How Antwerp Design Week came to life Antwerp Design Week started with a simple idea. What if Antwerp’s design world could come together, not only in spirit, but in place. That idea grew gradually and with intention. From a shared vision to a shared guide More than fifteen years ago, Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert  of XLBoom  and Philippe Delaisse  of Ethnicraft  launched a curated guide featuring Antwerp based design brands and the city as a design destination.  The guide became a

Antwerp Design Week 2025 was an important edition for us. Perhaps more than ever before. We felt the attention on the event. Not only out of curiosity, but also to see whether it would truly hold its ground. Would the format stand? Could it grow without losing its identity? Would Antwerp continue to claim its place within the international design landscape? Looking at the numbers, one conclusion became clear. This edition confirmed what we have believed in. 8 3 exhibitors We

Antwerp Design Week has grown from a simple idea into a thriving event, connecting people, brands, and the city itself. With its sights set on the future, it’s clear that ADW will continue to be a cornerstone for design enthusiasts worldwide. Q: Antwerp Design Week is an inspiring initiative. How did it all begin? Geert-Jan Van Cauwelaert: It all started during a business trip I took with Philippe Delaisse from Ethnicraft. We both realized how much international visitors coul

We believe that a strong community is the key to elevating both individual brands and the design industry as a whole. Through shared spaces, cross-industry collaborations, and special events, ADW creates opportunities for brands to connect with each other and with a wider audience. This sense of community is what sets ADW apart and drives us to keep innovating every year. By building this sense of community, we also aim to give a platform to emerging talent, such as students