Belgium: Birds of Paradise at Momu

July 21, 2014July 21, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

At MoMu, the fashion museum of Antwerp, a gorgeous exhibition is happening lately. Birds of Paradise: Plumes and feathers in fashion is a tribute to the elegance and refinement of plumes and feathers used in the industry. Thanks for their beauty, fragility and value they had various connotations and were used throughout the fashion history. The exhibition (having creations by designer like Thierry Mugler, Riccardo Tisci, Ann Demeulemeester, Olivier Theykens or Miuccia Prada) addresses aspects such as luxury, chic, freedom, femininity, lightness but also modernism and dark romance. For the exhibition, British sculptor Kate MccGwire set up some of her works made of pigeon feathers to engage in an interesting dialogue with couture fashion and Irving Penn photographs. Being in Antwerp till August 24th, you must see this fashion event!

Belgium: A.F. Vandevorst

July 20, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

A.F. Vandevorst is a brand I knew before, but I have never been too interested in it. Until I visited Belgium. First of all, you need to know these two simple equation: A.F. = Filip Arickx, while Vandevorst = Ann Vandevorst. And these two are quiet, cool couple, which created a Belgian, red-crossed brand which may be easily spotted thanks to it’s characteristics. Over the years, the duo’s influences have ranged from S&M-tinged clinical uniforms (such as the SS 2007 nun habits, SS 2008 PVC trenchcoats, FW 2014 army cargo, and their signature red cross logo) to German artists such as Joseph Beuys and choreographer Pina Bausch, and a week spent with the Samburu tribe in Kenya (SS 2012). Looking at their archives, I am impressed- the brand is so sophisticated and interesting. But it always keeps it’s specific, dark-romance style.

Antwerp: GRAANMARKT 13

July 19, 2014June 22, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

At the end of a square with 13 trees counted twice, there is a pretty large, cozy space called just like it’s address- Graanmarkt 13. Designed by Vincent Van Buysen, filled with palm trees, huge windows and various house decorations, we’ve got the most charming place in the whole Antwerpen. The store sells woman’s and men’s fashion brands like Isabel Marant, Marni or MSGM. You will also find fragrances by Maison Francis Kurkdijan… while the store itself is a fantastic place, they also have a beautiful restaurant downstairs which serves fresh and organic foodies. Graanmarkt 13 is not only a good place for shopping, but also a place where you must be while staying in Antwerp!