The Belgians: An unexpected fashion story #bozar

In the beginning of september, I went to see the exhibition 'The Belgians: An unexpected fashion story' at the Bozar in Brussels - I even think it was one day before it actually ended - but I totally forgot to share the images I made from that visit… but finally: here they are! Don't you think it's actually better that I'm posting them just now? I know you're all big fashion lovers and probably went yourselves... so no spoiler alert by me!;) And for those who weren't able to make it, please enjoy a sneak peek inside - to my opinion - one of the best exhibitions brought by the centre for fine arts Brussels in the last couple of years. It gave us a unique historic overview of the DNA of Belgian fashion, starting with the legendary Antwerp Six and working up to the individualistic creations of for example Martin Margiela, A.F. Vandevorst and Raf Simons. Next to that, it also highlighted the works of several influential players in various fashion and art disciplines. There was also one room dedicated to the importance of the fashion academies from Belgium, especially the Antwerp Fashion Academy and La Cambre. I really enjoyed my visit and am looking forward to the next fashion related exposition! 

Pinko @ Brussels

Hurray hurray, there's a new shopping hotspot in Brussels! Pinko opened a new shop orientedon one of the nicest shoppingstreets - the Louisalaan - in our capital. I got an invitation to come and celebrate the opening and I was so happy I could make it! I must say, I was really impressed by the building: the spaces in the shop are so wide and clean, and there's even a small garden in the back… So cute! The shop is exactly what a shop should be like in the year 2015. 

The Italian brand Pinko is really one of a kind, and the collection this season blew - as usual - my mind. How I looooove their coats and skirts… They really caught my attention and I almost went home with one (but then my wallet started to scream...) Next time, because I'm sure that I will be back very soon…

Thanks Pinko for the nice evening!

Mosaert madness

Big news in tinsel fashion town last Wednesday: Stromae had created his own line of polos and socks, only available at the Brussels concept store Hunting & Collection (one of my favorite addresses in Brussels, with brands like Kenzo, Carven, Alexander Wang...). The collection was named Mosaert, an acronym from Stromae, which is again an acronym from Maestro (funfact!). And as expected from this Rwandan-Belgian singer and creative centipede, it was a BOM. When the news came out, I was in the library 'working' on my master thesis, and strolling down the internet. And coincidence or not, I had just planned a trip to Brussels that Saturday... for the show of Stromae at Vorst Nationaal! Ok, not just, because I ordered the ticket months before, as it was sold out so rapidly. Another piece of evidence of how popular Stromae is at the moment. 

But Friday, I've read that almost all the polos were sold out at the shop (and on the online-shop of the store that was already the case!). So I can definitely say that I walked around like a stress bomblet at home, counting down the hours until the moment that I would enter the shop. So the next day, at about 4 o'clock, I stormed in the shop, looking at the only 7 polos that were left: 1 L, 1 S, and the others were size XS. I took the L and S, just on time as a few seconds later a dozen of people were gathering around the peg. Pfieeeeeuw! 

So conclusion of the day: I was very lucky. Afterwards I thought about this Stromae/Mosaert-madness... I let myself go a little, just for a simple polo... It's true that I love fashion, but sometimes you have to be able to look at it from another perspective. Just check the news that came out a few hours ago about the Alexander Wang and H&M collaboration for next autumn. Everybody is already making a big fuss of it... and I have to be honest: it is again working -> highlights in my agenda: DONE. If I have a free day, then I will definitely go and stand in line. But it's not that I will be going gaga if I don't get a piece of that collection (although in my case it is the awesomest collab that H&M has ever done). 

But isn't this always the case when it comes to fashion? Trends come and go. And that's why it stays fun to follow. That doesn't mean that you always have to follow them with your wallet: your eyes can also do the job. But let us be honest: how awesome is the feeling when you get your hands on such an exclusive piece of clothing, after making all kinds of efforts for it ;).

Have you guys already gone crazy over a special line or new collaboration? What were your experiences?

(picture 1 and 3 source Elle.be) 

A touch of leather by Eleven Paris

This cardigan from Eleven Paris is one of the favorite pieces in my closet. I like the contrast between the fluffiness of the wool and the black leather sleeves. This French brand gained recognition with its well-know T-shirts from 'mustached celebrities'. But Eleven Paris has so much more to offer! For example this cosy sweater with an edgy touch. Check out their website and fall in love with this brand, just like I did... Or better: visit their shops in Brussels and Lille for the full experience ;) 

Outfit: cardigan Eleven Paris - pants Zara - shoes Zara - handbag Essentiel - bracelet Delvaux 

Pictures: Grand Central Station Antwerp 

Brussels Fashion Days X Belmodo

This weekend the Brussels Fashion Days took place at The Egg! Thanks to Belmodo, I got a chance to go and Barbara accompanied me. She's one of my fashionable twin nieces (check out the pics for some proof). So, this Sunday was busier then usual...

First we had an overwhelming - überdelicious - fantastic brunch and we refilled our plate like 3 times: totally ready for an afternoon full of fashion! There was a beautiful exhibition, perfectly presented. That was truly impressive. We could also participate a workshop where we could make our own bow ties. Our first time sewing went well --> not so easy but we did it! And I'm really glad with the result. 

Outfit Barbara: skirt Cos - sweater Cos - feathers Sandro - hat SuperTrash - shoes Maje 

Outfit Astrid: skirt H&M - cardigan Massimo Dutti - necklace Hugo Boss - shoes Attilio Giusti Leombruni - glasses Chanel - watch Rodania 

Pictures by me and there are a lot ;) Hope you'll like them!

Weekend Knack Fashion Awards #10years

Hurray! Yesterday the Weekend Knack Fashion Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary. Time for another concept, different from the past nine years. All fashion related people were expected at the Wild Gallery in Brussels for a runway-show. Eight candidates, educated by the best fashion schools from over the whole wide world, got the chance to show their creations to the crowd and especially to the jury, composed by Edouard Vermeulen and others.
The show was absolutely marvelous and so inspiring! I was really impressed by all the participants, but personally the creations of Emannuelle Lebas made my heart beat the fastest. And it also seemed to be that she conquered the jury as well, as she won the competition and went home with the 10 000 €. 

Emmanuelle Lebas, student at La Cambre, did her internship at Cathy Pill and Cheap Monday, and already won the Codefrisko/PURE price last year for her collection "If you bring the water, I'll bring the matches". As we asked her where she got her inspiration from for this collection, she answered that it's a combination of Serena Williams' garderobe and some Greek and Roman sculptures. You will totally understand what she's saying, when you look at the two first pictures beneath: long dresses with a sporty touch. 

After the show, there was an open bar: delicious cocktails all over the dancing floor! Also the perfect time to mingle and meet a lot of people that are now hot and happening in the fashion scene. I'm over the moon with the picture of Jean-Paul Lespagnard and me!!! Enjoy the pic's! 

Special thanks to Marie, Céline and Cara for making this event so much more! What's more fun then criticizing fashion over some drinks with friends? ;)