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!
Anja Schwerbrock
Anja SchwerbrockInfo
Anja Schwerbrock is the owner and creative director of the Anja Schwerbrock brands, based in Antwerp.
The German-born designer grew up with classical dance and was surrounded by the world of backstage and theater and later studied tailoring at Escada, Fashion design and Pattern maker in Hamburg. Travelling and working in Japan and with a background of working experience at Comme des Garcons and Dries van Noten, in 2005 Anja Schwerbrock moved to Antwerp and started her own brand. She is presenting her collection during Paris Fashion Week.
Mother of two sons, Anja Schwerbrock showed her first baby and kids collection in 2012. Treehouse by Anja Schwerbrock shows the relationship between her Women’s and Kids collections, which share the same creative inspiration, cuts and materials. Being creative as a fashion designer, Anja Schwerbrock is on the constant search of wearable expressions filled with freedom and individuality. Inspired by the world of ballet, circus and art adapted in her own unusual, non conform way. Anja Schwerbrock’s fashion is transferring fantasy into a self-confident reality, expressing a charming magic, set in contrast to metropolitan life. Her style always emanates rough and defined underlined by her exclusive use of natural high quality materials. Anja Schwerbrock’s spontaneous, communicative and passionate nature flows into her style, rounding the lightness, pleasant wearing comfort and relaxed expression of her designs.
Anja Schwerbrock is also doing interior designs and corporate identities for various projects and a ceramic collection.
Kloosterstraat 175 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Jasmin Blommaert
Jasmin BlommaertInfo
‘Jasmin Blommaert’ stands for original Belgian fashion and captivating bridal wear, characterized by unique, personalized fabric designs and tailoring.
In combination with high-quality fabrics, we go for
a contemporary, stylish and comfortable look.
Clothes that are made for you…
For every occasion.
For every individual
One-stop shop and info:
Monday 12h – 18h
Thursday 12h – 19h
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
Bride / Made-to-measure clothing: by appointment only
Kontichsesteenweg 47b Aartselaar 2630 Belgium
River Woods
River WoodsInfo
River Woods is an international and authentic lifestyle brand for the whole family, reflecting strong values as friendship, family values and the sheer joy of living!
River Woods’ origins lie in a bygone era, the North-Eastern American lifestyle served as a source of inspiration for the creation of the brand. Translated into a commercial and contemporary collection, River Woods since then evolved into a brand offering casual and city collections for the whole family. Men, women, boys, girls and even babies and newborns, the whole family can dress in River Woods.
The key factors of the growth and succes of the brand are a strict adherance to quality and a keen and exclusive distribution strategy. Through high-level multibrand stores and the well-known River Woods Company Stores, River Woods has put itself on the map.
The origins: An inspiring era
The wind blows through the lush crowns of the majestic oak trees of North Eastern America. This is the era of true friendship and strong values. This is the era of the origins of River Woods: authentic sportswear which embraces family, solidarity and the shear joy of living, and reflects the spirit of the true North-Eastern American lifestyle.
The beginning: Birth of River Woods
It was the 6th of December 1995 when four friends signed for the realisation of a mutual dream: their own fashion brand. By combining their years of experience and knowledge in the fashion sector, River Woods was born.
From Belgium to…: First menswear collection
On the 6th of January 1996 the trading began with the introduction of a Menswear Collection. Thanks to its strict adherence to quality and the perfect translation of the authentic American sportswear to the European market, it was an immediate hit. In fact, the brand began with an exponential growth in Belgium, The Netherlands and France.
New launches: Introduction of Women’s and Kids collections
The success of the Menswear Collection quickly lead to the introduction of a complete range of clothing for Women and Kids. River Woods became a brand for the whole family.
First Flagship store: Creation of River Woods Baby
Following the successful debut of the Women & Kids collections, in 2000 the River Woods Baby subdivision was created. This year the first River Woods Flagship store opened in Wijnegem Shopping Center, near Antwerp. River Woods continues its expansion through new partnerships throughout Europe …
Manufacturers & Distributors: The story of our success
As of 2001 a rapid expansion of the brand throughout Europe is established with a keen distribution policy. Focusing on high-end multilabel stores and the by now well known exclusive River Woods Company Stores has proven to be a recipe for succes.
New agreements: Footwear and River Woods stationary collection
In 2005 the license agreements for a River Woods Footwear collection and a River Woods school stationary collection are made.
Global Expansion: River Woods’ network
By now, River Woods has established a solid distribution network throughout Europe, and is ever strengthening its worldwide position by expanding its network outside Europe. It is now present in 22 Countries in the World : Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and USA.
First RW Kids Store: New Opening
On the 23rd of January 2011, River Woods opens its first dedicated RW Kids store, at Wijnegem Shopping Center near Antwerp.
RW Casual Chic: New Opening
On the 29th of July 2011, a second River Woods Casual Chic store opens its doors in Knokke, Belgium. It offers exclusively the contemporary River Woods Ladies’ collection, and is an immediate hit.
Catalina J
Catalina JInfo
WHO WE ARE
Since 2007 she designed for several women’s wear fashion brands, launching her first label collection in 2016 in order to build a strong visual brand identity, dedicated to modern and individual femininity. Catalina J develops a refined construction of actual silhouette with elaborated crafted lines and sharp details inspired from Couture technique.
Dedicated to intelligent, active and stylish woman, dresses Catalina J are the image of a truly modern urban spirit. Her signature stems are empowered by the mix between geometric cuts and pure lines. The outstanding design places the studied grace of feminine body in the spotlight revealing a continuous search of proportion, fabric and color matching.
Headed in the creative process by inspirational themes in continue progress such as art, architecture and technology, the designer highlights a minimalist, yet polished profile with clean cut, soft and superfine adds up to a superior sartorial vision.
An important step in our brand development now is identifying and implementing innovative-sustainable solutions, choosing the right and responsible way of creating.
OUR APPROACH
We are interested in bringing innovative solutions and sustainable approaches through our active research on how to develop, produce and deliver best and original designs for our customers at the same time minimizing impact on the planet.
Our new journey started in 2018 when we decided to use for our next collection organic certified cotton and next steps are to add other low impact and natural fabrics to our designs.
A new challenge that marks a new beginning for our brand strategy – a responsible consuming lifestyle that correctly integrates into our future creative process.
FABRICS
We source the purest and high quality fabrics directly from our certified suppliers which have already a well established reputation and tradition in producing it.
The organic cotton is certified with international Global Organic Standard GOTS and OEKO Tex standard for textile.
Also we use low impact fabrics which biodegrade faster and use less water to produce them: viscose, tencel and recycled fabrics.
Great things are happening in this space, with many more to come!
OUR VISION
We aim to tell stories through our collections, building a strong identity of high quality, ethically made garments with a conscious concept and sustainable practices behind.
We love to create with respect for our customers and the environment. That’s why we decided to integrate the slow fashion process, and to implement ethic and sustainable opportunities for our production, made in EU.
We bring value and enhanced product experiences to our customer – next to creative signature design while using organic certified fabrics for our collections.
Avenue de Broqueville 94 BRUXELLES 1200 Belgium
Info
no more grey days – upcycled fashion products
NMGD designs, reworks and upcycles for fashion lovers who wish to support our ambition to create sustainable fashion. We capture the beauty and value of what is already out there and creatively rework second hand- flee market findings, fabric cut offs or overstock to new, beloved products. With natural dyes and hand-stitched artwork we avoid chemical printing processes.
Every single piece is therefore personal and unique with an individual note.
no more grey days opposes fast fashion and mass production and is created locally, one-at-a-time. as a passion.
For those who want to do good to themselves by purchasing a unique, beautiful piece, and at the same time spare our planet a fraction of further exploitation.
de merodelei 31 Antwerpen 2600 Belgium
Caroline Foulon
Caroline Foulon
Info
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
La Rosa
La RosaInfo
Matteo La Rosa started the brand in June 2019.
In October 2020, he showed his first official collection to the public during Paris Fashion Week.
In June 2021, his second collection was shown through an online show. His first official men’s collection was shown then.
Matteo La Rosa is a Belgian/italian fashion designer and stylist from Antwerp. In 2019 he started his label MATTEO LA ROSA .
He mainly takes inspiration from the 80s. Where he is inspired by music such as new wave. The darkness and the color black he draws fully on to his collections.
Matteo designs for the powerful woman. A woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to show it. He embraces the female body in a way of pure elegance and adores how the garments fall over the body. The essence of this comes from his strong bond with his mother and grandmother. Two power women in Matteo La Rosa’s life.
Although he designs his silhouettes based on the female body, gender neutrality plays a very important role in Matteo’s designs. He actually designs for the person rather than the gender.
He usually shows his creations on models where the phenomenon of “woman” or “man” is non-existent. Only a true harmony between the garment and the body.
The sustainability aspect is very important in Matteo’s design process. Thus, everything is made in MATTEO LA ROSA’s own ateliers in Belgium.
He does not have a large stock of garments which means that no unnecessary fabrics are used and no waste is produced.
The brand MATTEO LA ROSA is built from a love for recycling old pieces and transforming them into new pret a porter pieces. As a result, each new collection will be a mix of archive pieces and newly produced pieces.
Collections include pieces for both men and women who feel good in an edgy basic silhouette of monotone colors.
Weg naar As 255 Genk 3600 Belgium
WIM BRUYNOOGHE, BORN BRUGES IN 1988, IS A BELGIAN DESIGNER AND GRADUATE OF THE FASHION DEPARTMENT OF THE ANTWERP ROYAL ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.