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Raising the concept of a scarf to the status of an exceptional item imbued with character. That is what Emmanuel Demuynck of the Belgian company Monsieur Maison succeeds in time after time. And with flair. One could describe his creations as unique stories. They are almost poetic and above all beautiful. They are the fruit of an exciting search for rare couture and haute couture fabrics from days gone by, the unique combinations of which today constitute the clearly recognisable trademark of Monsieur Maison. With each of his scarves, Emmanuel creates a link to a very special figure from the 20th century.
The secret of the perfection of Monsieur Maison scarves lies in its capacity to create the perfect blend of designs, colours and fabrics.
The scarves are made in Belgian workshops which is a very conscious choice on the part of the designer. The workshops guarantee an outstandingly high-quality approach and the seamless translation of what Monsieur Maison seeks to communicate in its unique models. The handwork and the know-how result in quality and durability, two aspects that are very important to Demuynck.
Who is the designer Emmanuel Demuynck?
Emmanuel studied painting at the Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Ghent. In addition to designing this collection, he also offers his freelance services for design and merchandising projects. He is also a purchaser and consultant for Belgian labels and multi-brand stores.
Hoeden – Martine Verstraeten
Hoeden – Martine VerstraetenMore Info
Over ons
Van opvoedster tot hoedenontwerpster: hoe twee kinderdromen werkelijkheid werden!
Als jong meisje droomde ik van twee dingen: werken met kinderen en hoeden. Ik koos het pad van de kinderen en werd opvoedster van mentaal en visueel gehandicapte kinderen. Iets later werd ik moeder van vier kinderen (twee dochters en twee zonen). Na 17 jaar ten volle te genieten van mijn werk koos ik het pad van de hoeden, en eindigde mijn loopbaan van opvoedster, weliswaar vanwege gezondheids-en familiale redenen. Mijn tweede grote droom? Die werd werkelijkheid.
Ik volgde een opleiding tot modist in het erkend VIZO centrum Brucemo bij Christophe Coppens, de toen bekende Brusselse hoedenontwerper. Op 10 maart 1999 had ik mijn diploma in handen en startte mijn hoedenatelier aan huis waar ik handgemaakte dameshoeden ontwierp. Toen de kinderen groter werden, kreeg ik de behoefte om mijn vleugels uit te slaan. Op 30 juli 2009 opende ik mijn eerste hoedenwinkel in de Stationsstraat 7 te Haacht. De uitbreiding met hoeden en petten voor heren was een feit.
Na enkele jaren verhuisde ik naar nummer 13 in dezelfde straat. In maart 2013 opende ik mijn nieuwe hoedenwinkel mét atelier welke ik volledig naar mijn smaak liet inrichten. In deze winkel vind je ruime collecties hoeden en petten voor heren. Zowel voor verschillende smaken (klassiek, sportief of modern) als maten (van extra klein tot extra grote maten) ben je bij mij aan het juiste adres.
Mijn aanbod? Mijn oog viel vooral op Europese merken als Stetson, het Belgische merk City Sports Caps en het Italiaanse merk Guerra. En het aanbod voor de dames? Daar staat vooral mijn eigen collectie centraal. Een exemplaar volledig naar de maat en smaak van de klant ontwerpen, dat is wat ik doe in het atelier onder de winkel.
Daarnaast is er een ruim aanbod aan confectiehoeden en mutsen van grote Europese merken en zijn er ook nog de mooie chemomutsen van het Belgische merk LookHatMe. Toch behoren niet enkel hoeden tot mijn handelsmerk. Ook bruids-en suiteschoenen en tasjes van het Nederlandse merk Elsa Coloured Shoes kunnen op bestelling aangekocht worden. Deze kunnen ingekleurd worden in elke kleur naar keuze (de kleur van je hoed of jurk bijvoorbeeld).
En naast dit alles ben ik als docente verbonden aan het CVO Crescendo te Mechelen. Ik geef er de opleiding modist en accessoires.
Hoeden Martine Verstraeten is de speciaalzaak voor iedereen die houdt van mooie, comfortabele en kwaliteitsvolle hoeden en petten.
Martine Verstraeten
STATIONSSTRAAT 13A | HAACHT B-3150 Belgium
Kristof Buntinx
Kristof BuntinxMore Info
Brussels designer Kristof Buntinx has already created a furore with his God Save the Queens shirts and gained international fame with a boxer short collection with which he targeted Russian anti-gay laws.
Protest and irony are therefore no strangers to Buntinx, but he also dresses Belgian celebrities in little bespoke gems just as much as he has children photographed as superstars. The exiled Sint-Truiden native has been working under his own label for more than a decade. An official introduction is called for!
Kristof Buntinx was born on 10 September 1975 in the Limburg town of Sint-Truiden. He quickly showed an interest in fashion and design and proceeded to draw from a model and attended sewing and pattern design classes. Buntinx completed internships with several major fashion labels such as Levis jeans and the Amsterdam fashion duo Viktor & Rolf.
His own image language
After his initial designs for the Cinderella Shop in Antwerp he sank his teeth into (and left his fingerprints on) a series of coffee mugs for Godiva. Soon Buntinx would tackle hats, a trick he was able to repeat in 2012 for Royal Ascot.
Shortly thereafter, the Pain clothing line followed, with its own photo series in collaboration with Stijn Vanorbeek. Still inspired by the world of image creation, Buntinx worked with filmmaker Ilke De Vries, this time to explore moving images. The film Vision was the result, in which the designer searched his own conscience by referring to a personal crisis.
Artist’s blood
Between 2008 and 2010 Buntinx focused on hats and a full line of accessories.
Triggered by his own life and personal developments, language associations and puns took up an increasingly important place in his work. Like any true-blue artist, Buntinx also creates from an inner drive. “I have always been crazy about fashion, but designing also proved to be beneficial for my mental health. It is my “therapy with a capital T,” the designer states.
Once Buntinx found his way, an increasing number of opportunities came up: in 2011 the Toga 125 Fashion Awards and a fashion show in which his design Ceci n’est pas un Advocaat shone. That same year Modo Brussels, the MIAT in Ghent and Hong Kong Design week also followed. A prominent fashion watcher from the UK even called Buntinx the most eccentric fashion designer of the Modo Brussels event.
The future is now!
Loved by the international fashion blog scene, Kristof Buntinx does not shun controversy. For example, he came up with a series of socially committed designs such as his answer to the Antwerp rainbow controversy, the God Save the Queens T-shirt’, his Russian boxer shorts, which even reached the American media and the crown jewels for King Philip.
During the last festive period Buntinx surprised friend and foe with a range of crisis jewellery, which questions material luxury. The Christmas dresses designed by Buntinx for Dana Winners’ Christmas tour and for Marlène de Wouters, the presenter at the Queen Elisabeth competition earlier in 2013, were, on the other hand, downright luxurious.
Kristof Buntinx certainly aims to let his designs speak for themselves in 2015.
Stay tuned!
Gillis Modistes
Gillis ModistesMore Info
La Maison Gillis, a boutique of both class and character, is situated in the historic centre of Brussels.
Founded a century ago, it has preserved the techniques and the savoir-faire of its ancient milliners.
It is here that Sylvie Gauthier will offer her advice and make a hat to your taste and ultimate satisfaction in the adjoining workshop (studio).
Some of her creations can also be seen in Paris, Lille and London.
Additionally, la maison Gillis makes hats for the theatre, advertising, movies and historical re-enactments.
17 rue du Lombard Brussels 1000 Belgium
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WELCOME TO
OUR BEAUTIFUL
CHAOS
Essentiel Antwerp stands for refreshing, offbeat & luxurious fashion, renowned for its graphic or floral prints and trendy mixes of color. The rich and unique collections are designed to provoke an emotional response.
STEP INTO OUR WORLD WHERE IMAGINATION AND BEAUTY REIGN, WHERE LACK OF ORDER CREATES A SPACE FOR SURPRISE.
The Antwerp-based brand is influenced by the numerous life experiences of its founders Esfan Eghtessadi and Inge Onsea. Esfan, the son of Nicole Cadine, grew up in a world of textiles, sketches and fashion collections. Inge had a vintage loving mother, was a fashion model and spent five years in India, where she fell in love with colors, prints and unexpected combinations.
WE WANT
TO BE YOUR
PINK PILL
In 1999 Esfan and Inge took a chance and launched a T-shirt collection. Four styles, twenty different colors: their response to the monochrome fashion landscape. After a year, the first store opened in Antwerp. Four seasons later, knitwear, jackets, dresses, shirts, and trousers in trendy colors, new materials, and an entire range of accessories were added. Essentiel Antwerp grew into a global brand with a powerful message of love, fun, and colorful surprises. A universal message that translates anywhere and everywhere in the world.
WE WANT
TO BATTLE
BOREDOM
WE CONSIDER OUR ACCESSORIES AS THE CHILLI PEPPERS IN OUR ALREADY TASTY DISH.
LIFE LOOKS BETTER IN COLOR: STAY CURIOUS AND ORIGINAL TO KEEP THINGS SURPRISING AND CELEBRATE LIFE.
Arenbergstraat 21 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Florence Coenraets
Florence CoenraetsMore Info
Artiste plasticienne, Florence Coenraets propose, à partir de la matière, une expérience esthétique et émotionnelle pour repenser notre rapport au monde.
A partir des plumes, sa matière première, sa démarche artistique évolue pour englober une réflexion plus large sur notre manière d’habiter un territoire et de cohabiter avec d’autres espèces.
« From feathers to birds », est une série d’œuvres réalisées à partir de plumes récoltées sur un territoire défini. Cartographie sensible, chaque pièce témoigne de notre cohabitation avec d’autres êtres vivants.
Particulièrement sensible à la vibration qui émane de chaque matériaux, dans la série « Offrandes » Florence explore d’autres matières et, comme pour les plumes, les manipule avec attention et amour.
Guidée par les spécificités de chaque matière, elle coud, assemble, relie… Elle laisse libre cours à ses gestes pour faire parler les matériaux entre eux et demeurer dans ce nouvel espace de rencontre.
Pour ces collections de coiffes, Florence Coenraets s’inspire des coiffes et parures ethniques aux symbolismes puissants, des parures des Rois et des Dieux, du pouvoir des parades nuptiales et autres rituels.
La coiffe célèbre la beauté humaine, c’est cette célébration que Florence vous invite à explorer avec puissance et audace à travers son workshop créatif « Je Suis Mon Roi ».
37, rue de Bordeaux Brussels 1060 Belgium
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Le Sanglier
Le Sanglier is a workshop devoted to the creation of leather products that are completely handcrafted and unique. These creations are mainly dedicated to vegetable tanned leather. This type of tanning gives some of the most robust leathers and the most conducive to patina by their simple use. Perfect combination between the durability of a product and its unique and lively side.
Our products.
By purchasing a Le Sanglier product, you are offering yourself a durable and personal object made in a unique way. Then you will be alone in control.
Le Sanglier products are generally guaranteed for life for normal use. Scratches, scrapes and general patina are not covered by this warranty.
Ordering your products
The aim of this workshop is to devote itself as much as possible to personalized creations. This is why, sometimes, I ask you to participate a little more than on other e-shops where all the products are directly sold as is. It is often possible via the choices offered to personalize your future goods (color, sizes, types of buckles, etc., type of leather, etc.) or even to contact me in order to offer things that are not on this site. That’s what’s exciting.
It is your idea that feeds my new creations. You can also participate in what you buy.
Acie’s Cabinet
Acie’s CabinetMore Info
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
Fabienne Delvigne
Fabienne DelvigneMore Info
Her Story
Since 1987
Fabienne Delvigne is a Belgian milliner and has specialized since 1987 in the design and manufacturing of Haute Couture hats, jewellery, headgear, handbags and other fashion accessories. After studying Marketing, she launched her own company and became an iconic designer in Belgian fashion.
The elegant headwear that Fabienne Delvigne has created since the late 80’s has secured the Belgian milliner’s position as the go-to designer for members of the Royal Families of Belgium, The Netherlands, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and Sweden.
Her know-how has been rewarded since 2001, when she was initially awarded the official patent of « Belgian Royal Warrant Holder ». Fabienne Delvigne’s sophisticated and timelessly chic millinery has won her wide acclaim and this title was followed by the appointment of Fabienne Delvigne as a member of the Chamber of High Commerce « Brussels Exclusive Labels » in 2004. The same year, Fabienne Delvigne participated in the « 5 femmes de goût » catwalk show and conference at the Royal Evian alongside Chantal Thomass, Pascale Mussart (Hermès) and Anne-Sophie Pic (starred Chef).
In 2013, for the inauguration of H.R.H. King Philippe I, his wife Queen Mathilde wears the « Envolée » hat made of abaca fibre and silk. The trim of this hat symbolizes two wings that the designer imagined to symbolize the takeoff of Belgium under the reign of the new royal couple. Shortly after his nomination, H.R.H. King Philippe, like his father King Albert II had done in 2001, granted Fabienne Delvigne the title of Supplier to the Court of Belgium, perpetuating her position as a provider to the Belgian royal family.
Fabienne Delvigne collaborates with other fashion houses such as Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Dior or Natan. In 2007, she created a hat for the Van Cleef & Arpels catalogue.
Very imaginative, she likes to collaborate with other talents to express her know-how in new and original ways, but always with refinement.
In 2014, for example, she was asked by the Carrières du Hainaut to design their new booth at the Biennale de Courtrai (a design and decoration fair).
Two years later, her talent was once again asked to create hats for Maison Guerlain launching their new perfume « Intense » for the « La Petite Robe Noire » collection.
She has also made crystal or chocolate hats and, more recently, she collaborated with BMW and created two hats for the launch of the new i8 Roadster.
Reasonably eccentric with a touch of originality, her fashion accessories are aimed to make woman look more beautiful and attractive. Her style is definitely feminine, aerial and innovative.
In 2008, the Studio Collection offering hats for everyday wear was launched, it is also available for gentlemen. Today, these collections can be purchased through her e-shop launched in 2018.
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of la Maison, Fabienne Delvigne retraces her extraordinary career as a Belgian entrepreneur, hat designer and holder of high luxury craftswoman. Her book “Sublimer par la différence” is prefaced by Stéphane Bern and Diane von Furstenberg.
In the year 2021, the Caring Hat project was born. This line of hats, turbans and caps is designed for people suffering from alopecia (hair loss) as a result of cancer treatment or a serious illness.
Fabienne Delvigne’s hats and accessories are designed and handmade in her designer’s studio in Brussels.
Fabienne Delvigne Portrait Red Hat
The designer regularly holds conferences on the magic of her craft as a designer and on the « Art of Elegance ». These conferences can be held in her workshop where you will be able to discover Fabienne Delvigne’s universe during a privileged visit in an exclusive and unique setting.
rue André Fauchille, 8 Brussels 1150 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