Dirk Bikkembergs spent most weekends of his youth in Diepenbeek. In 1982, Bikkembergs graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, as one of the Antwerp Six. Established in 1986 with his first collection Dirk Bikkembergs Shoes (based on military shoes). Dirk Bikkembergs clothing and footwear became synonymous with sport and football in particular. In 2011, he sold his eponymous brand, which today is majority-owned by the Chinese group Canudilo.