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
ABOUT US
Made to fit and extraordinarily comfortable, Sizable underwear is the benchmark for the modern man.
As the first layer between our intimate selves and another person’s gaze, we should think of our underwear as a second skin. Although we know it’s there, we ought to be able to forget it. When it comes to choosing underwear, comfort is our main priority. But how can it be comfortable if it is mass produced, sloppily designed and comes in standard sizes? In other words, if it will fit more or less anyone, but doesn’t fit anyone well? It pulls here, it’s too tight there, it moves, it irritates, it sags and finally you throw it away! If we take time and care choosing our shoes, trousers and coats, why not do the same for essential, indispensable underwear? In that respect, Sizable satisfies both a demand and a need.
Perfectly fitting, moisture-absorbing Sizable underwear lets you feel fresh and comfortable all day long. You’ll soon realise how luxurious it is. And with Sizable, you can afford it.
SECOND SKIN, FIRST PRIORITY
By definition, we wear our underwear between our skin and our clothing – except for Superman, that is. It is crucial, therefore, for it to combine several qualities all day, every day. Sizable products offer a combination of comfort, breathability and softness. They are a pleasure to touch and a joy to wear.
MADE-TO-FIT
Inspired by the philosophy of classic craftsmanship, Sizable has devised three body types – Jim, Joe and Jack – three lines competing to achieve a single goal: to ensure your underwear is the perfect fit.
Our garments and underwear are light and invisible, once you’re wearing them, you forget them. You can go about your day with complete peace of mind, Sizable has got you covered.
ETHICALLY MADE IN EUROPE
Created from durable fiber like eucalyptus, bamboo and organic cotton, Sizable garments and underwear are environmentally friendly, sustainable and 100% European-made. In short, eco-responsibility combined with elegance at affordable prices. Sizable is tomorrow’s fashion today.
Raf Simons
Raf SimonsBORN NEERPELT, BELGIUM IN 1968.
GRADUATES IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND FURNITURE DESIGN IN 1991 AND STARTS WORKING AS A FURNITURE DESIGNER FOR GALLERIES AND PRIVATE INTERIORS. BEFORE THIS, RAF SIMONS INTERNED AT THE DESIGN STUDIO OF WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK, WORKING ON THE PRESENTATION AND DECORATION OF THE VAN BEIRENDONCK SHOWROOMS AND COLLECTIONS.
IN A RADICAL CHANGE OF PROFESSION, HEREBY ENCOURAGED BY LINDA LOPPA, HEAD OF THE FASHION DEPARTMENT OF THE ANTWERP ROYAL ACADEMY, HE BECOMES A SELF-TRAINED MENSWEAR DESIGNER IN 1995 AND LAUNCHES HIS RAF SIMONS LABEL.
DESIGNS THE MENSWEAR OUTFITS FOR RUFFO RESEARCH (SPRING-SUMMER 1999 AND AUTUMN-WINTER 1999-2000).
OCTOBER 2000, RAF SIMONS IS APPOINTED HEAD PROFESSOR OF THE FASHION DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED ARTS, VIENNA, AUSTRIA UNTIL JUNE 2005.
WINS FIRST PRIZE SWISS TEXTILES AWARD, LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND IN NOVEMBER 2003.
PRESENTS ‘RAF SIMONS REDUX’, A BOOK BY PETER DE POTTER AND RAF SIMONS (PUBLISHED BY CHARTA/FONDAZIONE PITTI DISCOVERY) COINCIDING WITH HIS LABEL’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY. ‘RAF SIMONS 1995-2005’, A FASHION/ART EVENT AT THE GIARDINI DI BOBOLI IN FLORENCE, ITALY (INITIATED AND PRODUCED BY THE FONDAZIONE PITTI DISCOVERY, JUNE 2005) EQUALLY CELEBRATES HIS FIRST DECADE IN FASHION.
NAMED CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF JIL SANDER (MENSWEAR AND WOMENSWEAR) FROM JULY 2005 UNTIL FEBRUARY 2012.
APRIL 2011, RAF SIMONS IS PRESIDENT OF THE FASHION JURY OF THE HYÈRES 26TH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
CURATES TRANSMISSION 1, A THREE-DAY MULTIDISCIPLINARY EVENT IN BERLIN INITIATED AND SPONSORED BY MERCEDES-BENZ IN JULY 2011.
APRIL 2012 – NOMINATED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN DIOR FOR WOMEN’S HAUTE COUTURE, READY-TO-WEAR AND ACCESSORY COLLECTIONS. RAF SIMONS PRESENTS HIS FIRST HAUTE COUTURE COLLECTION IN JULY 2012.
LIVES AND WORKS IN ANTWERP, BELGIUM.
The most important message Raf Simons wants to communicate is:
PRIDE IN INDIVIDUALITY.
Fuelled by his love for both rebellious youth cultures and traditional menswear, he emerges in fashion halfway through the nineties, presenting a radically different image of masculinity. Fusing the energy and singularity of teenage subcultures with the sharpness and precision of classical sartorial craft, the look presented by Raf Simons is both inspired by and designed for confident outsiders.
From the first collection on, music, art, performance, images and words have a substantial role in the whole package, summing up, or rather clarifying the kind of world Raf Simons wants to project. Always at the core of his universe (and as essential as the clothes themselves) are attitudes, moods and statements about individuality and independence.
Equally important in Raf Simons’ approach is the constant quest for innovation. The designs are always looking for the now and tomorrow, even if they are inspired by historical or classical references. Throughout the years, with the signature style evolving and maturing, the key elements stay the same: modern proportions, a constant research for fabrics and textures and above all the interplay of pure construction and new shapes with the body and psyche of the contemporary man.
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
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
Hemptees is a slow fashion brand with timeless high quality hemp clothing. Inspired by a slow lifestyle and a big heart for our oceans. We believe that every wildflower should feel free and comfortable in textiles that are good for the planet and good for people.
Our Story
Our little wildflower was born into an independent family. Her mother instilled in her a passion for art, textiles and natural materials. Her father travels (still does) around with his surf gear to catch the best wave. In 1982, he co-founded a textile distributor for sports brands. With this breeding ground, our little wildflower spread her seeds and Hemptees was born.
Lou De Buck, owner and founder of Hemptees, brings a consiously curated collection of her favorite versatile plant of all time, hemp. She draws her inspiration from music, cinema, travel and nature. She offers a mix of urban and coastal influences with a nod to modern nostalgia. Intuition and authenticity are always at the core of Hemptees aesthetic.
Hemptees appeals to fun-loving, free spirited and like-minded individuals and offers a range of clothing, home textiles and accessories with a focus on ethical, handmade and sustainable practices.
Sometimes you just need that good durable favorite and that’s when slow fashion is a great option. We want to do our part by offering sustainable clothing made from 100% hemp. An alternative textile that pollutes as little as possible and is better for people with sensitive skin.
My Ecological Lifestyle
My Ecological Lifestyle
The Power of Slow
Lou is excited about what the future holds and knows that this is just the beginning of Hemptees’ story.
Over the years, we have become acutely aware of how big our culture of waste is and how it has continued to grow. We live in a time where sustainability, equality and freedom are common themes. As a product-based brand, we are aware of more stuff’s impact on the environment, which is why we promote secondhand first and slow fashion second.
Affordable good basics for everyone is our driving force without compromising on quality and longevity.
Fashion is one of the biggest polluting industries, so we try to minimize our waste while providing you with beautiful timeless eco-friendly basics that you will cherish for years to come!
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.
Suit Solutions
Suit Solutions
Are you looking for an experienced tailor? Emin has had his sewing workshop for more than 20 years now. In the beginning, the focus was mainly on retouching for renowned boutiques in and outside Antwerp, and tailor-made clothing.
The tailor Emin Aliyev designs – together with you – your tailor-made clothing. He guides you – step by step – in choosing the fabric, the cut, the lining, the buttons, and other finishes …
Need an experienced tailor?
SuitSolutions has its own workshop for customization, repairs and retouching of all kinds of clothing
Our tailoring services
Have clothing made to measure (retouches)
In recent years, there has also been an increasing demand for a tailor with an eye for the right fit – whether it is to update existing garments or to have newly purchased designer clothes perfectly adapted (retouches) – or to tailor clothing.
Full Tailored Clothing
SuitSolutions also offers the contemporary stylish man tailor-made solutions at very competitive prices. The suits, vests and overcoats are made according to traditional craft methods with sustainable quality fabrics such as vital Barberis, Ariston, Holland & Sherry, Scabal, etc…
Clothing repairs
We all know it, your most beautiful jacket, pants or skirt has a tear, the zipper is broken. It would be a shame to just throw away your expensive clothes and let alone favorite clothes while you can still wear them. That is why we also repair your garments so that you can wear them for a few more years!
How does a tailor work?
Step 1: Make an appointment
To ensure that we can take your measurements in peace, we recommend that you make an appointment in advance. Together with you we look at an ideal moment during or after office hours when it suits you!
Step 2: Take measurements
A perfect fit is crucial for tailoring. The tailor will take your measurements, so he can determine the perfect fit of your garment.
Step 3: Choice of fabrics & accessories
After measuring your measurements, we will discuss the possible fabrics, the color of the lining and all the options with you. The tailor will give you professional advice on all possible finishes.
Step 4: Delivery of Creation
Depending on the complexity, your tailor-made suit, jacket, shirt, trousers or other multi-piece creation will be ready after a few weeks. The tailor checks with you whether everything feels comfortable.
Real craft: more than just designing tailor-made clothing
The profession of a tailor mainly consists of making tailor-made clothes. The craft is thousands of years old and dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. This concerns different types of clothing such as trousers, skirts, jackets, shirts, jackets, but also suits.
A good tailor not only makes new clothes, but also repairs or adjusts clothes according to body measurements. For example, it is about repairing a zipper or taking a pair of pants or vest. That is why we also speak of a tailor, tailor or costume designer!
All the qualities of a good tailor
Is a perfectionist – he works very precisely to offer the customer a garment that fits exactly and is beautifully finished
Is accurate – not only by delivering work that is in line with customer expectations but also the finishing of the creation
Punctual – this by having the garments ready on time on an agreed date so that you can wear it for the occasion
Energetic, customer-oriented, creative – are of course also important qualities or competencies of a good tailor.
Experienced tailor with own studio in Belgium
Are you looking for an experienced tailor in Belgium? SuitSolutions has its tailor shop in the center of Antwerp. Our customers come from East Flanders, West Flanders, Brussels, Flemish Brabant and also the Netherlands for our expertise in tailor-made clothing.
Make an appointment or visit our clothing store where we will be happy to show you the various options for both women’s and men’s clothing, retouches, repairs.
OPENING HOURS
AFTER APPOINTMENT 18.00 – 20.30
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday 10.00 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 18.00
Wednesday 10.00 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 18.00
Thursday 10.00 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 18.00
Friday 10.00 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 18.00
Saturday 10.00 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 16.30
Closed on Sundays
Frankrijklei 76 Bus 1 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Sigi
SigiThe Art of Knitting
Craftsmanship and experimentation define the culture of Sigi. We focus on creating new depths of colour and texture through the mixing of different yarns to present new and innovative designs that are instantly recognisable.
We have a deep respect and care for the knitwear we produce as well as the way in which we produce it. This is why we ensure that all of our knitwear is made in Belgium by real craftsmen and women under the best possible working conditions. These elements help define the culture we want to nurture with the Sigi brand.
Family
At SIGI we are proud of our family heritage with over 40 years of experience in the field of knitwear. Ilia Sigi Eckardt grew up in Antwerp in a very creative family where knitting was essential to the household. Being considered true experts in their field, mother Hilde Frunt and son Ilia Eckardt have been collaborating with Belgium’s best and brightest designers: Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, Ann Demeulemeester and many more.
Made In Belgium
We do all our research, designing and development in our offices in the heart of Antwerp. Sourcing from our local pool of amazing talent is something we take great pride in. We have great faith in our local potential.
FIBR
FIBROUR MISSION
MEET FIBR. THE FAIRCHAIN ALPACA SWEATER. SOFT ON YOUR SKIN AS EASY ON YOUR CONSCIENCE. FIBR BRINGS RADICALLY COMFORTABLE BASICS, YOU ARE PROUD TO WEAR.
The fashion industry has some of the most complex and unfair supply chains in the world. FIBR believes that creating transparency is a first step towards fairness. Today, only 7% of fashion brands know where their materials come from.
Some room for change, if you ask us.
THE FIBR SUPPLY CHAIN
FIBR IS FAIRCHAIN KNITWEAR: FAIRNESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL, ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE VALUE CHAIN.
Fairchain knitwear takes it a step further, rethinking the entire value chain from the source of the raw materials right to your closet.
FIBR connects three strong local players in PERU, all doing their part to make the Peruvian alpaca sector more fair. By connecting these dots, we managed to set up our own value chain and bring you a product of which we know exactly who made it, where it has been and of which we can be sure that everyone is treated well.
OUR PRINCIPLES
QUALITY IS WHERE IT STARTS
We bring you a timeless sweater made from 100% alpaca fibre, a natural fibre which is praised for its robustness and warmness. This sweater is made to last! And if not, a repair kit will teach you all the tricks.
TRANSPARENCY TO THE BONE
Discover where your money goes to, and all the steps your FIBR sweater has been through. No need to hide our imperfections. We rather would like to share them with you and show where improvement is still needed.
EVERY SWEATER COUNTS
We know that we won’t change the world (although we would love to). But we do know that big changes are made by many small steps.
Leading by example, we tell the clothing industry to dive into their supply chains and show more ambition. We are convinced the fashion sector needs small disruptive ideas to evolve and innovate. Every sweater sold means that another person is inspired by our story. Which is something huge!
PRE-ORDER
AT FIBR WE WORK WITH A PRE-ORDER SYSTEM. THIS MEANS THAT WE ONLY START PRODUCTION AFTER A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF PIECES IS ORDERED. TO CONTRIBUTE TO YEARROUND WORK STABILITY FOR THE KNITTERS, PRODUCTION IS IN LOW SEASON, FROM FEBRUARY UNTIL EARLY APRIL.
Tarbotstraat 10 Ghent 9000 Belgium