The Story Behind Silent Secrets by Walter Van Beirendonck and Folkert de Jong

MoMu’s collection presentation sheds light on the history of fashion through contemporary and historical clothing, textiles and accessories. The MoMu Collection consists of over 38,000 pieces: to showcase as much of the collection as possible to the public, the presentation rotates on a regular basis. At present, visitors can explore the collaboration between Walter Van Beirendonck and Folkert de Jong.

For his Spring-Summer 2013 collection Silent Secrets, Van Beirendonck worked closely with Dutch artist Folkert de Jong. The result was a striking fusion of fashion and contemporary art. De Jong, renowned for his bold, provocative and theatrical aesthetic, brought a surreal, sculptural dimension to Van Beirendonck’s designs.

The collection featured minimalist cuts and subtly constructed silhouettes, complemented by De Jong’s accessories, which included historical ruffs and top hats. His signature use of vivid colours and the tension between the unsettling and the playful are evident in the head and body ornaments. Through visual metaphors such as masks and layered fabrics, the collection explored the boundaries between what is visible and what is concealed. Together, Van Beirendonck and De Jong challenged conventional notions of beauty and identity, transforming the catwalk into a space for reflection on the power of change.

Their installation in the collection presentation reflects both on their long-standing friendship and their ongoing artistic exchange. Though they work in different disciplines, they share a visual language that is absurd, deliberate and wild. Both artists delve into the emotions and expressive forms tied to being human today, and reflect on the role of art and fashion in society.

Walter Van Beirendonck and Folkert de Jong's installation is on view in MoMu's collection presentation through May 2026. More info