Linda Loppa

Linda Loppa on intuition, the future of fashion, finding your “why” and more in this week’s conversation.  Renowned for her multifaceted contributions to the global fashion landscape, Linda Loppa stands as one of the most recognized figures in fashion education. With a career spanning over 45 years, Linda has played pivotal roles in shaping the industry, from founding the Flanders Fashion Institute in Belgium to leading the fashion department at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp for over 25 years. Linda's influence extends beyond academia. Often associated with the 'Antwerp Six’, and their groundbreaking impact on the global fashion community, she spearheaded initiatives like Mode 2001 to elevate the profile of the Belgian industry. Her dedication was honored in 2002 when the Flemish parliament awarded her an honorary medal. From 1998 to 2006, Linda directed the MoMu — the Fashion Museum Antwerp — curating exhibitions that showcased her keen eye, including the notable Yohji Yamamoto exhibition in 2006. In the early '80s, Linda carved an indelible mark with the establishment of "Loppa," a trailblazing clothing store in Antwerp. This boutique became a cultural milestone, being the first in Antwerp to showcase avant-garde designers. Linda's visionary approach introduced the city to cutting-edge creations from designers such as Gianni Versace, Helmut Lang, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Comme des Garçons, solidifying her reputation as a tastemaker in the fashion landscape. In 2007, Linda joined the Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing in Florence as its director, overseeing its ascent to a leading international school for design. Since 2016, she has served as Polimoda's adviser for the new strategy and vision platform, based in Paris.  In 2016, Linda founded the Linda Loppa Factory, a Paris-based studio dedicated to promoting art, culture, and education. In 2018, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London. In 2019, Linda wrote her first book “Life is a Vortex.” In 2021, Linda authored and published "The New Fashion Container Project," a transformative book advocating for a more environmentally conscious and globally healthy fashion industry. You can follow Linda on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/loppa.linda/), and see her website here: (https://www.lindaloppafactory.com/) —— Thank you for listening to Sisonek with Drew Curry. Join us in our journey by subscribing to us on: Youtube: (https://www.youtube.com/@Sisonek)⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sisonek-with-drew-curry/id1718455818  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YCoZo7WprPvjC3Il8xY51 and all other announcements by signing up through our website. sisonek.com You can also follow Sisonek on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sisonek/) Sisonek is hosted by Drew Curry, artist, and designer of AIREI. Follow Drew on Instagram ⁠(instagram.com/drewcurryx/) and X (x.com/drewcurryx/). Follow AIREI on Instagram (instagram.com/airei.la/) and find the full list of stockists on AIREI’s website.(airei.la) Thank you to our incredible team: Produced by AIREI LLC Co-produced by Rohan Satyavrata and Ruance co. Edited by Jeswin George Music by Ryan Hughes Sisonek cover art by Ken Camellia Artwork by Drew Curry