MMM London Fever

London is a cool city in many ways. If you are a Nature-lover, you can hang out and enjoy the many Royal Parks. If you're a history-lover, you'll be extatic while walking down the streets or visiting the museums. But if you're a fashion lover, you should go to the new exhibition in the Somerset House of Maison Martin Margiela.



One year ago the premiere of this great white-painted expo was set in the MoMu (the fashionmuseum) in Antwerp. As I work for the Momu as a guide, it was a very interesting experience for me to see the same exhibition, but in a different place. Bob Verhelst, one of Belgium's finest scenographer, has a great relation with Belgian Fashion. He worked several years at the MMM and now he's the scenographer of the house at MoMu. Paper Fashion, Delvaux, Bernhard Wilhelm and ofcourse MMM are a few of his pieces of art.






The launch of the expo was a very nice one. Imagine a big wonderful building with fontaines in the middle, a big terrace with a marvelous view on the Thames, drinks and snacks a volonté and nice company. I love London, but Maison Martin Margiela even more...


Thank you Michael for being a splendid photographer!

MMM

There is one person in fashion history who will remain a mystery to everyone. He is from Belgium (Genk, 1957) and photographs of him barely exists. I'm talking about Mr. Margiela. Exaggerated shoulders, trompe l'oeil effects, recycled fabrics, frayed edges and matching men to women are all part of his world. After Antwerp & Munich, this great exhibition will open on the 3th of June 2010 in London at the Somerset House! I'm present at the opening on the 2nd. Pictures and stories will follow...

La Belgique: dix points!

Designers Against Aids (DAA) is an awareness project with roots in wonderful Belgium. They are working since 2007 together with H&M and many international artists. H&M launched a contest to find the band who will perform at the H&M Fashion Against AIDS NYC launch party on May 19, 2010. And what do i see? The best electropunk band from Ghent, Belgium just entered the contest...



Nid & Sancy participate with H&M "Battle of the Bands"- contest. The ten highest rated bands will be reviewed by a panel of H&M judges. The winning band will perform live at the Fashion against AIDS launch party .. in New York. So If you want the NY people get a taste of some Belgian kick-ass music, just vote here!



One funny detail: when Nid and Sancy win, Hannelore Knuts (face of DAA, famous Belgian model and currently living in NYC) will be doing a special performance with the band at the Fashion against AIDS launch party in New York on May 19th! That would be an evening 'Best of Belgium'.

Rihanna does the Antwerp stocksales?

It could be, because last week she gave a concert in Antwerp and we know she's a fan of our designers...
Exciting times for all of us in Antwerp these days. Everywhere you look there are stocksales going on right now! Last weekend the sales of mister Stephan Schneider were excellent. I went, I saw and I bought. That's the way it should be, right? Ofcourse there will be others during this week. Here are two on my personal list:


Rihanna wearing shoes by Dries Van Noten



Dries Van Noten
Godefriduskaai 36
2000 Antwerp
21-23th of april from 1pm till 6pm
24-25th of april from 10am till 5pm



Rihanna wearing a corset by Tim Van Steenbergen

Tim Van Steenbergen
Sint Michielskaai 8-9
2000 Antwerp
21-25th of april
From 10am till 6 pm

See you guys there!

"The Miss Glitzy Interview"

Last year, somewhere in october, I was asked by the city of Antwerp to be the guide for the best Fashionbloggers of Great Brittain, The Netherlands and France. We went shopping, we went out and we went for coffees. One of those bloggers was a very sweet woman, Frédérique aka Miss Glitzy from Paris. As I adore sweet women, I just wanted to ask her some questions...

If you think of Antwerp, what are the five things that pop up in your mind?

-Fashion! The city offers an incredible choice of Belgian and international designers. From the luxury multilabels stores to the more edgy ones, it takes more than a week-end to get an overall idea of all the offers and possibilities.
-The Central Station! I was really impressed by the mix of the former architecture and the modernity and design of the new part of the station.
-Walk. I love the fact that you can explore all the city areas by walking even if I like trams. I've always found that it's the best way to discover places and admire the city architecture.
-Frituur and Ginger Love. Do you need a reason?
-Wealth



Do you have (a) favourite Antwerp designer(s)? If so, who & why?

Dries Van Noten because his collections are so feminine. Always love his use of prints, patterns and colors, the perfect lines, even the shoes are desirable. Thanks to the exhibition at the MoMu, I really discovered the House of Delvaux and I'm totally fond of Veronique Branquihno's collection for Delvaux. But you know, Ann Demeulmeester always do interesting collection just like A.F Vandervorst.

You came to visit the city of Fashion last year. What is something that you remember that you wanna share? A story, a shop, a building, some persons...

I really love the Huis A. Boon glove shop and its 20's flavor. I'm always touched when a shop have almost remained the same for a century. Of course I do remember pretty well all the stores we visited, the encounters we had, and the kindness of everyone. As I'm more in the shoe business I got a very interesting insight into Thiron where the owner took time to explain me the reasons why he opened his shop. His knowledges about shoe making and the shoe market as the quality of his selection impressed me as much as it pleased me. But I can also mention the Delvaux exhibition which gave me the opportunity to discover the MoMu, the delicious restaurants like Zuiderterras where we had lunches and diners, the Hospital concept store… And on top of that, the kindness of all the people I met.

What is the most exciting thing going on in fashion for you right now?
the fast growing importance of the internet as a new medium and the way brands use it for marketing and communication operations. Like the live broadcasting shows during the fashion weeks, or the bloggers/brands collaborations. Everything is going faster and faster which is a little bit weird but actually gives to small labels the opportunity to reach a new range of customers even if they don't have the means of the luxury groups.



Are you planning to visit Antwerp soon again?
I'd love to!!!

Always welcome, and I'll be your guide again...

Take a look at Miss Glitzy's blog. Read what she wrote about Antwerp...

Antwerp Designers Stocksales

The next few weeks will be again very interesting for all the shoppers in Antwerp. Keep your wallet ready, because the stock sales of the Belgian designers are about to start again! The first in row of big Antwerp names contains my all time favorite Stephan Schneider. On my birthday he'll start his sales, what very sweet of him.






STOCKSALE
STEPHAN SCHNEIDER

SALES OF CLOTHING & FABRICs

THURSDAY 15 APRIL 2010 11.00h - 19.00h
FRIDAY 16 APRIL 2010 11.00h - 19.00h
SATURDAY 17 APRIL 2010 11.00h - 18.00h

OUDE KOORNMARKT 58
2000 ANTWERPEN

Edith Vervliet, head of the FFI

The Showroom Antwerp in NY was a succes. After Paris, the city that never sleeps was covered by Antwerp designers. Dries Van Noten & the other five stayed at home. This was the moment to shine of Stephan Schneider, Anna Heylen, Anke Loh, Indriz Jossa, Lenny Leleu, Marc-Philippe Coudreye and Peter Ceursters to show their pieces of art...

Edith Vervliet (photo), head of the Flanders Fashion Institute, is taking care of 'her' seven children. But will they eat out of the Big Apple?



Wat was the basic idea of the ASNY?
Edith V: "The concept of Showroom Antwerp is to show a mix of new talent with established names, which will increase the attractiveness. The magnificent panorama of New York that the Flanders House offers, gave a exceptional cachet to the event."

How was the NY experience?
Edith V: This first edition of Showroom Antwerp in NY has been mostly a lot of resonance in the press, both in the USA as in Belgium. There were 280 attendees at the opening of Antwerp showroom. It is clear that Antwerp is a strong brand and appeals to the U.S. market. But we are also aware that it is not so easy for buyers (potential outlets for designers: multi-label boutiques and department stores) about to come on.

Will there be a sequel?
Edith V: "Showroom Antwerp was set up to be continued, but obviously in the coming weeks we need to evaluate before deciding whether we'll go back in September 2010. Everything can always be improved and this also applies to the first edition of Showroom Antwerp NY. Our experience with Showroom Antwerp in Paris taught us that we need three to four seasons before the initiative is up and running. Rome wasn't built in one day ... Our ambition is to continue with Showroom Antwerp in Paris and New York."



What can we expect in the near future of the FFI?
Edith V: "We have some exciting things going on. From March 5th till the 9th the Antwerp Showroom runs during the Paris Fashion Week Autumn / Winter 2010-2011 women's collections.
Closer to home we look forward to Vitrine Antwerp in June. Designers show their work in shop windows and unique public spaces in the city of Antwerp. And recently FFI (together with Antwerp Tourism & Congress) created a new edition of the Antwerp Fashion Map launched in five languages (NL, F, E, D and Sp) and for sale at the info desks of Tourism Antwerp and Copyright Book Shop."
Thank you Edith, keep up the good work!


Diane von Fürstenberg came to visit the Antwerp Showroom in NY.

Marc Jacobs step by step

Ladies, don't get too crazy, but there is a boutique every woman should visit...

In the shadow of the Fashionmuseum, you will find one of the most beautiful shoeshops in town. The interior is completly Art-Deco inspired, the atmosphere takes you in one blink back to the 1930s. I loved it from the moment I walked in...



The list of brands is exciting: Marc Jacobs, Michel Vivien, Pura Lopez are just a few Guy Thiron can put on your feet. He opened his shop in february 2009 and believe me, he's here to stay. So get your asses overthere, shoe-lovers!

Thiron
Drukkerijstraat 6
2000 Antwerpen
+32(0)3 227 20 27

Spot of the week!

You can always visit the gallery of the FashionMuseum on the groundfloor FOR FREE. Nowadays the third year students of the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp are exposing their ethnic costumes....




Using the ethnic costume and resources as a reference, the colours, fabrics, patterns, techniques, accessories and styling are developed and realised. In the third year students are expected to push their work to new heights to create a visionary collection that really highlights the students' personality, creativity, skills, direction and passion.
Go & explore I would say...

MoMu (Fashion Museum)
Nationalestraat 28
2000 Antwerpen

Coppens by Princess

Famous designer of hats & accessories, Christophe Coppens will open a Salon in the shop of Princess at the Meir in Antwerp. Specially trained staff will welcome you on the first floor next month, march 2010. It's necessary to make an appointment, so you'll get the advice and service you deserve...



He's very much loved by the popstars. Roisin Murphy wears his pieces of art on her Tour, Rihanna adores his style. Do I need to say more?



Princess
Meir 51-55
2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: +32(0)32312122

Getting high with the stars...

Graduate of the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts Fashion department (master course 2008), Yuima Nakazato won already several awards in his young designer life: Vertice Award, BVBA32 Award from Ann Demeulemeester, Coccodrillo shoes award (two times and these shoes were selected for the permanent collection of the Fashion Museum of Antwerp!). He is a promising talent for the fashionworld, that's for sure.



Now he's making friends with the popstars. Misses Fergie herself is wearing his fabulous costume on her Us Tour concert of the Black Eyed Peas. Keep up the good work Mister Yuima Nakazato! Antwerp is proud of you...

Swap away!

Do you have clothes you almost never wear anymore? But they are still goodie-good? Or maybe you bought pants, shoes, skirts, T-shirts you NEVER wear? Than I have a perfect solution: a clothing swap on a lazy sundayafternoon.
Sunday the 28th of February people are swapping their clothes in the City Centre of Antwerp!
Where? Kavka, Oudaan
When? 28/02/10
From? 3pm
Extra? Music 'n Cake
Go to the facebookpage if you have any questions.

Black is back!

The Fashion Museum of Antwerp will be presenting their latest exposition at the end of March! The color black is present in fashion already for centuries. The collection will show silhouettes of Ann Demeulemeester, Olivier Theyskens, Dirk Van Saene, Givenchy (Riccardo Tisci), Chanel, Gareth Pugh and many others... To be continued!

Masters of black in fashion & costume
From 25/03/10 till 08/08/10
MoMu Antwerp



Don't forget, the expo of Delvaux will be entering its last week! If you still really want to see exhibition, I'm guiding the last time on sunday 14th of february at 1pm. Wanna join? Go to my facebookpage and subscribe!

Shop till ya drop!

That's what you can do whenever walking through the Wilde Zee area. You'll see, in between some of the finest cookies and chocolate shops in town, the name "Closing Date" appear.

In the middle of this exciting shoppingarea of Antwerp, you'll find this sweet and little boutique with big names. The owner of the shop, Pia Versele, has a special sense for fashion for more than 30 years. Dsquared, Vivienne Westwood and Coming Soon (Yohji Yamamoto) are just a few of the designers you'll find there...



Closing Date
Korte Gasthuisstraat 15
2000 Antwerpen
Open:
Mon-Sat: 11am-6pm

Belgian Fall/Winter 2010-2011

No comment necessary...

Antwerp girl in LA

Sure, we have Anouk Lepere and even Hannelore Knuts, those ladies are superwomen for Belgian Fashion. No doubt about it. But there is now a girl who's living in Los Angeles, being a model and even released an album! She sings and plays the violin in a rocking way!



Astrid Nuyens, in America better known as Astrid Bryan, was born and raised in Belgium's city of fashion. She went to school in the citycenter, finished it and went to the 'land of dreams'. She started as a model and worked with many different designers. I'm sure we haven't heared the last of her...



For those who wants to listen to what she has to sing, you can download her album 'Taking Over' on Itunes...

Belgian designers eating the BIG APPLE!

Anna Heylen & Stephan Schneider (photo) will be together with Anke Loh, Indriz Jossa, Lenny Leleu, Marc-Philippe Coudreye and Peter Ceursters visiting America. This will not be a sightseeing trip, no-no, they will be showing their winter collection 2010-2011 on the catwalk of the New York Fashion Week this february!




Edith Vervliet (photo), head of the FFI (Flanders Fashion Institute), is the power behind this export trip. The designers will have a showroom in the Flanders House in NY. To be continued...

It's all about balance...

There are many ways to have a shoppingspree. You can have a bag carrier or a driver to take you from one place to another. But if you are in the supermarket, you'll never take 'a car-to-go'. Duval Guillaume, one of the best advertising agencies in Belgium, launched this ad for Alfa Romeo.





Go and see to find out in the 'Stadsfeestzaal' at the Meir/Hopland how it can stand up like this.

Belgian Designer on 'The Simpsons'

Ok, it's already 12 years ago, but still. The head of the Fashion Departement of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Walter Van Beirendonck, was the very first and only belgian designer whose clothes were shown on the longest Prime time series ever in history called "The Simpsons".



Back in 1997, Bono and his band were completely dressed by Mr Van Beirendonck. Maybe Bono's most known outfit ever on a worldtour. The 200th episode of Bart's family called 'Trash of the titans' tells the story of Homer and the Irish rockband. Here's the episode from 1998...

Window of the Month!

Starting this month we are launching a competition between all the shops in Antwerp! Exciting? Yes indeed. Twelve times a year we'll be making our choice of the most funny/creative/exciting window in Antwerp! We'll be looking at all the shops in town and put one favourite in the spothlight every month. The window of a store is (one of the) reason(s) you'll be entering it, so it's a very important part of the store. Some shops are just not trying anymore and that's sad. Ofcourse there are others who are just being fantastic! So keep on checking it out every month!



During the sales (in Belgium it's two times a year, one time in January, one in July) many windows are just looking depressing. Just an empty space and -50%. Not very exciting. We went searching for a funny one in these bargaintime and we smiled with this one of Cora Kemperman.



Comparing to all the other windows, this one has a certain style, but a simple one. Just two dolls dressed in black, with a 'Miss Sales-ribbon' on. There's a little tongue-in-cheek feeling because just last weekend the new Miss Belgium was crowned. You can ask yourself the question: Is the Miss Belgium-election a cheap competition? We know "The Window of the Month" certainly isn't...