Born to Köln, Germany, Dirk Bikkembergs wanted to be a lawyer, but went the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium instead. He graduated with others designers like Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten, Dirk van Saene, Walter van Beirendonck and Martin Margiela. Later, they became famous as the "Antwerp Six". In 1985, Dirk Bikkembergs was awarded the Canette d' Or as the best young designer in the world of fashion. Straight lines and sturdy materials, these are the main characteristics of his work.