The current exhibition Happy Birthday Dear Academie radiates a unique atmosphere, created as well by the custom made ‘mannequin’ dolls exclusively manufactured for the exhibition by the Belgian company BONAMI from Aalter, who are world renowned for their innovative mannequins.

By means of four different themes in the exhibition (Arcadia, Nirvana, Desire & Harmony/Protest), gathering the graduation projects of different generations of students an image emerges of the Antwerp Fashion Department’s unique training program as an artistic cocoon. Co-curator and scenographer Walter Van Beirendonck chose 4 pastel colours to match with the themes which were applied on the exhibitions walls and also on the BONAMI dolls.

In terms of authentic display figures and visual displays, Mannequins BONAMI has been an established name since 1987 and managed to build an international reputation on every continent: from Tokyo to New York, from Sydney to Paris. Nowadays over 80% of its turnover is generated abroad.

Bonami develops its own creations for different markets, and in addition, it designs custom-made products for larger client groups. This way, the client is involved at all times, from the prior brainstorming sessions to the creation itself, the first prototype, the finishing, the delivery to the shop, and the subsequent follow-up. This continuous collaboration and the direct communication with artistic directors, photographers, in-house sculptors & designers indeed ensure that BONAMI’s mannequins exceed clients’ expectations and increase their fashion brand’s international visibility.

From its renewed showroom in Aalter, BONAMI wishes to inspire every fashion company in Belgium and in the rest of the world.