Kristof Buntinx
Kristof BuntinxInfo
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!
Sofie D’Hoore
Sofie D’HooreBoulevard Barthélémy 11 Brussels 1000 Belgium
Bernadette Antwerp
Bernadette AntwerpInfo
BERNADETTE is the Antwerp-based fashion label from creative mom-and-daughter duo Bernadette and Charlotte de Geyter. A shared vision of modern luxury characterizes their ready-to-wear and homeware collections. Fashion and interior merge seamlessly for BERNADETTE. With an extensive archive of patterns and florals, they are more than a fashion label. It’s a lifestyle filled with joy, optimism, and striking florals to brighten up every occasion of your day.
As a brand born of intergenerational collaboration, Bernadette — a former buyer for Ralph Lauren and more — is an expert on forms that work for women of all ages. Being a homeware and interior enthusiast, Bernadette is a chameleon that adapts to every space individually. From American porches with rattan chairs to the inviting coziness of the English cottage. The fusion of nonchalance and elegance depicts her style of working.
Artistic expression is central to the brand. BERNADETTE’s unique botanical motifs — a hallmark described by British Vogue as “florals with a fizz” — are all hand-drawn by Charlotte, who studied at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Next to signature prints, Charlotte plays with couture-like shapes and sculpted volumes with its signature knots, bows, and romantic rosettes. Together the designers’ mission is to inspire a modern femininity.
Fam
FamThe LabelInfo
ABOUT
Conscious Fashion
Over the last years, the word ‘sustainable’ has become fashionable. It is being used often and in a lot of different contexts where it always seems to take on a different meaning. In many cases brands use this word as a marketing tool, in some cases this word is abused to greenwash. 100% sustainability is impossible but we do try to be conscious about our responsibilities as a label. Let us state what our approach to conscious fashion looks like to us and to our FAMily.
Everything we do has an impact, leaves a footprint. It is our goal to make this imprint as positive as is commercially possible. We reduce our carbon footprint in a number of creative ways and make sure that all the people involved with FAM are positively empowered.
How We Achieve This
Sustainable Design
Short-lived trends are not in our vocabulary. We strive to make clothing that transcends seasons and stay with you for the longest possible time. We like to think of our collection as a capsule. As our environment changes and temperatures fluctuate, we deem it important that our clothing is versatile and that certain pieces can easily transition the seasons with you.
Each year we design and produce two transseasonal capsule collections for which we choose fabrics that are suitable for summer as well as winter.
Sustainable Production
We have chosen to have all of our clothing produced in Europe to ensure a minimal amount of transportation and a working environment that is congruent with European Social law.
Ilda and Manuel are the proud owners of a small family business in Portugal and have themselves sewn our very first FAM pieces. This was the start of a very fruitful collaboration and a way to make sure that our clothing is made to last by well paid happy people. Happy people are important if we are to build a new world together.
Sustainable Fabrics And Printing
Technology and industry have made impressive advancements in the last years however we still have a long way to go to produce fabrics that are versatile, durable and ecologically innovative at the same time.
Although the possibilities are sometimes still limited, we put a lot of effort into sourcing fabrics that help us achieve both our goals in regards to conscious fashion as a company and our aesthetic goals as a fashion label.
All of our prints are designed in Belgium and printed in Europe with inks that pollute less and with a process that significantly reduces water consumption.
Transparency
It is important for us that you, our beloved FAM, are provided the tools to make decisions with integrity and enable you to consume and buy in such a way that is in line with your environmental and social ethics.
In striving for perfection, we have learned it is unattainable. Today it is strictly impossible to do everything 100% sustainably but we are encouraged to know our society and economy are slowly changing directions. We have you to thank for this and it is you and your choices as a consumer that can help us achieve a world where a well thought through approach to conscious fashion can become our collective reality.
Washing Prescriptions
Buying conscious clothing is an excellent first step in reducing our carbon footprint. The second step would be to make our clothes last longer so that we don’t have to throw them away
The Story
Before she created FAM, Vanessa Beniers was racing through life, like a lot of us, working a busy job with little creative satisfaction. Right after losing her mother and later also her job, she hit a metaphorical wall and crashed.
Loss is destructive but destruction always means opportunity, so Vanessa started digging for things that could give her life a renewed sense of meaning. She promised herself to never put another dream in a box, to unapologetically stand for what she believes in and to let love and passion guide her way. Turning her setbacks into wins ultimately guided her back to her childhood passion, her love for fine clothes.
Friendship And Collaboration
Life has a funny way of bringing the right people together at exactly the right moment. Around the same time Vanessa decided to enroll herself in several courses on patternmaking, fabrics and business she met Clarisse Rocha.
Clarisse was making a sustainable impact with her organic farming business in Portugal until the economic crisis hit. She felt forced to leave her home country and family to become a cleaner in Belgium and found a job working for Vanessa. As they both shared their stories about life and loss, they also shared their dreams and found common passions. A deep friendship was born and so was the drive to share their love for fashion and sustainability.
A few years later this friendship has grown into a strong collaboration. Clarisse was able to move back to Portugal and now manages FAM’s entire production process.
Meet The FAMily
We are a fashion brand but first and foremost, we are people. People who laugh and cry and crave connection. People who love hard and believe in the magic of community.
We are a fashion brand but first and foremost, we are human. We are more than cold measurements of size and weight, of revenue and efficiency. We want to put our humanity front and center in all of our endeavours. We don’t build a community around our brand, we build our brand around our community. People are the driving force and people are the reason we center our values around sustainability and inclusiveness. It is our connection with one another that makes our work worthwhile. When we feel we are all working towards a common goal we feel united and empowered. When we see that we share the same values, hopes and dreams, we start to consider ourselves a FAMily.
This is us, the FAMily.
Get to know us.
Vanessa
Designer & Founder
My favorite song: La Foule – Edith Piaff
Most loved FAM item: Our Mona dress, for its endless versatility.
A talent I am proud of: My creativity, being grateful in every situation and my ability to forge deep bonds with people.
On being a FAMme: It’s all about authenticity for me and embodying the duality of my sensitive sides and my badass edges.
FAMbitions: Make our brand grow by building it with the right people; our FAMily. Bringing about a change in our mindsets when it comes to dressing sustainably and making FAM an established value in this market.
Clarisse
Head Of Production & Quality Manager
My favorite song: Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
Most loved FAM item: Our Hanna Jumpsuit
A talent I am proud of: Connecting the creative aspects of the brand with the technical. My ability to easily connect with other people and making them smile in stressful situations. I love taking care of people and am also considered the mom of the family.
FAMbitions: To see FAM grow into an internationally successful brand.
Anaïs
Creative Community Manager
My favorite song: Lazy Nina – Greg Phillinganes
Most loved FAM item: Ash & Lee in Dark Clay Tencel
A talent I am proud of: My creative side – exploring & expressing new ideas.
FAMbitions: Spreading our message with creative content that reflects our FAM values. To not be afraid of being a little silly or breaking boundaries in order to reach our goal of a sustainable and ethical future.
Ilda & Manuel
When researching how we would tackle the production of our garments, one of our fabric suppliers gave us an address. We didn’t have a phone number to make an appointment so we just drove there and were immediately welcomed as family.
Everything just clicked and after discussing some things over a nice dinner that Ilda and Manuel had prepared for us we decided that these were the people who would handle our production. Soon after that Ilda made our very first FAM piece because she deeply believed this was the start of an amazing adventure together. She couldn’t have been more right.
Ilda and Manuel are now irreplaceable members of our FAMily. Our connection is deep and the amount of care and perfection they put into the production is uncomparable. We could not do this without them.
Katrien
Print Designer
My favorite song: Roam – The B52’s
A talent I am proud of: My sense of color, my capacity to capture ambiance and feeling with my drawings.
On being a FAMme: Sharing values and visions with a community of likeminded people is what’s important to me.
FAMbitions: To make women feel joyful and unique in their FAM outfits.
Celine
Wordsmith & Visual Content Creator
My favorite song: Millionaire (ft. Andre 3000) – Kelis
Most loved FAM item: All of our Kate trousers, they are incredibly flattering.
A talent I am proud of: Living and thinking outside of the box.
On being a FAMme: Embracing the full scope of what I am, trusting my intuition and not waiting for anyone’s approval to stray off the beaten path is what makes me feel complete.
FAMbitions: To be a drop in the ocean of people who are working towards a sustainable and inclusive future. That our mindful way of doing business will one day outweigh the impacts of fast fashion.
Sophie
Producer Prototypes
My favorite song: Boys will be boys – Dua Lipa
A talent I am proud of: My ability to turn a 2D design into a 3D garment and the sewing skills I need to accomplish that.
Most loved FAM item: I absolutely love the Elise jumpsuit.
FAMbitions:I want to keep improving communication between the design team and production team to produce high-quality garments.
Christel
Marketing Coach
You
The FAMme We Design For
You’re the star of our FAMily because your choices as a consumer are driving the real change. You are making our dreams possible and for that we love you, we thank you, we see you. Keep shining, keep doing you.
Ooievaarsnest 16 Gentbrugge 9050 Belgium
Suit Solutions
Suit SolutionsInfo
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
Info
Fashion is the Extension of Imagination:
Perfectionist, objective observant, sincere and above all spontaneous, Esmeralda has built on her experiences by working with different companies, while always following a positive philosophy.
Please click on the middle crosses for more details.
Born in Strasbourg (France),…
the child of a Spanish artist mother, she started travelling and drawing at a very early age. She lived her childhood mostly between Berlin (Germany) and Conil de la Frontera (Spain) surrounded by various fabrics and paintings of her mother, who was her biggest Muse. The great contrast between both cities of her childhood also enlarged her cultural and artistic mind.
With a desire to discover more cultures,…
she embarked on an international business career in Strasbourg. However, her artistic soul was stirring and thus with no hesitation, she left to Brussels in order to make her dream come true: to become a Fashion Designer.
During those three years studying in Brussels…
she discovered the Art Nouveau, and was integrated into the fashion world. She designed successfully unique creations for the Fantasy Film Festival and for the Bouglione Circus. She also took part in catwalks, and did her work experience in an Haute Couture company in Berlin. Her most enriching experience was her first public fashion show, with her haute couture collection, inspired by Chess game. This was when she realized that being a fashion designer would always be her passion.
She returned to her roots in Barcelona…
and worked for CUSTO BARCELONA. Following her experience at Custo Barcelona, she created a fashion shoe collection for Juba Trading Portugal.
In order to improve her technical and creative skills as a designer,…
she integrated into the team at Levi Strauss Europe in Brussels. After this, she joined the pioneer team in Amsterdam to build up LEVI’S XX with amazing brands LVC (Levi’s Vintage Clothing) and LMC (Levi’s Made and Crafted).
Following her ever-present need for quality growing experience,…
she worked for BVBA 32 in Antwerp for the luxury prêt-a-porter brand, Thimister.
Finally, the moment to explore new challenges arrived…
The dream of an 8 year old girl had to become reality, so, in March 2013, she decided to launch her very own brand,SMARACK.
Since then,…
she has participated in several catwalks and designer tradeshows.
Now,her brand SMARACK and tailoring service continues to grow,…
as builds a powerful reputation in the design world. She is freelancing and consulting other major design brands.
Rue des Chartreux, 48b Kartuizersstraat 1st floor Brussels 1000 Belgium
EMMA et MOI
EMMA et MOIbijoux et accessoires de mariage / juwelenInfo
EMMA et MOI – a jewellery label from Belgium.
Here, at EMMA et MOI, we love minimalist lines and natural beauty and focuses on these two aesthetics to create wearable jewellery, designed to be slipped on day in and day out. Gemstones, brass, vintage findings, and dainty chains are the trademark of our designs. If you love subtle forms, clean lines, light colors and natural stones means that we vibe in the same direction 🙂
It’s 100% handmade jewellery
We know, there is no enough jewelry 🙂 Accessories are a very important finishing touch to every outfit. Every year we create few collections in small batches. These collections are inspired by different themes. We choose the themes that inspired us and light up our passion. Our goal is to make jewelry that that portray our love for subtle forms, clean lines and a light color scheme that brings joy to the eyes and to the heart.
We make everything ourself: we design, choose supplies, craft the pieces; we make photos, manage orders, beautifully pack them and ship to you. So when you get your package, you should know, that we work hard and put lots of care to every detail to make you happy with purchase. We hope that our customers also feel unique when wearing our pieces.
It’s jewellery made in Belgium
It is in our studio in heart of Antwerp the magic happens. Our goal is to make jewelry that that portray our love for subtle forms, clean lines and a beautiful color scheme that brings joy to the eyes
and to the heart.
Local manufacturing, quality EU components, eco-friendly packaging and even usage of a bike to bring your packages to the post office to reduce pollution – are part of our philosophy.
Lange Koepoortstraat 55 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Oscar the Collection
Oscar the CollectionInfo
About the brand
OSCAR’s modern and minimal vision of luxury has been created in 2017. Looking for a feminine and easy spirit, the brand has its own identity by its obsession of softness, a delicate palette and what can only be called coziness.
Refresh your wardrobe with a piece from our gorgeous ready-to-wear collection, featuring beautifully crafted dresses, sweaters, skirts, tops and trousers.
Whether you’re searching for a special occasion, casual streetstyle or updating your work wardrobe.
OSCAR The Collection has you covered.
Venecolaan 52L Aalter 9880 Belgium
Info
Akaso is a co-creation label and the brainchild of Philippe Vertriest, father of two Ethiopian born daughters and great believer in Africa’s creative talent. From the encounter with a book on African body painting art, he developed the Akaso collaborative design concept, uniting the Kara tribe in Ethiopia with the resident Belgian Akaso designers.
The Kara people in Ethiopia are one of Africa’s most authentic tribal people and reknown for their abstract body painting art : a fascinating act of transformation, using the skin as a canvas and the earth as a palette.
From co-creation workshops between six young Kara body painting artists – men and women – and two Belgian designers rises the Akaso collection fusing one of Africa’s oldest art forms with an urban contemporary spirit.
Akaso comes from the Italian ‘a caso’ meaning ‘by coincidence’, reflecting the many coincidences that Philippe encountered on his route that brought him to the Akaso co-creation vision. ‘There is no coincidence in this life – just follow your intuition, however bold the path may be’.