|
Belgium’s latest fashion styles and hangouts with Veerle Windels
Nationalestraat 24, Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 238 00 21 www.pepa.be
Violetta and Vera Pepa started up Sloboda, a knitwear collection, in the 1990s. They branched out into an entire womenswear line at the start of the new millennium and recently they added a shoe collection to their expanding portfolio. The Pepa duo love black and white and opt for a rigid cut and perfect tailoring – what’s more they always believe that each piece should be able to tell a story regardless of the trends. Their first store, next to the MoMu fashion museum in Antwerp, is a haven of clean architecture conceived by architect Jo Peeters. By combining natural materials and new techniques Peeter created a modern interior that works as a great showcase for the clothes.
25 Rue Antoine Dansaert, Brussels, tel: +32 (0)2 513 57 03
Lucie-Christie Kounkou was born in South Africa, but moved to Paris and later Brussels (five years ago) where she opened a sports shoes’ store two years later. Afterwards she moved away from sports and decided to venture into more luxurious arenas, starting Heels in the trendy Dansaert area of Brussels. Here she brought together the footwear of Gianni Barbato, Pedro Garcia, Marc Jacobs and Elisa Nero, offering exclusive choice, based on creative design and quality. Heels also offers men’s shoes – from the likes of Kenneth Cole, Barbato and Marsèll. Definitely one for the well-heeled.
Nationalestraat 76-78, Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 226 35 60
Brussels-based designer Annemie Verbeke has long been inspired by the clash between culture and nature. With the help of Antwerp’s B-architects, she has brought this contrast into her newest store, using references of palm trees and afromosia wood, and an avant-garde take on fashion. Verbeke loves strong women. For spring and summer, she dresses them up in polka dots and fluffy tops. Verbeke already has a loyal following in Brussels and, by opening her new store in one of Antwerp’s hippest areas, Annemie is sure to boost her cool credentials.
Korte Dagsteeg 23, Ghent, tel: +32 (0)9 269 04 08
The new Xandres store in Ghent is, indeed, a wonderful space. The renovation of the historic 1908 building was realised by Ghent-based architect Glenn Sestig. He opened up the separate smaller spaces and transformed the store into a huge loft, combining noble and brute materials to form the bold new interior. The new concept is an architectural interpretation of the dynamism and youthfulness that the label Xandres has conveyed these last few seasons. CEO Isabelle Santens is quite happy with the store: “It boasts energy, and gives us ideas for more,” she says. Perhaps Antwerp will be next on the Xandres map…
Frankrijklei 46, Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 231 08 20
Coco Chanel used to say, “Nothing is as beautiful as an empty space. It needs to be properly furnished, with quiet things.” Perhaps New York-based architect Peter Marino had these words in mind, when he started working on the new Chanel store at SN3, the luxury boutique in Antwerp. With a lean architectural style, he replaced the usual black lacquer panels by carbon-fibre and oxblood-coloured epoxy-resin. Staying true to the style of Chanel, however, he chose beige for the carpet and mother-of-pearl colours for the cosmetics counter. Just like in-house design maestro Karl Lagerfield, Marino knows the Chanel signature style – and how to keep it looking fresh.
This stunning reversible heart pendant with cubic zirconia stones is just one of the items available to buy on-board your flight today. And what’s more you can save up to 25% on the recommended domestic market price. Turn to page 160 to start saving now!
|
