+40 Years of STIJL: The Heartbeat of Belgian Fashion

On September 27, 1984, a small boutique opened its doors on Rue Dansaert, in the heart of Brussels. At its helm was Sonja Noël, a visionary with a passion for avant-garde fashion. What started as a platform for emerging designers quickly became a fashion landmark, not just in Brussels, but across Belgium and the international stage.

This exhibition is more than just the story of a boutique—it’s the story of a trailblazing entrepreneur who forged deep connections between Belgian design and its audience, fashion and everyday life, creativity and the city itself.

Through 68 striking silhouettes by Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, Raf Simons, Olivier Theyskens, Jan-Jan Van Essche, and Marie Adam-Leenaert, step into the extraordinary revolution of Belgian fashion.

Martin Margiela, escarpins "fragiles", Printemps-Ete 2006 © Chiara Steemans

An exhibition beyond fashion
More than just a retrospective, +40 Years of STIJL is a tribute to the creative revolution that reshaped Belgian fashion. Through 68 iconic silhouettes, the exhibition showcases designs from Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Marina Yee, Raf Simons, Olivier Theyskens, and many more. Each piece tells a story—not just of style, but of vision, innovation, and fearless creativity.



A citywide celebration of style
Brussels is going beyond the walls of the exhibition to offer exclusive experiences for those who want to dive deeper into this world of avant-garde fashion:

Guided Tours – Discover the untold stories behind STIJL’s legacy with the museum's expert-led tours of the exhibition.
Fashion Walks – Stroll through the Dansaert district, the beating heart of Belgian fashion, and explore the legendary STIJL boutique itself.
Personal Shopper Experiences – A tailor-made journey into the world of Belgian designers, available for guests of premium hotels.

This year, Brussels isn’t just celebrating fashion—it’s inviting you to experience it, live it, and be inspired by it. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or a newcomer to Belgian fashion, STIJL’s 40-year journey is one you won’t want to miss.

Join the Celebration

Step into the world of STIJL. Step into the legacy of Belgian fashion.

More info // Click here
When: from April 18 to 2026, January, 11.
Where: fashion museum - rue de la violette - 1000 Brussels city.