The fashion world is “afraid” of Trump, says Belgian Van Beirendonck at Paris Fashion Week

Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck said Wednesday that the fashion world is “afraid” of US President Donald Trump and does not speak out against him for commercial reasons.

Speaking to AFP after his men's show at Paris Fashion Week, Van Beirendonck said he hoped more creative people and fashion leaders would take a stance on Trump's “disgusting” rhetoric.

Van Beirendonck's show featured models wearing jackets with “peace, not war” insignia and concluded with John Lennon and Yoko Ono's “Give Peace a Chance.”

“I think it's on everyone's mind. It's horrible what's happening in the world right now,” he said. “Too much war, too much right wing.”

The 67-year-old said he wanted to react to Trump's inauguration on Monday “and I also hope more creative people react.”

“They should talk more,” he told AFP. “Everyone is afraid of selling less, money is a problem, that's why we see incredible things happen and no one reacts.”

The outspoken Antwerp-based independent designer's comments come two days after Trump's inauguration in Washington, which was attended by French fashion mogul Bernard Arnault and two of his children.

LVMH boss Arnault and his daughter Delphine, who runs Dior, won prominent seats behind outgoing president Joe Biden and other former US leaders.

The European corporate fashion business, dominated by LVMH and Kering, is known to be concerned about the possible impact of a trade war between the United States and Europe under the Trump administration.

If Trump were to impose tariffs on high-end European clothing and leather goods, American consumers would have to pay higher prices at a time when the luxury market faces a global slowdown.

Van Beirendonck's show on Wednesday featured some of his usual bright, contrasting colors alongside more classic loose-fitting suits in brown and navy Scottish tweed.

He returned to his usual theme of encountering extraterrestrial life, which he has used in the past as a symbol of diversity and outsiders.

Paris Men's Fashion Week kicked off on Tuesday with Louis Vuitton artistic director Pharrell Williams presenting his fifth collection for the brand at the Louvre museum.

In collaboration with his friend and Japanese designer Nigo, the show featured softly tailored suits in on-trend browns and tweeds, along with streetwear-inspired baseball jackets and long Bermuda shorts.

Paul Smith and the French brand 3.Paradis presented their fall-winter 2025-2026 collections on Wednesday.

Several major brands are betting on new designers or seeking new inspiration in a market facing weaker-than-usual demand, particularly in China.

Lanvin will return on Sunday after a two-year hiatus, presenting Peter Copping's debut collection as artistic director of France's oldest couture house.

Notable absences include Givenchy, whose new chief designer, Sarah Burton, has booked her first collection for Women's Fashion Week in March, as well as Loewe, whose artistic director, Jonathan Anderson, is rumored to be on the verge of resigning. .

Hedi Slimane left his position as artistic director of Celine in October, John Galliano resigned from Maison Margiela in December and Chanel introduced its new creative director, Matthieu Blazy, just a month ago.