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DIDDA
Being a ‘touche à tout’ with a theoretical background in art history & anthropology, and a bottom-up one in i.a. jewelry-design, sculpture, maroquinerie, I found myself playing around with leather way too long… So, that’s when DIDDA came up.
DIDDA was born out of a passion for craftsmanship and the desire to make durable goods with personality. Is it possible to merge beauty, functionality and sustainability?
For me, there’s nothing more challenging and rewarding than building a solid companion – to care and carry – out of a skin with my bare hands. And also, I admit, just for the smell of it…
I love building functional goods; playing with dualities; line vs volume, format and function, contrast in materials and texture, concept vs detail, directness and confusion, always searching for that certain tension.
PRODUCTION
All my leather goods are unique and handmade in my modernist rooftop-atelier in Laken – Belgium.
DIDDA proposes a main ‘solid’ collection and a more volatile one; a series of unique one-shots
made in the mood of the day. Your order can be personalized (length, left/right wear etc.) or completely tailor-made. Don’t hesitate to contact me for quotes and special requests.
All DIDDA goods are made of locally sourced skins. The leather is – depending on the design – either veg-tan, up-cycled or production residue from meat-production.
For me (an this is a vegetarian speaking…), no other material can yet replace the touch, feel and quality of leather (although we keep a wide eye open on upcoming alternatives). This very emotive and ancient material used by man – to carry and protect – remains for me a very ecological choice. It is a leftover natural material, ages nicely and with good care, a high quality leather DIDDA-bag will last at least a lifetime.
MATERIALS
*Vegtan leather:
Vegtan or vegetable tanned leather is tanned with natural materials like tree bark. Less than 10% of the world’s leather is tanned this way today. Vegtan is a thicker and stronger leather, so the designs don’t need lining, which makes the bags lighter. Vegtan has that gorgeous leather smell, tends to age better and develops a rich patina over time. This eco-friendly product is the ideal material to most of the ‘neat’ DIDDA designs. Color-options are smaller (mostly black/nude and cognac). The leather is sourced at a Belgian tannery.
*Standard full-grain leather
This leather is generally rather smooth and comes in a wide variety of colors, textures and finishing. All the skins used by DIDDA come from European tanneries (meeting the highest standards) and are
a leftover product from meat-industry. Always keep in mind that leather is a natural product that once had a life, so every skin will
have his story and tiny imperfections, which adds up to the charm and patina.
*Lining
I prefer to work with 100 % leather lining, mostly pigskin. It makes the bag slightly more heavy but it’s much stronger & more consistent in design.
*Zippers
5mm or 7mm metal zippers of superior quality by Belgian Zip Factory KROKO (zip manufacturer since 1944).
*Rope / sling
I mainly use 10 or 11mm round non-stretch/static polyamide cord of superior quality (used by sailors & mountaineers). This material – supplied by the ‘maisons’ corderie Smits-Henin and Corderie Barrois, can bear extreme (weather) conditions and will probably last forever.
When the design includes flat slings; those are made of 100% leather, sometimes doubled with flat polypropylene belts of superior quality provided by corderie Smits-Henin. These add up to the strength and anti-stretch of the slings.
Adrien Bayetlaan 11 Laken 1020 Belgium
Lies Mertens
Lies MertensSteenhouwersvest 6 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Michael Guérisse O’Leary
Michael Guérisse O’LearyMore Info
After graduating from the Victor Horta Institute of Architecture in Brussels, Michael Guérisse O’Leary studied leatherwork at Les Arts et Métiers de Bruxelles under a master craftsman from the Maison Delvaux.
In his designs one can see architectural influence subtly expressed through geometric and sculptured forms.
Each piece is carefully handcrafted with great measure of care in a constant pursuit of perfect proportions, simplicity and unconventional beauty.
The collections are inspired by master architects and designers such as Andrée Putman, Gae Aulenti, Gio Ponti, Richard Serra, Alvar Aalto.
As a tribute to his grandfather, he decided to name his brand after him. Albert Guérisse was a member of the belgian resistance during the Second World War. After Belgium was forced to surrender, he escaped to Great Britain to continue the fight under the cover name of ‘Pat O’Leary’. In London he met secret agent Sylvia Coopersmith, working for Military Intelligence. He eventually married her in 1946.
Pat O’Leary went on to organize one of the biggest escape routes of the Second World War.
Annelies Timmermans
Annelies TimmermansMore Info
ANNELIES TIMMERMANS collection stands for unique, luxurious handbags.
The collection is a fascinating melting pot of Belgian conceptual roots and the interest in the famous italian culture of leather artisans. The result is a series of handbags that reflect the perfection of an incredible know-how and talent, combined with the strong will to give women practical, functional, but extraordinary refined handbags.
With styling, production and distribution in own hands, the ANNELIES TIMMERMANS handbags represent the embodiment of the contemporary woman, class and timeless quality.
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ABOUT US
NIELS PEERAER
is an eponymous leather goods label, founded by Antwerp designer Niels Peeraer, established and based in Paris ca. 2011
VISION & CHAPTER 2/
After 8 years of introducing our “no limit to cuteness” it’s time to start writing a second chapter to our storyline, and use a more translated approach to cuteness. Continuing a genderless balance of sensitivity vs. toughness, but shifting from a focus on ornamentation to a more elaborate form study and styling versatility, while keeping our practical architectural volumes.
We decided to still keep our first generation classics available in our Made to Order section, which will be handmade in our Paris atelier. All our pieces are created without any gender-tag, they are here for to any human who feels connected to them.
TECHNIQUE/
Niels Peeraer bags have no stitching, and are entirely assembled through screws and custom made gold or nickle hardware.
Through this self-developed technique we can achieve cleaner lines and strength on our pieces.
MATERIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY/
Our vegetable tanned cow hide is sourced from Scandinavia, as a byproduct from meat consumption. In respect for the animal, we use the leather in its entirety, including parts that others might regard as imperfections.
We’re strong believers in the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi 「侘寂」, finding beauty in imperfections, always with deep respect and appreciation for the integrity of the natural materials and processes.
We do not use lining or cover the inside of our pieces, but use a special waxing-process to create a smooth surface, as well as use a natural gum-based finish for our edges. It’s important for us not to use any chemical or environmental toxic component within our materials, nor production process.
All our materials are sourced within Europe and our pieces are handmade in either Spain or our own atelier in Paris, to minimize our footprint.
17 Rue de Picardie Paris 75003 France
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Marie-Laurence Stévigny is a belgian fashion designer graduated from Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne in Paris in 1990 and from Institut Bischoffsheim in Bruxelles in 1989. She also studied shoe design at Afpic school in Paris and followed courses at Central Sint Martins college of art and design in London. She gain international experience from years of creative collaboration at Nina Ricci design studio in Paris where she created accessories collections from 1990 until 1998 and in London with British designer Bill Amberg as senior accessoires designer in charge of accessories collection for men women and children. In 2004 she formed her own international design studio MLSTUDIO based in Brussels, with offices in Brussels and in Paris. MLSTUDIO services a diverse and global set of clients within the luxury fashion and lifestyle business. The Studio is focused on the design principle of: ‘creating accessories which are inherently more than just accessories’. In 2010 Marie and MLSTUDIO win a gold fashion awards in Los Angeles for the IDA competition (International design awards ) with the 2010 Agnelle gloves collection. In January 2015 after more than ten years of creative collaborations MLStudio starts a new chapter in its business with the coordinated bags and gloves collection branded under Marie-Laurence Stévigny by Agnelle.
In September 2015 at Maisons de Mode, Marie-Laurence Stévigny win the accessories price from Who’s Next/Première Classe with Marie-Laurence Stévigny by Agnelle collection also received an “guest” space within Première Classe Paris fair in March 2016.
3 rue Emile Bouilliot Brussels 1050 Belgium
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THE BRAND
OUR STORY
Founded in 2015, Yeba is the first contemporary accessory brand with African roots to ascend the world of luxury handbags.
Yeba aims at championing women to reveal their greatness and fulfill their potential. We design modern and timeless essentials, highest quality handbags drawing inspiration from both modern aesthetics(such as architecture) and Yeba’s African heritage from Benin. Perfect balance between modernity and tradition, our handbags are beautiful objects with a soul, handcrafted by fine Italian artisans to last longer than a lifetime. They are pieces to keep tight by your side on your journey towards self-accomplishment.
At heart, founder Yeba believes that every woman has a true inner talent. This way, her accessory should help her not to lose sight of what is already there deep inside. Wearing the name ‘Yeba’ is simply wearing an invisible crown – a crown that has been passed down as heritage from a long line of strong women to you. This name, this title, is the bond that unites all of us, as one community, with roots all over the world, animated by the same yearning heart, the same ambition to fulfill ourselves and have a positive impact in this world.
Yeba means – the one born to accomplish her destiny. It is a state of mind, a philosophy, a mindset. A legacy.
THE LEGEND OF YEBA
Hundreds years ago, in the land of the hills of Benin, the first Yeba was born. She became Queen after her father died on the battlefield. To everyone’s surprise, she led her troops to victory. As she wanted her domain to be a peaceful one, she forged alliances with subregion tribes. She did something no woman or man had done before.
She gave birth to three sons and she made them promise to name their first daughters Yeba, which now means ‘the one born to fulfill her destiny.’
When you are called Yeba, it implies that there is nothing you cannot accomplish.
If this Queen’s spirit could speak today, it would tell you…
Embracing this anything-is-possible mindset and philosophy, we want to create ‘elegant & feminine’, yet practical, chic business essentials that fit into modern women’s lifestyles. The Yeba woman is confident and aspirational. Each essential she wears becomes a statement that reflects her personal drive.
Most of the time, she’s on the go, walking her way down to life like nothing can stop her. Smiley and focused, she is intelligent, driven & confident, knowing that there is no limit to what she can accomplish or choose to be.
Yeba Olayé is a Belgian-Beninese designer. Two years ago, she left behind her career in management consulting to pursue her dream: create an aspirational luxury brand. Starting with nothing but a sketchbook, she ultimately turned her vision into reality: her beautiful collection ‘Premiere’ and her undefeated passion inspires.
Yeba designs for a woman who lives in the present and moves toward achieving herself; a woman that is aspirational and wants to be the lead of her own story.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
MADE IN ITALY
Our handbags are made in Italy, by pure & authentic craftsmen with exceptional precision and care.
THE FOUNDER
YEBA OLAYÉ
Born in Benin and raised in Europe, Creative director and founder Yeba Olayé is a multi-faceted talent who left behind a career of more than 10 years in Management consulting and finance to pursue her dream: create an aspirational accessory brand. Starting with nothing but a sketchbook, she ultimately turned her vision into reality.
Yeba believes that every woman has greatness and talent within her and designs accessories as reminders to not lose sight of what is already there. Launching this brand was a way to carry her passion, culture and heritage forward.
Her love of fashion joins a passion for craftsmanship, design, and humanitarianism to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that will remain by your side forever.
34, Rue du Pont Levis Brussels 1200 Belgium
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WELCOME TO
OUR BEAUTIFUL
CHAOS
Essentiel Antwerp stands for refreshing, offbeat & luxurious fashion, renowned for its graphic or floral prints and trendy mixes of color. The rich and unique collections are designed to provoke an emotional response.
STEP INTO OUR WORLD WHERE IMAGINATION AND BEAUTY REIGN, WHERE LACK OF ORDER CREATES A SPACE FOR SURPRISE.
The Antwerp-based brand is influenced by the numerous life experiences of its founders Esfan Eghtessadi and Inge Onsea. Esfan, the son of Nicole Cadine, grew up in a world of textiles, sketches and fashion collections. Inge had a vintage loving mother, was a fashion model and spent five years in India, where she fell in love with colors, prints and unexpected combinations.
WE WANT
TO BE YOUR
PINK PILL
In 1999 Esfan and Inge took a chance and launched a T-shirt collection. Four styles, twenty different colors: their response to the monochrome fashion landscape. After a year, the first store opened in Antwerp. Four seasons later, knitwear, jackets, dresses, shirts, and trousers in trendy colors, new materials, and an entire range of accessories were added. Essentiel Antwerp grew into a global brand with a powerful message of love, fun, and colorful surprises. A universal message that translates anywhere and everywhere in the world.
WE WANT
TO BATTLE
BOREDOM
WE CONSIDER OUR ACCESSORIES AS THE CHILLI PEPPERS IN OUR ALREADY TASTY DISH.
LIFE LOOKS BETTER IN COLOR: STAY CURIOUS AND ORIGINAL TO KEEP THINGS SURPRISING AND CELEBRATE LIFE.
Arenbergstraat 21 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Wim Bruynooghe
Wim BruynoogheMore Info
WIM BRUYNOOGHE, BORN BRUGES IN 1988, IS A BELGIAN DESIGNER AND GRADUATE OF THE FASHION DEPARTMENT OF THE ANTWERP ROYAL ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS.
ENCOURAGED BY BELGIAN PRESS, BRUYNOOGHE AND HIS PARTNER LAUR DILLEN STORMS FOUNDED THE WIM BRUYNOOGHE BRAND, PRESENTING THE FIRST READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION IN SEPTEMBER 2013.
HE SOON FOUND A PLACE FOR HIMSELF IN THE BELGIAN FASHION LANDSCAPE, WINNING THE KNACK WEEKEND AWARD AND OPENING A GUERILLA STORE IN ANTWERP IN MARCH 2015. HOUSED IN A MAGNIFICENT OFFICE BLOCK FROM BACK IN THE DAY, THE STORE PAID RESPECT TO SLEEK AND ELEGANT WIM BRUYNOOGHE GENE.
IN JANUARY 2016, THE DESIGNER WAS FEATURED ON FORBES’ ’30 UNDER 30′-LIST FOR EUROPEAN ENTREPRENEURS. HE WAS SELECTED BY THE AMERICAN BUSINESS MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE MOST PROMISING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS OF EUROPE.
ALSO IN 2016, BRUYNOOGHE WAS APPOINTED CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF UCWHY, A BRAND FOUNDED BY ANNE CHAPELLE, CEO OF BVBA 32.
DISTILLATING SPORTS INFLUENCES WHILE QUOTING AND HOMAGING THE WORK OF THE GREAT 20TH CENTURY COUTURIERS, THE NAME WIM BRUYNOOGHE HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH AN OUTSPOKEN SENSE OF ELEGANCE.
River Woods
River WoodsMore Info
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.