Celebrating Trailblazers - Four Belgian Women shine at the 2024 Belgian Fashion Awards
The spotlight dazzles brighter than ever on Belgian fashion as four remarkable women are celebrated at the 2024 Belgian Fashion Awards. This year marks a historic milestone with Meryll Rogge being honoured as the Designer of the Year, making her the first Woman to receive this prestigious accolade since the inception of the awards.
The winners of 2024 are
- Designer of the Year: Meryll Rogge
- Accessory Designer of the Year: Stephanie D’heygere
- Emerging Talent of the Year: Marie Adam-Leenaerdt
- Jury Prize: Marina Yee
Meryll Rogge 's journey is nothing short of inspiring. After a remarkable tenure at Marc Jacobs in New York and leading the women's line at Dries Van Noten, she debuted her own collection in 2020. This year, the jury recognized her extraordinary talent with the Designer of the Year award, a milestone as she is the first woman to achieve this honor. The jury praised her ability to thrive internationally while staying true to herself, stating, “Meryll creates gender-fluid ready-to-wear, always attuned to the world of today.” Rogge continues to redefine contemporary fashion, blending masculine and feminine elements into a vibrant celebration of individuality.
Meryll’s accolades speak volumes about her impact, including the Emerging Designer award in 2021, a nomination for the illustrious LVMH Prize in 2022, a finalist position for the ANDAM Award in 2024 and a finalist nomination for the International Woolmark prize in 2025. Her innovative creations have been displayed in exhibitions such as the acclaimed “Echo” showcase and the “Do Nothing Club” installation at MoMu in Antwerp, illustrating her deep engagement with artistic narratives. Notably, her pieces have been acquired by prestigious fashion museums like the Costume Institute of the MET, affirming her place in both the history and future of fashion. Her designs have been sported by style icons including Gwyneth Paltrow, Chloé Sevigny, Dua Lipa, and Rihanna.
Belgian-born, Paris-based designer Stéphanie D’heygere was recognized as the Accessory Designer of the Year. She launched her accessories brand D’heygere in 2018 after working at an array of major fashion houses including Maison Martin Margiela and Dior. D'heygere twists the classic codes of accessories into conceptual, fun yet functional pieces. She has gone on to collaborate with unlikely mega companies like Bic and Longchamp turning their everyday classics into something exceptional and she has also done accessories for Y/Project, APC and Jacquemus.
Marie Adam-Leenaerdt earned the Emerging Talent of the Year award. A graduate of La Cambre Mode[s] in Brussels, she debuted her first personal collection in 2023. The jury commended her vibrant energy and creativity, achievements made within just two years. Her work is now retailing in several high-profile online boutiques, including Net-A-Porter, Ssense, and Bergdorf Goodman, alongside nominations for the ANDAM Fashion Awards and the coveted LVMH Prize earlier this year.
About Belgian Fashion Awards
Since their inception in 2017, the Belgian Fashion Awards have been a collaborative effort among key stakeholders in the Belgian fashion scene, including Flanders DC, MAD Brussels, and Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode, along with the editorial teams of Le Vif Weekend and Knack Weekend. This event showcases the unique and avant-garde spirit of Belgian fashion, illuminating both established names and emerging talents. For more information, visit: www.belgianfashionawards.be.
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Aurelie de Burbure