Acie’s Cabinet
Acie’s Cabinet
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Handmade. Unique. Belgian.
Hi!
Welcome to Acie’s Cabinet.
First of all, I would like to thank you for taking your time to visit my website. I really appreciate it.
My name is Amber. I’m a bookworm, cat lover and potterhead; I’m a creative soul and am a fan of nordic noir (or ‘noir’ in general, really 😉).
In 2017 I started my small company Acie.
In this digital cabinet, you can find all manner of accessories for yourself, your house or your family and friends.
After having received multiple trainings (fashion design, historical costume, leather works and bookbinding), I combine different trades in unique items.
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There are certain choices I make for ecological reasons. In my personal life, this means I never travel by aeroplane (or, indeed, seldom travel at all), and in my professional life as well, I strive to have a low impact on the environment.
The number of items I produce out of one particular fabric is limited, and never will two accessories look 100% alike. Because I create items in small amounts, it is perfectly possible to create different kinds of accessories with one fabric. I design and make everything in my atelier in Belgium.
Most items are packed in upcycled boxes, and are shipped with pre-used packaging as much as possible.
Materials
The fabrics I use are purchased or designed in small amounts. Not only does this intensify the uniqueness of the accessories, it also means I have very little “waste”. I save all the scraps of fabric that are left from projects, to create new pieces with later on.
Furthermore, I buy from local shops and fairs and often go to factory sales, to rescue fabric that would otherwise be thrown away.
Linen is one of my favourite materials to work with. Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant. This plant does not attract a lot of harmful insects, which means farmers don’t have to use pesticides to protect their harvest.
Flax needs very little water and produces a lot of fibres. Isn’t that just great?!
Leather is a material that is often not considered environmentally friendly. There are a lot of chemicals involved in the tanning process. However, there are a few steps we can take to make it a bit less harmful:
The leather I use to create bow ties with, are scraps from a shoemaking factory. The leftover pieces are too small to cut into shoe panels, but are perfect for the creation of bow ties! Zero waste fashion: check!
If I need bigger pieces of leather, I go to local shops to purchase leather that is already on hand. This means leather is never ordered or designed especially for me. Sometimes I even get the chance to find some second hand rescue leather, which always makes me very happy! The scraps from these hides are also saved to produce small items with, for example The Book Manager.
If leather is cared for properly, it will last many, many years. By buying less but better, we can all help a little in our ‘Save the planet’-mission!
Schooling
As mentioned above, I received multiple trainings:
Fashion design
Bookbinding
Leatherworks
Furthermore, I did courses in millinery, historical costume, and I learnt how to mend clothes.
I always continue to learn. I think it is important to keep improving your skills, and thanks to the combination of courses, I’ve learnt a few tricks of the trade. Or, rather, trades 😉.
Please roam freely! The pictures on this website show the kind of items I usually make. You can place an order in my webshop.
If you see an item you like, but would prefer a different colour or material, don’t hesitate to contact me for a custom order.
See you soon!
Amber
River Woods
River WoodsMore Info
River Woods is an international and authentic lifestyle brand for the whole family, reflecting strong values as friendship, family values and the sheer joy of living!
River Woods’ origins lie in a bygone era, the North-Eastern American lifestyle served as a source of inspiration for the creation of the brand. Translated into a commercial and contemporary collection, River Woods since then evolved into a brand offering casual and city collections for the whole family. Men, women, boys, girls and even babies and newborns, the whole family can dress in River Woods.
The key factors of the growth and succes of the brand are a strict adherance to quality and a keen and exclusive distribution strategy. Through high-level multibrand stores and the well-known River Woods Company Stores, River Woods has put itself on the map.
The origins: An inspiring era
The wind blows through the lush crowns of the majestic oak trees of North Eastern America. This is the era of true friendship and strong values. This is the era of the origins of River Woods: authentic sportswear which embraces family, solidarity and the shear joy of living, and reflects the spirit of the true North-Eastern American lifestyle.
The beginning: Birth of River Woods
It was the 6th of December 1995 when four friends signed for the realisation of a mutual dream: their own fashion brand. By combining their years of experience and knowledge in the fashion sector, River Woods was born.
From Belgium to…: First menswear collection
On the 6th of January 1996 the trading began with the introduction of a Menswear Collection. Thanks to its strict adherence to quality and the perfect translation of the authentic American sportswear to the European market, it was an immediate hit. In fact, the brand began with an exponential growth in Belgium, The Netherlands and France.
New launches: Introduction of Women’s and Kids collections
The success of the Menswear Collection quickly lead to the introduction of a complete range of clothing for Women and Kids. River Woods became a brand for the whole family.
First Flagship store: Creation of River Woods Baby
Following the successful debut of the Women & Kids collections, in 2000 the River Woods Baby subdivision was created. This year the first River Woods Flagship store opened in Wijnegem Shopping Center, near Antwerp. River Woods continues its expansion through new partnerships throughout Europe …
Manufacturers & Distributors: The story of our success
As of 2001 a rapid expansion of the brand throughout Europe is established with a keen distribution policy. Focusing on high-end multilabel stores and the by now well known exclusive River Woods Company Stores has proven to be a recipe for succes.
New agreements: Footwear and River Woods stationary collection
In 2005 the license agreements for a River Woods Footwear collection and a River Woods school stationary collection are made.
Global Expansion: River Woods’ network
By now, River Woods has established a solid distribution network throughout Europe, and is ever strengthening its worldwide position by expanding its network outside Europe. It is now present in 22 Countries in the World : Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and USA.
First RW Kids Store: New Opening
On the 23rd of January 2011, River Woods opens its first dedicated RW Kids store, at Wijnegem Shopping Center near Antwerp.
RW Casual Chic: New Opening
On the 29th of July 2011, a second River Woods Casual Chic store opens its doors in Knokke, Belgium. It offers exclusively the contemporary River Woods Ladies’ collection, and is an immediate hit.
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About
1961: Birth
The story begins in a little village in south eastern Turkey. We are Sunday, it is October 29, 1961, Manufer Gulcu was born. Coming from a modest family, his father is farrier and his mother is housewife. In 1966, the family leaves the village to settle in the city, where his father opens his own workshop and reconverts into the manufacturing of horse saddles. During his early childhood, Manufer goes to school while working in his father’s workshop, where he gets familiar with a craftsmanship profession.
1972: Arrival in Istanbul
In 1972, Manufer Gulcu arrived with his family in Istanbul. The city is large and living conditions difficult, forcing Manufer to quit school at the age of 11 to find work. After accumulating odd jobs, Manufer found an apprentice position in a workshop located in the Beyazit district of Istanbul and discovered the profession of sewing there. Skillful with his hands, he quickly learns and develops technical skills. Very early on, working with leather and natural materials fascinates and ambitions him.
1978: Opening of his first workshop
In 1978, when he was only 17 years old, Manufer becomes an experienced couturier, the most respected position in the profession. His boss then offered him to take over the management of the workshop. He will accept the proposal and team up with his best friend to lead a team of eight workers. At a time considered to be the beginnings of the golden age of leather, Manufer saw its activity grow steadily.
1981: Arrival in Belgium
In 1981, in a tumultuous socio-economic context, Manufer decided to leave Istanbul for Europe, where everything had to be rebuilt. He will work for 3 years in different sewing workshops until the opening of his own workshop, which will later allow him to meet his wife. At that time, the importance of leather and shearling in the world of ready-to-wear was at its peak.
1987: The workshop burns down
On November 12, 1987, the building where the workshop is located burned down. Once again, everything has to be rebuilt. The accident prompted Manufer to renovate the Maison de Maître in Brussels located at 138 Avenue du Roi. He set up his workshops there, which he named MANUFERO, as a tribute to his origins. There he will develop his activities of creation, sales to professionals and individuals. He will also put his couturier know-how at the service of other designers, and will collaborate with prestigious houses such as Natan, Yves Saint-Laurent, Kris Van Assche and Jean-Paul Knot.
1992: 29thOctober is born
In his spirit of creation, Manufer Gulcu decides to put a name on his collections. In 1992, he created his brand, 29THOCTOBER, referring to a triple symbolic date for him and his family.
1999: Marie-Claire France
In 1999, the 29THOCTOBER brand obtained its first publication in a renowned magazine, Marie-Claire France.
2004: Paris international fair
In 2004, the 29THOCTOBER brand was present for the first time at the international ready-to-wear fair in Paris. This event will open the doors of French boutiques to the Maison and give it its European dimension.
2012: MIEL Catwalk
In 2012, the Maison took part in its very first fashion show, the MIEL Catwalk, and presented a preview of its winter 2013-2014 collection.
2018: The team is growing
In 2018, the 29THOCTOBER team is growing and becomes more than ever a family house. Benjamin and Lucie, Manufer’s children, join the company and give it a digital dimension by creating the online store.
2020: The range is growing
The brand takes precedence over innovation and diversification. More than ever willing to perpetuate its craftsmanship and put its know-how at the service of innovative and committed fashion, 29THOCTOBER is launching its first capsule collection in vegetable leather. On the occasion of its birthday, October 29, 2020, the brand unveils its bag line.
Avenue du Roi 138 Brussels 1190 Belgium
Rue Joseph Stevens 41 Brussels 1000 Belgium
Atelier Feryn
Atelier FerynMore Info
Yanne, Mira en Lize Feryn hebben al van kinds af aan een liefde voor schoonheid, creativiteit, eerlijkheid en elkaar. De drie zussen werden van thuis uit gestimuleerd om te doen wat ze graag doen, en toevallig was dat heel veel. Muziek, dans, theater, beeldende kunst, mode … Kortom, alles waar een beetje creativiteit voor vereist is. Toen bleek dat de zusjes elkaar aanvulden waar de ene tekort schoot en elkaar vooruit trokken waar de andere wat achter bleef, verwonderde het niemand dat ze de handen in elkaar sloegen om samen veel te bereiken.
Na het ontwerpen en maken van prachtige kostuums voor verschillende musicalproducties, smeten de meisjes zich op lederbewerking. Hierin kunnen ze hun passie voor ambacht en creatie kwijt.
Desselgemstraat 75 Deerlijk 8540 Belgium
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MEET THE FOUNDER
WHO IS HIDING BEHIND THE PROJECT 1971?
This high-quality Belgian fashion brand was founded by current Creative Director Christelle Loozen.
With over twenty years’ experience as a freelance denim product developer for both national and international brands and designers, Christelle is now ready to take up her own challenge through her brand 1971, offering an exclusively-designed original, high-quality and ethical product, one that is as original as it is a ‘revival’.
‘I’m passionate about fashion and I always have been. Through 1971, I am offering clothes inspired by my childhood memories, my experience of motor sports, and my unconditional love for denim.
My clothes are designed to fit most people, providing a casual yet trendy touch. With my many years of experience, I have been able to source the best sustainable yarns and fabrics from across Europe.
I’ve made the decision to work with the same European suppliers I have already worked with over the last 15 years. We share the same goals and overall vision, leaving no room for compromise when it comes to product quality, environmental impact, and the provision of good working conditions for our employees.’
We choose only the finest materials and best factories to make our timeless products, with the hope that they will last you many years, even decades.
Our prices are calculated as precisely as possible, while our partners, from workers to stores, are paid the right amount, with each and every possible cent reinvested into the local economy of each country.
We believe in a fair economy that works for the everyday.
Gerard-Sart 1 Dalhem 4606 Belgium
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AMELIE GOMET
Amélie is an artist and jeweler.
She discovered jewelry and silversmithing at New York University in 2015, during a year of exchange at an art school.
She moved to Brussels the following year where she continued her training in jewelery at the Arts et Métiers en Joaillerie et Fonte Injectée. At the same time, she obtained her Master in Sculpture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels.
Each of his pieces is inspired by a little story, a memory, an end of the outside world, a shape, a painting or even a poem.
Amélie creates unique, poetic jewelry that combines craftsmanship with a portable dreamlike universe.
She likes to think of the body of the garment as a facade, a section of wall, a garden on which her jewels come to match.
The imprint of the fingers, the stone that follows us, the curves of the ear, a work that we can no longer get rid of, everything is a question of traces, of memory, of thread, of little bits of stories in this first collection.
Estelle Fischer
Estelle FischerMore Info
ESTELLE FISCHER IS A BRAND OF POLYMER CLAY CREATIONS MADE ENTIRELY BY HAND, IN BELGIUM.
Estelle mainly offers you earrings and hair clips, fun, colorful, unique and light.
Estelle found this colorful clay again in 2020, 17 years after modeling it for the first time when she was making beads to create bracelets with her friends.
Her universe has developed through colors and materials by combining polymer clay with acrylic paint, alcohol ink or colored powder, which makes each pair unique.
The Belgian brand “CERNIT” is the most used polymer clay in Estelle’s workshop, accompanied by some shades of the famous German brand “FIMO”. The use of quality materials is essential to guarantee you a product that will accompany you over time. In addition, Estelle favors above all short circuits and offers 100% recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Estelle wants to bring joy and confidence to women by offering them original creations while consuming locally and responsibly.
Rue du Bois 21 Engis 4480 Belgium
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rue blanche has been appealing to women since 1987. Clothes from Marie-Chantal Regout – which are fun, luxurious yet minimalist – fit in easily with their wardrobe, becoming steadfast companions in their everyday life. This intimate familiarity defines the Belgian brand, whose shops and many retailers around the world reflect the sensitive, cosy world of its designer. A rue blanche creation is tactile and sensual.
It arouses buried emotions and feelings, alluding to past actions that we find poignant. Vivid colours, soft fabrics and timeless designs characterize the collection. Rather than a total look for special occasion, Marie-Chantal Regout likes to mix garments and accessories, revealing the individuality and essence of each woman. As a gateway to the imagination, rue blanche addresses fashion with verve and generosity.
History
Ms. Regout founded rue blanche in Brussels in 1987 together with Patrick van Heurck. The company name is a tribute to the name of the street where the firm was first located. The first collection included seven models, all made of jersey, which was unusual for that time.
The collection boasted many stripes and original prints. Over the years, this became the DNA of rue blanche. Today, rue blanche has shops in all major cities in Belgium and is distributed in more than 70 multi-brand stores all over the world.
Rijshout 3 Groot-Bijgaarden 1702 Belgium
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BOUTIQUE
De boetiek is een kleine gezellige speciaalzaak met uitsluitend zelf ontworpen handgemaakte handtassen, gelegen in hartje Gent.
Een exclusieve handgemaakte handtas moet je voelen, ruiken en vooral passen.
Steeds krijg je er persoonlijk en gepassioneerd advies van Pearl zelf. Naast de bestaande exclusieve collectiestukken kan je, in samenspraak, je handtas verpersoonlijken aan de hand van verschillende soorten leder en een quasi oneindig pallet aan kleuren.
Onderbergen 74 Gent 9000 Belgium
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The textile design studio NoMoreTwist unites 3 designers around a giant loom. Michèle, Anne and Marie met at the ARBA-ESA in Brussels. The NoMoreTwist project – a place for collective research as well as a brand of textile objects – came to fruition as their studies ended.
The brand’s DNA is textile. Each new production considers the thread itself, its thickness, texture, colour and, above all, the various ways of interlocking it. Developing different weaves is at the heart of NoMoreTwist’s work, posing a continual challenge to design new and amazing fabrics. They are then highlighted within collections of throws, cushions, large floor cushions,… And all 100% ‘made in Belgium.’
With this little characteristic ‘twist,’ the objects bring a touch of originality and colour, giving character to any interior.
NoMoreTwist also offers its expertise to object designers, stylists or architects interested in tailored design.
The studio of textile creation NoMoreTwist, specialized in weaving techniques, is composed of three designers all from the Brussels Fine Arts Academy. Marie Beguin, Anne de Prémare and Michèle Populer. They have collaborated with several companies and creators, such as the renowned Jean-Paul Gaultier Studio. Anne de Prémare has also worked with Malhia Kent Paris on Haute couture woven collections. Michèle Populer, a trained historian, is developing a vegetable dye technique. Marie Beguin is working as an assistant for the designer Cenk Krivrikoglu and also teaches weaving at MAFAD (Maastricht-Nl) and ENSAV La Cambre (Bruxelles-Be).
3 designers: united by their expertise in technical reinterpretation and creation of weaving, a technique around for as long as anyone can remember
3 personalities: in search of a balance between reminiscence and innovation, purity and enthusiasm, consistency and hazard
3 attitudes: colour against all odds, material sensuality and the secret link between structure and pattern
The chemistry of the individuals is what gives the trio’s creations their own specific identity, which draws inspiration from fine art, the history of textiles, travel, nature and new technology…
151, rue Potagère Brussels 1210 Belgium