Outspoken Belgian designer says fashion world is 'afraid' of Donald Trump

Walter Van Beirendonck waves to attendees after his menswear ready-to-wear Autumn/Winter 2025 collection as part of Paris Fashion Week. Photo: AFP

Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck said Tuesday (Jan 21) that the fashion world was "afraid" of US president Donald Trump and failing to speak out against him for commercial reasons.

Speaking after his menswear show at Paris Fashion Week, Van Beirendonck said that he hoped more creative people and leaders in fashion would take a stand on Trump's "disgusting" rhetoric.