Isabelle Lenfant
Isabelle Lenfant
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IL concept
‘The most beautiful jewel a person can wear are the arms of the person she loves.
For those who have had the good fortune of finding this happiness and those who haven’t yet, I am here…’ (Isabelle Lenfant, inspired by Y.S.L.)
Transforming everyday objects into precious jewels and imprinting them with life’s sensibility so that they remain engraved in our memory: that is the approach chosen by Belgian jewellery designer Isabelle Lenfant for what she calls her Heart Jewels.
For Isabelle, jewels are highly symbolic: they can evoke a memory, a presence, a sense of protection…
They form a second skin… as well as a suit of armour between the body and the world, shielding it from the inevitable ups and downs that are part of a life lived to the fullest.
As Jeanne Moreau once said: ‘I don’t have much of a memory… but I do have souvenirs’. Jewels are that souvenir…
This jewel tells a story… Isabelle’s dream is that the people who wear her designs will appropriate them and imbue them with their own history, their own symbolism – their life, quite simply – and that they will thus wear… la vie en rose.
Isabelle Lenfant’s initials – ‘IL’ – blend both femininity and masculinity.
The collection ‘IL by Isabelle Lenfant’ reimagines everyday objects, such as a Band-Aid wrapped around a finger or applied on a neck or wrist. A silver or gold diamond, in whose split genuine jewels are inserted…
The branches of a tree to remind us that we are the only solid foundation of our lives…
As Juliette Binoche once said: ‘To dream, you must have your feet on the ground. The deeper the roots, the stronger the branches’.
The pieces in the collection are in 925 silver and in 18-carat gold. Some pieces are set with precious stones such as diamonds or rubies and have been designed in the finest tradition of jewellery design.
An important part of Isabelle’s research focuses on individuality, on the adaptable nature of her designs. The chains can thus be worn in different ways, and those who wear them are thus in a sense continuing her designs. The chains are ornamented with unusual symbols: a set of keys to unlock all possibilities, envelopes that are open to receive a secret, a love letter, a plug and socket to disconnect, smashed watches and their mechanisms to arrest time and live in the present…
The pieces in the collection ‘IL by Isabelle Lenfant’ are a presence one forgets, an ‘otherwise’. They carry us into a world lit up by the beauty of experience, of not-forgetting and of individuality. A world where life is punctuated by three ellipsis points and not a full stop. A world where adaptable jewels offer a blank page to those who wear them and imprint them with their own story, their own secrets, their own symbolism and thus turn the given piece into something unique, in their own image.
Know-how
« IL by Isabelle Lenfant » ART jewels are designed hand-crafted, in the pure jewellery tradition. Made in Belgium and in France.
“IL’s” creations exist in hand-polished sterling silver (925/1000) or charcoal grey oxidized.
Silver is a living matter that individualizes each creation. In time …life tarnishes and oxidizes it….This matter itself symbolizes the concept of uniqueness that is developed thereafter in Isabelle Lenfant’s creations… it consolidates and embraces it.
As “Il by Isabelle Lenfant”’s creations are neither silver plated again nor rhodium… they oxidise in the course of time … If you want them to remain as they are just clean them with a soft cloth or use a product for silver.
Though cut to the quick as if life had already brushed them… the chains are joined together by links soldered by hand.
Lockets are also hand-cut and each of the keys is chipped in a different way … that makes them unique.
Polishing makes it a mirror… reflecting shades and lights…
A large part of Isabelle Lenfant’s search focuses on individuality, on the adjustable side of her creations. Chains can be worn in various ways, in different lengths … what allows the one wearing the jewel to make it his/her own.
The Collection extends to 18 carat gold items, black, white…but mainly pink ones to wear life in another way.
Gold is a matter that time can’t deteriorate. That way it symbolizes the sparkle kept in our eyes despite our own life’s chaos…
Today “Il by Isabelle Lenfant” ‘s creations are set with precious stones, according to the stones symbolic and colours, inside the ring allowing the skin to be in contact with the stone and its qualities
Own desires and secrets could also be engraved…
Custom-made jewels to transform the proposed item into one unique piece reflecting the one who will adopt it….
29 rue vilain XIV Brussels 1000 Belgium
Isabelle Azaïs
Isabelle AzaïsMore Info
Isabelle Azais studied visual Arts at Fine Arts in France, but it’s with the creation of couture and contemporary jewelry that she made herself known. For ten years leather jewelry was her first specialty. Her workshop showroom is accessible to public, in the heart of Brussels.
Since 2013 she focuses on working with recycled plastic.
With packing straps she creates graphic jewelry that draw urban environments on the body, like fro example with the ‘PUBLIC BENCH’ brooch. The jewelry is particularly light, often coming from working sites and building material packings.
The latest collection of big brooches is called ‘Seventh continent’. The jewelry is totally and only made with plastic bags collected in streets. Working on them with heat, she obtains translucid surfaces and floating volumes that recall the world of seabed and corals. This jewelry is to make people aware of urban and marine pollution through a delicate recycling work of valuing waste.”
Rue du Marché au Charbon, 96 Brussels 1000 Belgium
In den Beer
In den BeerMore Info
ABOUT US
The story of In den Beer begins with Achille Flamand and Marcella Rigole. In 1947 they started their own dream, a fabric store.
70 years later, In den Beer has grown into one of the largest fabric stores in Belgium. A shop where every day they toil hard to find the perfect fabric for every customer. Be it for curtains, wedding clothes, crafts, pyjamas or something else. You can contact us!
In the meantime, the third generation is already working in the shop, so a real family business with a heart for fabric.
Our webshop is only a fraction of what we have in our store. New fabrics arrive every day!
Hopefully see you soon!
Kate and Thomas
OPENING HOURS
MONDAY: 08:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:00
TUESDAY 08:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:00
WEDNESDAY: 08:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:00
THURSDAY: 08:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:00
FRIDAY: 08:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 18:00
SATURDAY: 08:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 17:30
Deerlijksesteenweg 159 Harelbeke 8530 Belgium
ID-Couture
ID-CoutureMore Info
About Isabelle
As a child Isabelle had a special interest in fabrics, threads and buttons. During her studies in cutting and seaming, that interest grew into a true passion. Isabelle has been meticulously joining fabrics for more than 10 years. Seams, hems and buttons provide a professional finish.
Do you already have an idea or do you give Isabelle creative freedom? The result may always be there.
You will soon be showing off customization from ID Couture.
Special occasions call for special clothing.
Looking for an original party outfit?
Then be sure to visit ID Couture. Clothing that makes you feel good, that makes you shine, that makes you happy, Isabelle can take care of that.
You can come to ID Couture for every small, large or grand occasion. You can certainly count on a lot of compliments on your big day.
Do you have a repair or adjustment job? You can also contact ID Couture for large and small retouches. Isabelle makes sure your clothes fit like a glove
I Love Mr. Mittens
I Love Mr. MittensMore Info
When Belgian born Stéphanie Caulier visited a small knitting cafe in New York back in 2007, she was reminded of her childhood passion of knitting. Growing up in a family surrounded by knitting and sewing, it was only natural that Stéphanie developed an interest in knitwear. It has been a labour of love over the years and from small beginnings of knitting for family and friends, the brand has evolved into `I love Mr Mittens`. Stéphanie’s passion for knitwear and design is clearly illustrated through her multiple social media avenues and her masses of followers built in the last few years.
Whilst not following traditional academic design study, Stephanie has honed her skills through years of experience in her chosen craft. She combines this knowledge with her keen fashion eye to create a line of unique chunky wool garments.
I Love Mr Mittens is not only a fashion label, it is a label based upon community and sustainability whilst maintaining timeless aesthetics. This ideal also flows through to the I Love Mr Mittens stockists. The I Love Mr Mittens range is available through a carefully selected array of stockists. Quality over quantity is Stephanie’s vision for her brand and this is seen through her select group of stockists across the globe. It is also important to recognise I love Mr Mittens “Heartworking” philosophy. Each garment is hand knitted with love by Stephanie and her team. This collaboration of small, independent businesses (rather than large conglomerates) completes the vision of I love Mr Mittens to create a brand that provides a genuine contribution back to the local community. University students and retired pensioners alike, work with a common objective of executing Stephanie’s vision of how knitwear should be, simple, elegant, timeless and fashionable.
HEAD OFFICE 101 Napier street Cottesloe WA 6011 Australia
Isabelle Baines
Isabelle BainesMore Info
Isabelle Baines lives and works in Brussels. She graduated from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the costume design section under Mme. Mary Prijot, and worked for theatres in Brussels, Paris and Geneva. Prior to presenting her first knitwear collection in 1985, she worked for Ann Salens in Antwerp and M. Baron Industries in New York City. Isabelle Baines opened her first boutique in Brussels in 1986 and launched the knitting workshop in 2003.
Atelier
All Isabelle Baines designs are conceived and developed at her workshop in Brussels, where an artisanal, handcrafted approach reigns supreme.
For our limited-edition ‘Atelier Collection’, we use only the finest quality Italian merino wools, in a carefully chosen palette of colors. All our garments are knit, hand-sewn and finished by us at our workshop – right down to the buttonholes! Some sweaters, made of very fine threads, are produced under our personal supervision by a specialist family-run workshop in the Marche region of Italy. We’ve worked for them for years, and they understand our spirit and standards. Your Size, Your Color! Ask about having your sweater custom-made.
Ingrid Verhoeven
Ingrid VerhoevenMore Info
MY STORY
My work is influenced by the colors and shapes that I enjoy having around me. I like the precision and craftsmanship so many objects and art pieces – past and present – are made with. I also find pleasure in the playful and ordinary things I encounter in everyday life. This combination of playfulness and precise technique can be found in my collections.
Earlier work clearly communicates my affection for Modernism and Constructivism. And although gradually my work has become gentler and more female, still today these schools remain sources of inspiration. Both images are compilations of ‘sketches’ I made throughout the years. The picture also contains a favourite painting, in small print, of Wassily Kandinsky.
All rings, bracelets and necklaces, made in the workshop after March 2012, are marked with this graphic logo.
The jewelry is designed and produced in the private workshop in Antwerp. Some pieces, like the paper pieces, lacquered dots, rings and bracelets, take a few weeks to finish because they need time to dry and harden.
Important for me, and fun, is the research I do. Throughout the years I collected (and continue to do so) images of Art and Applied Art of favourite Artists. This study helped to build up a personal graphical style.
I do sometimes look at other (antique) jewelry, but my main sources of inspiration lay elsewhere.
The second step in the design process is sketching. Not only by making tests in metal, as shown above, but also by drawing and writing about the work
Besides working with classical materials like silver and gold, I look for other ways of bringing print and color into my jewelry. This often results in working with ‘ordinary’ office supplies, such as vintage Dymo tapes and Letratone prints, the latter were used a lot by graphic designers and architects in the Eighties. I also use ink, paint, markers and dry color pigments.
These non-common materials and various sources of inspiration, form a base for my work.
Generaal Eisenhowerlei 40 Antwerp 2140 Belgium
More Info
ILKECOP (°2015) is a young high end label for women based in Brussels. All our garments are fully produced in Belgium with extreme care and attention to detail. This way we guarantee an honest production process with fair wages as well as a low ecological burden on the environment as shipping is minimized.
1aangepast
Ilke Cop (°1988) graduated in June 2014 from the fashion department of the academy of Sint-Niklaas (Belgium). In March 2015 she launched her own label ILKECOP and presented her first capsule collection ‘Extinct’ for A/W1516.
“As an art historian and young fashion designer I aspire to bring a refreshing view on women’s wear. The fun and wonder of fashion are essential to my collections.”
KOOLMIJNENKAAI 64 BRUSSELS 1080 Belgium
Isabelle
IsabelleBruidskledij & RetouchesMore Info
About Isabelle
Completely tailor-made bridal and suite clothing and evening dresses in the fabric you want! Large selection of fabrics, patterns, accessories and shoes. Also retouching and adjusting clothing. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about our bridal and suite attire!
Repair or retouch of your favorite pants
It’s a crisis, and your wardrobe feels that too. However, you don’t have to be scruffy about it. Because what you bring to Isabelle from Ghent as worn out, gets a new life under her hands. In this way you also recover old clothes that are in fashion again: everything will come back one day.
Bought a pair of jeans that just drag to the floor? Or is your floral dress too wide under the armpits? Isabelle takes care of the retouching of your clothing … so that it fits like a glove!
You can also contact us for wedding dresses.
Treasure of material
The zipper on your bright yellow pants is broken. You have lost a silver button from the row on your vest. Chances are that Isabelle has what you are looking for – and then she does not hesitate to use her large stock. Does she not find that specific substance? Then she recovers that from another part of your blouse, so that your sleeve is still subtly closed.
Adjusting bridal and suite attire
When you get married or walk into the suite, all eyes are on you. Thanks to Isabelle, you look great: she makes tailor-made bridal and suite clothing, and sells matching shoes. Have you lost your nerves by the big day? Or, on the contrary, thickened? With a few retouches by Isabelle, your party attire is completely tailor-made again!
Retouching or repair of your clothing?
You do not have to make an appointment. Just drop by Isabelle’s. From Tuesday to Friday between 9 am and 12 noon and between 2 pm and 6 pm. On Saturdays between 9.30am and 12pm, and 2pm and 4.30pm.
Opening hours
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday
09:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 18:00
Wednesday
09:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 18:00
Thursday
09:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 18:00
Friday
09:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 18:00
Saturday
09:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:30
Closed on Sundays
Dampoortstraat 56 Gent 9000 Belgium
Ieperband
IeperbandMore Info
IEPERBAND NV
Early 1973 the American multinational Allied Chemical (later Allied Corporation) established a production plant called Klippan in Ieper, Belgium. Its task was to manufacture and assemble parts of safety belts to subassemblies. The final assembly was done in the European associated companies that also sold the products. At that time the company employed 600 people.
At the end of 1981 Klippan nv was closed due to economical reasons. Three months later the weaving mill started new production, yet its reduced version was no longer interesting to Allied and the company decided to sell Klippan. IEPERBAND nv was established in 1983.
Thanks to investments in looms and dyeing installations IEPERBAND nv soon grew and won a European market share of approximately 25%, in just a few years time.
To be able to survive in an extremely competitive market IEPERBAND nv merged with the German ELASTIC BERGER Gmbh company in 1987, co-manufacturer of woven band with establishments in Germany, Ireland and Spain.
BERGER GROUP
In Europe, the BERGER GROUP is a leader in the car safety belts industry and has production plants in Belgium, Spain, Germany and China. Besides Europe, it has smaller market shares in China and the United States of America.
The parent company in Germany was established by owner Johann Berger in 1968. First, only elastic bands were produced. Later on, the company discovered the potential of car safety belts.
The BERGER GROUP owes its success also to its approximately 400 committed, motivated and innovative employees. They form a valuable potential whereby development and innovation, aimed at the international market requirements, are at the centre.
The consequent development of the technical safety fabrics’ technology, based on the demands of the car industry, along with the help of the Tier 1 customers, offers the Berger Group an exclusive opportunity to develop and market new technologies.
ACTIVITIES
IEPERBAND nv manufactures woven band for safety belts in cars. This includes weaving, dyeing, setting, winding-up, checking and cutting to size.
The various types of bands are homologated by the Tier 1 customers and the car manufacturer, this means that the woven band is only produced after a formal approval of a particular reference sample. The base material is high tenacity polyester yarn.
The European safety belt market is characterised by its transparency and oligopolic features. The number of yarn suppliers, weaving mills manufacturing safety belts and system manufacturers is therefore rather limited. The pressure of Asian yarn suppliers increases. To maintain its competitive position the Berger Group works with Asian yarn suppliers
The overall annual use in the European car industry is a known and easy to observe item of information. The proportional market share of the various woven band manufactures is therefore rather easy to determine.
Cheap raw materials, labour costs control, flexibility and quality are becoming more and more the basic elements defining the power of the company.
Higher quality demands and the ever increasing price pressure forces us to constantly optimise our processes, and to manufacture in a more productive and cheaper manner.
OOSTKAAI 22 IEPER 8900 Belgium