MORTIER, Marc. Mode Manifest.

(Gent, Belgium): Textirama v.z.w., 1982. First edition. Softcover. 43.4 by 28cm. Unpaginated. Exceptionally scarce publication issued to accompany the 1982 Vestirama fair in Brussels, a trade event aimed at professionals in the textile industry that also marked one of the earliest coordinated efforts to promote the emerging Belgian fashion scene. The publication presents the work of six young Belgian designers—Nina Meert, Yvette Lauwaert, Jo Wijckmans, Walter Van Beirendonck, Dries Van Noten, and Will Wygaerden—each represented by a short biography and examples of their work. The concept was subsequently exported abroad through the Made in Belgium fashion presentations at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs, Grand Palais, Paris (1983), followed by Osaka (1984), the World Exposition at Tsukuba (1985), and Munich (1986), laying the groundwork for the international recognition of Belgian fashion during the decade. This is a very good copy in stapled wrappers with cover portrait of Petronella Salome in the style of Richard Bernstein (Interview Magazine). Most likely the first published appearance of both Walter Van Beirendonck and Dries Van Noten, preceding the emergence of the Antwerp Six and documenting a pivotal but often overlooked moment in the history of contemporary Belgian fashion.