric technology. From exclusive jackets to high-performance underwear, all his designs are now tested and promoted by football players. The Dirk Bikkembergs Group’s sponsorship of the team, now re-christened F.C. Bikkembergs Fossombrone, involved not only investment to bring in fresh talent, but also a revamp of their image.
Accessories and Bikkembergs Kids
- Bikkembergs Sport: sporty designer fashion
Milestones
1982 Graduated from the “Royal Academy of Fine Arts”, Antwerp, Belgium
1985 Winner of the “Golden Spindle” award for “Best Young Designer in Fashion”
1986 First collection Dirk Bikkembergs Shoes
1988 First collection Dirk Bikkembergs Men
1996 Presentation of Bikkembergs Men
2000 Presentation of Bikkembergs Jeans Collection for Men and Women
2000 Winner of the Moet & Chandon “Esprit du Siecle”
2003/2004 – 2004/2005 Official designer to F.C. Internazionale 1908 (Milan)
2004 Winner of la Kore Oscar della Moda as best foreign fashion designer
2005 Guest of honour at Barcelona fashion week with show in the Camp Nou stadium
2006 Launch of the first professional football boot designed by a fashion designer
2007 Winner of 2 awards for best E-commerce website
2007 Launch of first Bikkembergs Underwear collection at Pitti Uomo June 20th 2007
2008 Launch of the Tirosegno, the advanced professional football boot with fashion upbringing, at Pitti Uomo June 18th 2008
2008 Opening of the Dirk Bikkembergs Iberia showroom in Barcelona
2009 Opening of the Dirk Bikkembergs Flagship Store in Milan