BEHIND THE BRAND

Walter Van Bierendonck has always been known for his curious and eccentric designs. Originally a painter, Beirendonck was seduced by the world of fashion after watching a runway show at the Royal Academie in Antwerp. Inspired to interpolate his eccelctic painterly vision into designs, he was accepted into the Academie alongside designers Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Van Saene and Dirk Bikkembergs, a group that would eventually become known as the Antwerp six. Wild & Lethal Trash or W&LT (pronounced Walt) was launched in 1993 with an eclectic, eye catching array of neon colourways and a range of subversive, raunchy characters such as Puk Puk, a mischievous alien type character that encompassed the brands name perfectly. The combination of eclectic patterns and graphics with an undercurrent of seedy, underground rebellion made W&LT a hit for club kids and ravers in the mid 90's to early 2000's and they continue to inspire a cult like following today.