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Belgium may not be a big country, but it has proven to be an epicenter for high-profile fashion talent over the past few decades. The city has produced some well-known designers, including Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs and Dries van Noten, who graduated from the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the early 1980s. The Royal Academy’s fashion faculty also produced names like Martin Margiela and Raf Simons. For example, interest in high-quality design labels is greater in Belgium than in the neighboring Netherlands – and this is reflected in the range of shops in Belgian cities, where various high-quality multi-brand stores offer fashion by Belgian designers alongside international names. FashionUnited took a closer look at a few of these stores.
Would you rather discover the shops on an interactive map of Belgium? Then scroll to the end of the article.
Stijl in Brussels
Stijl offers high-quality clothing from well-known Belgian and international designers. The store is a meeting place for fashion, art and culture, because Stijl firmly believes that art and fashion are always connected. Stijl includes Dries van Noten, Jean Paul Knott, Walter van Beirendock, Maison Martin Margiela, Jan Jan van Esche, Anne Demeulemeester and Raf Simons.
Graanmarkt 13 in Antwerp
Graanmarkt was founded by Ilse Cornelissens and Tim van Geloven as a store and restaurant. The unusual store design comes from Art Director Bob Verhelst. The founding duo carefully select sustainable fashion, interior design and cosmetics brands, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, quality and authenticity. Brands sold at Graanmarkt 13 include Monique van Heist, Jacqueline Lecarme, Aeyde, Sofie D’hoore, Bernadette, Kassl Editions, Kyoto Tango and more.
Verso in Antwerp
Once a men’s boutique, Verso has become a unique shop in a restored 16th-century mansion, offering international brand collections from Italy, France and the United States – from brands such as Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Gianvito Rossi, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Off White and Givenchy. Verso also has its own brand ‘Verso Label’ that makes basics.
Sn3 in Antwerp
Since 1975, the 1000 square meter Sn3 store has offered an exclusive selection of leading designer brands and luxury accessories. The customers are helped with special care: individual advice by appointment and exclusive evenings with presentations of the new collections take place at Sn3. The range includes brands such as Jacquemus, Paco Rabanne, Off White, Lanvin, Monot, Dundas and Isabel Marant.
Louis in Antwerp
A conceptual, stylish shop in Antwerp, Louis has been selling Belgian and international brands for over twenty years. The Louis range includes brands for women and men such as Balenciaga, Comme des Garcons, Acne Studios, Loewe, Rick Owens, Angelo Ficus, Ann Demeulemeester, Jil Sander and Vetements.
Houben in Antwerp
Houben sells clothing and accessories from a select group of international brands, allowing Houben customers to style themselves from head to toe in brand classics, from jackets to sunglasses. Brands on offer include Celine, Chloé, Bottega Veneta, Maison Alaïa, The Row, Thom Browne and Loewe, among others.
L’heroine in Bruges
L’héroïne is a multi-brand store focused on Belgian designers and actively scouting for new talent. L’héroïne was founded more than 25 years ago and the range includes pieces by Dries van Noten, Christian Wijnants, Monsieur Maison, Tim van Steenbergen, Conni Kaminski and Akaso.
You can discover the stores on the map.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.be.
The article was researched and written by Blanca Heise.