APA Intemporal SPRL
APA Intemporal SPRL
ABOUT US
THE VOYAGE OF APA INTEMPORAL
APA is a Belgian fashion brand that combines high style with deep science. Our name comes from the Sanskrit word for “water,” and our first product, the ĀPA raincoat, was built to live up to its namesake. We take cutting-edge performance technologies and fabrics from the world of extreme sports, and craft them into impeccable, irreverent outerwear for city dwellers, world travelers, and anyone with an eye for style.
After living in Brussels, Paris, New York, and other urban cities where it rains for much of the year, Franco-Belgian high-fashion designer Léa Stein discovered what was missing in the market: a modern coat that merges luxury with technology, effectively protecting wearers from the ever-changing unpredictability of weather while looking their best.
In 2016, Léa founded ĀPA. Her goal was a lofty one: to combine clean silhouettes, immaculate detail, and luxury manufacturing with today’s most innovative performance technologies, all while using sustainable processes and artisan craftsmanship, and producing it, beginning to end, completely within Europe. And that’s exactly what APA has achieved today.
Our first raincoat collection launched in 2019, and is a reflection of our brand’s vision: to take iconic fashion clothing and re-invent it in a way that provides innovative solutions to everyday problems, while keeping the fit, design, and artistry of high-fashion. With a successful Kickstarter campaign, and numerous awards for design and innovation, ĀPA is proud to continue to push luxury fashion forward.
Avenue de la Sapinière 37 Bruxelles 1180 Belgium
We are an independent creative label based in Brussels mainly active in the fashion, music and audiovisual sector.
Nathalie Engels
Nathalie EngelsAbout Nathalie Engels
The clothing brand Nathalie Engels is a high-end sustainable label with its origins in Ghent, Belgium.
The brand stands for a collection which is created out of intuition and feeling. Made by a designer passionate by colour in all its aspects.
Nathalie with her 25 years of design experience believes that colour speaks a language that contributes to a positive energy, language that supports and brings out the internal beauty.
Serpentstraat 1 Gent 9000 Belgium
Christian Wijnants
Christian WijnantsChristian Wijnants is an Antwerp-based fashion designer.
Born in Brussels, Christian moved to Antwerp in 1996 to study fashion design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. His graduate collection won the Dries Van Noten Award for best collection in 2000. After graduation, Christian presented his collection at the prestigious Festival d’Hyères, where it was awarded the Grand Prix and picked up by stores including Colette (Paris), Pineal Eye (London), and Via Bus Stop (Tokyo). After working with Van Noten in Antwerp and Angelo Tarlazzi in Paris, Christian launched his eponymous label in 2003.
Christian Wijnants presents his collections in Paris during Paris Fashion Week and is sold at boutiques and department stores worldwide including Barneys, Tomorrowland and Opening Ceremony.
Rich, layered graphics and fresh colors translated into eloquent knitwear offer a play of authenticity and luxury that has won him the 2013 International Woolmark Prize, the 2006 ANDAM Award, and the 2005 Swiss Textiles Award. Christian Wijnants is in collaboration with Swarovski for Spring-Summer 2016 and Autumn- Winter 2016 and has been nominated for Swarovski Collective Prize for Innovation.
Wijnants opened his first flagship store in Antwerp in September 2015.
HEAD OFFICE 215 Italiëlei bus 21 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
36 Steenhouwersvest Antwerp 2000 Belgium
Very Important Pixels is a fresh brand that features iconic pixel portraits on fashionable tops and sweaters. Inspired by 80s video games, Belgian designer Kristof Saelen has developed an original and unique style in which he handcrafts his works pixel by pixel
Very Important Pixels™ is a series of illustrations inspired by icons from the past and present. Each pixel portrait has been manually crafted starting from a blank canvas.
A selected collection of works was featured on apparel and other fashionable merchandise and got picked up by world-renowned boutiques such as Kitson (LA), Patricia Field (NYC), Colette (Paris), Spectrum (Milan), Venturer (Tokyo) and many more. Online prominent mentions and interviews include features on Wired, El País (Spain), My Modern Met and numerous blogs and papers. T-shirts and merch are still available online.
Visit our Rarible collection to find limited edition collectibles, hosted on the Ethereum blockchain in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Each purchased artwork automatically registers the buyer as a certified owner and unlocks secret features such as exclusive access to source files and unpublished artwork versions.
About
After reading the book “The Emperor wears no clothes” by hemp advocate Jack Herer, Emilio De Baudringhien got inspired to start a company that would bring this amazing plant and all of its benefits, back to humanity.
Since hemp is a carbon negative crop we strongly believe it can be a key player in fighting global warming… think of it this way: we are growing a plant in 100 days that takes huge amounts of carbon from our atmosphere and stores it safely in the ground, actually increasing the fertility of the soil. After the plant is harvested we can use every single aspect of the plant for a different purpose, leaving no waste. All this with a minimum input of water and nutrients and no use of pesticides and herbicides.
1 acre of hemp takes in 10 times the amount of carbon compared to 1 acre of rainforest.
Emilio doesn’t consider The Ornament Hemp Co. a fashion company since we don’t follow fashion trends or seasons. Instead we see the company as a vehicle to support the hemp movement in all its forms.
Emilio never started this company for money gaining purposes. All of the money that comes in is directly re-invested in creating more products made from hemp to help increase global hemp crop production and help create a world with more durable products made from replenishable crops such as hemp.
At the end of 2017, Emilio set up a crowdfunding campaign to set up his label. Thanks to 110 lovely backers, Emilio got his project funded and was able to take off.
Terre Bleue
Terre Bleue
Terre Bleue philosophy
Terre Bleue is a stylish, Belgian casual chic collection that makes women, men and kids feel good and that gives them confidence and trust in life. Modern clothing that looks and feels natural. Since 2002 Terre Bleue is linked to young, active and dynamic women that are fashionable and strive for balance, authenticity and joy of life. Men have found their way to Terre Bleue as well. Our mens collection offers a pleasing mix from stylish and adventurous, from classic to tough. It is the ultimate brand for the fashionable epicure.
Children also love Terre Bleue. The sparkling colors and nice models correspond precisely with their world, and thanks to the excellent quality they can carefree play and enjoy.Our collections are easy to combine within the different themes and with the rest of your wardrobe. You can wear Terre Bleue to any place and occasion. At work, on holiday or even to festive events; every moment is a Terre Bleue moment. Small or tall. Man or woman. With Terre Bleue you are exactly who you are. Welcome to the world of Terre Bleue!
Terre Bleue history
The Belgian label Terre Bleue was established in 2002 and is part of the company Duror/Two Faces, a flourishing family company runned by Dirk Perquy who represents the third generation. Recently his son Peter joined the company so that the tradition is assured. The roots of Terre Bleue go back to 1938. Maurice Perqui, his wife and his brother Jozef established the Perquy-Braet company. It was a wholesale in textile products; especially caps, scarves and stockings. A strong brand demands its own boutique that reflects the total image of the collection. That’s why Terre Bleue opened its first concept store in Ghent in 2004. More boutiques would follow soon. The former kids collection CF Company, that was the inspiration for the Terre Bleue womens collection, was renamed Terre Bleue in 2008.
Since the summer of 2009 the Terre Bleue universe expanded with its own men’s collection. Since then Terre Bleue has become a real family brand.The number of boutiques is growing and the gamma is always enlarging. To establish a total look, Terre Bleue launched a women and kids shoe collection in 2010 that is intensively connected with the clothing collection. With the Spring collection of 2012, the boutique in Knokke was the first to be transformed into a new shopping concept. Shortly after that, the 12th Terre Bleue boutique opened its doors in Nieuwpoort; a family store that is designed according to the new concept.In the same year the brand also celebrated its 10th birthday! Grow continues in 2013.
‘s Gravendreef 24 Nazareth 9810 Belgium
River Woods
River WoodsRiver 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.
Tales and Tailoring
Created in winter 2012, with passionate know-how, and addressed to informed connoisseurs, the new Belgian brand created by Marcy Szwarcburt reflects an original concept of nightwear to be worn both indoors and outdoors during the day as by night, chic and trendy.
An absolute Must Have for the happy few
A subtle blend of cool elegance, nonchalance and an aristocratic dandy fantasy.
A quintessential dress code for the cream of the crop
A variation of subtle materials and very high quality accessories has been selected to create this collection and translate the brand’s philosophy.
Pure Pima cottons, double and triple twisted, crisp poplins, oxfords or plain or lined cotton satins, checks or dots.
Exclusive prints are created each season according to its theme.
Mother-of-pearl buttons, braids, piping, and edging finish the garment which will be embroidered with interlaced double MM for the final touch.
The man behind the brand
Marcy Szwarcburt created his first pajamas in 1984
After more than 22 years at the helm of Donaldson and five years of wise thinking, Marcy has kept intact his aesthetic sense and his taste for things well done.
His know-how and his passion for beautiful materials, impeccable cuts and finishes as well as a very personal sense of humor are found in his new creation Maison Marcy
rue de l’Abbaye 7 Brussels 1050 Belgium
Dries Van Noten
Dries Van NotenBiography
Born in Antwerp in 1958, Dries Van Noten is the third generation in a family of tailors. At the age of 18, Dries entered the fashion design course of Antwerp’s Royal Academy. On graduating, he began to freelance as a consultant designer before starting his own collection of menswear in 1986. Since its beginnings Dries Van Noten has presented collections for women and men for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter each year. He
celebrated his 50th fashion show in 2004 and 100th fashion show in 2017.
In June 2008, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honoured Dries Van Noten with its International
Designer of the Year Award. 2014 began with the grand opening of Dries Van Noten, “Inspirations”, a first
ever exhibition featuring his designs and influences at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Another
configuration of the exhibit moved to Antwerp in 2015. In July France decorated Dries Van Noten with the
honour of ‘Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.’ In October 2016, Dries Van Noten wins the Culture
Award from The Province of Antwerp for his contribution to Culture.
In June 2018 Puig entered the capital structure of Dries Van Noten as majority owner. The designer remains, over the long term, a significant minority shareholder and continues his role as chief creative officer and chairman of the board.
2019 saw Mr Van Noten collaborate with world renowned fashion designer Mr Christian Lacroix on his
collection for Women, Spring/Summer 2020. In June 2020, and September 2021, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has again nominated Dries Van Noten for its International Designer of the Year Award.
Q&A with dries van noten
When did you know that designing clothes was your path & passion?
There was a certain logic to my choice as my family had been involved in fashion and the garment business for generations. My father created one of Belgium’s most innovative retailers of ‘Pret-a-Porter’ and my grandfather was a tailor. I inherited my love of garment making, its traditions and rituals, from these men and my mother. Family immersed me in the craft and skill of fabrics, impassioned me with the power of flair and style for women and men that fired my quest to explore and question the subjectivity of “beauty” and the role it would play in my life. My family was very supportive and encouraged me to continue its fashion tradition. I regularly accompanied my parents to Paris and Milan on their many buying trips for collections. Though they had imagined I might take over the retail business, that I was passionate to become a fashion designer came as a great surprise to them.
What is your design signature?
I see a garment as a singular item of excellence that is part of a larger story told, firstly, within a designer’s vision for a collection and ultimately as part of the final wearer’s expression of their style through their wardrobe. My joy is to create a garment that fuses and balances beauty, craft and function, a garment that can perform well and continue in time to become part of life’s story. I enjoy juggling with colours, textures and light in a way that evokes rather than provokes.
Where do you come up with your best ideas?
The spark of inspiration for the narrative a collection rarely ever comes in the same way. The initial idea can sometimes come quickly and remain constant throughout the design process… occur on a walk in my garden, encountering a painting or the life and work of an artist. It can be something rarefied or ordinary, for example, suddenly looking at something that has surrounded me every day and seeing it in a different way that inspires. It can be a photograph in a book or a magazine, a re-read passage in a loved book, a conversation with friends or my design team or a piece of music. For other collections the story is more of a journey, deliberate, considered, and evolves through time and the design process. Anything can be that spark that ignites the creative process. What I have learned is that one recognises the spark when it happens, it may not be too planned, be ‘of its time’ and is more emotional than cerebral.
Is there a difference between style and fashion?
Of course, style comes from within..
What colour or fabric would you never use?
None actually! Often, challenging myself to work with colours, fabrics, or forms that I have disliked and bringing them into a collection can be an important aspect of the creative process.
What is beauty?
The idea of beauty is supremely subjective and very personal. Time also plays a role when our view on what is beautiful to us evolves. A flower, a building or a garment can be a thing of wonder for one while leaving another completely indifferent. What was beautiful to us even recently may be ugly today. Luckily, all designers have their own eye on and language of beauty.
What is ugliness?
It resonates in the same way as beauty for me. It is exciting when the formerly ugly becomes beautiful.
Timeline
- 1981 Dries Van Noten graduates from Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp
- 1986 Dries Van Noten started his first own collection of menswear after working as a freelance consultant designer
- 1989 Flagship store opens in Antwerp, Belgium
- 2004 50th Show
- 2007 Paris store opens at Quai Malaquais, Paris France
- 2008 Dries Van Noten wins Internation Designer of the year at CFDA awards./ Dries Van Noten Sacred “Royal Designer for Industry” from the RSA Trustee Board in London
- 2009 Flagship store opens in Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan/ Stores opens for the men at Quai Malaquais, Paris, France
Dries Van Noten Induction to The “Galerie Des Eminents” By The Flemish Chamber Of Commerce (Voka)
Dries van Noten is gifted a gold medal by The Flemish Royal Academy of Belgium
Dries Van Noten Is Honored With the “Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion” By the Couture Council of the Museum at Fit In New York - 2010 Dries Van Noten Is Invited To Preside Over the 25th Edition of the “Festival International De Mode et De Photographie” of Hyres, France
- 2013 Olfactory portrait by Frederic Malle with The Nose Bruno Jonanovic
- 2014 xhibition at The Musée Des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France
A book that accompanied his exhibition at Musée des arts Décoratifs in Paris, France - 2015 Dries Van Noten is decorated by Jack Lang of the medal
Opening of Dries Van Noten Osaka - 2016 Wins Culture Award from The Province of Antwerp
- 2017 An intimate portrait into the life, mind and creative heart the designer
A book in two volumes that depicts and documents his first 100 collection and Fashion shows
In recognition of his career as fashion designer and his contribution to the Cultural life of his native land - 2018 DVN enters in partnership with Puig as Major Stakeholders
- 2019 Collaboration with Mr Christian Lacroix
- 2020 Nominated by The CFDA for International Designer of The Year Award
Stores opens in Shanghai, China
Flagship stores opens in Los Angeles, USA the first Dries Van Noten store in the Unites States of America
Godefriduskaai 36 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium