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Essentiel
Schuttershofstraat 26, Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 213 15 10, www.essentiel.be
The Belgian label Essentiel is a success story par excellence: Esfandiar Eghtessadi and Inge Onsea started with just a few T-shirts, and now seven years later, Essentiel is a beloved staple of multi-brand boutiques in Belgium.
The brand is sold in ten exclusive stores as well, the newest of which has opened in an 18th-century mansion in Antwerp’s chic Schuttershofstraat. Architects Florent and Estelle are responsible for the superb renovation, which boasts a warm and white interior full of modern details.
Donum
Hopland 47, Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 231 39 18, www.donum.be
Jos and Noëlla Vangeel have a knack for contemporary design. Their Donum store in Hasselt is renowned not only for selling top designer wares from Marimekko and Alessi to the best of Belgian designers but also its looks, created by architect Bart Lens. Recently, they opened a second store in what used to be a cloister in the Antwerp’s Hopland area. Again, the store – architecturally inspired by Ontwerpatelier OA featuring Bert Gebruers and Peter Jannes – was an instant hit. Donum is a great place for gifts, but do pop in if you want an extreme make-over for your flat as well.
New Look
Steenstraat 73-75, Bruges, tel: +32 (0)50 44 40 50
One of the UK’s top budget fashion chain stores, New Look has arrived on the continent, setting up shop in Bruges. The shop boasts 1200m² offering looks for women and youngsters (from 9 to 15 years old). New styles arrive every six weeks, thus giving in to the fast fashion demand of today’s consumers. New Look will open more stores in Belgium, in Wijnegem Shopping Centre, Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels.
La Bottega
Paardsdemerstraat 7-11, Raamstraat 23, Hasselt, tel: +32 (0)11 23 20 33, www.labottega.be
Fifteen years ago, Karine Valy started a shoe store in Hasselt’s Paardsdemerstraat, long before it was a shopping thoroughfare. She developed her business and gradually more stores popped up in the city. When she heard that Smeets, the gin distillery at the rear of her first store, was up for sale, she decided to snap it up. Together with Will Erens from design agency Puresang, she has created a splendid 1000m² emporium housing over 100 labels, from clothes to shoes and bags The eclectic store is arranged into areas, all of which cater to a specific audience. Labels available range from Bikkembergs to AF Vandevorst; even Paul Smith fans get their own tailor-made corner.
Diane von Furstenberg
Steenhouwersvest 44, Antwerp, tel: +32 (0)3 213 14 24, www.dvf.com
It’s no little known fact that Diane von Furstenberg conquered the world of fashion in the 1970s with her elegant wrap dress. A princess by marriage (Belgian by origin) she has repeated the success three decades later. Yet again her collection is a huge hit amongst the stylish jet set of London and New York. In Brussels DvF’s wrap dresses have long been available at Greta Marta (rue de l’Aquéduc 58), but now Greta (Diane’s sister-in-law) has opened an entire boutique dedicated to DvF in Antwerp’s hip MoMu area. Interior architect Kurt Andernach opted for an all white store, with touches of red and pink. Go, wrap up.
Shop on-board
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 142 to start saving now!
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