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Our story
Founder and designer
Hi,
I am Evelyne, founder and designer of KUNOKA shoes.
I want to tell you my story from the start and it will get a little personal. I have been in shoe business for many years and I initially worked for Italian houses whose quality products I honored.
However, year after year I saw things change; the business became less lucrative because of overseas competition. Step by step, I noticed that I saw less people in the factories that I visited every year, although sold volumes did not fall back at the same pace. I felt something was not right. I could tell… I know shoes, I know craftsmanship, I know what it should feel like, I know how they should smell…
I had to realize that bit by bit production was outsourced oversees and no one wanted to admit. I started thinking is this what I want to stand for? It kept me out of my sleep and I thought about this for weeks ….
The idea behind the brand
This is the point where I started to play with the idea of creating my own brand that should be fully honest and should have the best possible sustainable approach.
I wanted the environmental impact of my project to be as low as possible and I wanted to be 100% sure that there will be no human cost at my project.
Every KUNOKA shoe is touched by real humans with families and their own set of dreams and I could not bare the idea that someone, somewhere in my project would have to struggle to survive or to feed their children or work in a toxic environment.
This I why I choose to work with a family-owned Portuguese atelier, where I can see what happens, where I know the people and where I can feel and touch every step in the birth of a KUNOKA shoe.
The second advantage of producing nearby is that we exclude the extreme environmental impact of overseas transport. Which brings me to my second concern, environmental impact which is a hard knot to untie in shoe business.
Challenges
I started by developing different prototypes and I wanted to know everything: what are they made of? Can we not change this into that? What is the effect of this? Where does this sole comes from? What is in the sole? Who makes them? How much water does it cost? How comfortable are they? Can they be modern and beautiful enough? – Hey yes, fashion remains my natural habitat and I don’t want to bring another sustainable brand which’ appearance or comfort aspect makes it obvious that the brand is sustainable.
I went on and on and made everybody – including myself – crazy. I was making progress but there were so many uncertainties and more than once doubt just hit me in the face … Would I ever find the courage to finally jump and officially go for this project?
The last of many signs…
I kept on doubting until the memorisable meeting in New York central park, this was the last of many signs I needed. Gabriella KUNOKA, who I did not know until that day, making a remark about the prototype I was wearing at that moment, convincing me that I should go for this beautiful project! Ever since, I realize every day, what I do might not be perfect, but it is not by finger pointing or complaining and sitting still that we will make progress. It is what I actually do what counts. And this is the whole story, this is how KUNOKA was born.
Always striving for the best
We are not perfect; we – and the entire industry – have a long way to go, but every initiative, how small it might look, makes a difference!
And I am proud of how far we have come and of any difference we can make, I guarantee that I will always strive for the best possible sustainable approach and I promise that this is just the beginning!
Let’s be kind to people and be kind to our world.
Love, Evelyne.
Kortrijksesteenweg 1092/G Gent 9051 Belgium
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ABOUT US
Made to fit and extraordinarily comfortable, Sizable underwear is the benchmark for the modern man.
As the first layer between our intimate selves and another person’s gaze, we should think of our underwear as a second skin. Although we know it’s there, we ought to be able to forget it. When it comes to choosing underwear, comfort is our main priority. But how can it be comfortable if it is mass produced, sloppily designed and comes in standard sizes? In other words, if it will fit more or less anyone, but doesn’t fit anyone well? It pulls here, it’s too tight there, it moves, it irritates, it sags and finally you throw it away! If we take time and care choosing our shoes, trousers and coats, why not do the same for essential, indispensable underwear? In that respect, Sizable satisfies both a demand and a need.
Perfectly fitting, moisture-absorbing Sizable underwear lets you feel fresh and comfortable all day long. You’ll soon realise how luxurious it is. And with Sizable, you can afford it.
SECOND SKIN, FIRST PRIORITY
By definition, we wear our underwear between our skin and our clothing – except for Superman, that is. It is crucial, therefore, for it to combine several qualities all day, every day. Sizable products offer a combination of comfort, breathability and softness. They are a pleasure to touch and a joy to wear.
MADE-TO-FIT
Inspired by the philosophy of classic craftsmanship, Sizable has devised three body types – Jim, Joe and Jack – three lines competing to achieve a single goal: to ensure your underwear is the perfect fit.
Our garments and underwear are light and invisible, once you’re wearing them, you forget them. You can go about your day with complete peace of mind, Sizable has got you covered.
ETHICALLY MADE IN EUROPE
Created from durable fiber like eucalyptus, bamboo and organic cotton, Sizable garments and underwear are environmentally friendly, sustainable and 100% European-made. In short, eco-responsibility combined with elegance at affordable prices. Sizable is tomorrow’s fashion today.
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.
Holemans
HolemansMore Info
From religious art to the art of jewellery making, a finely chiselled story… Holemans is synonymous with elegance and classicism, its style developing from generation to generation, balancing respect for tradition with a desire to innovate.
HENRI HOLEMANS,
GREAT RELIGIOUS ARTIST AND GOLDSMITH
The Atelier Holemans is founded by Henri Holemans. His religious works can still be admired at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels.
1922
Henri Holemans learns the art of using natural lacquers on metal from a Japanese Master, a trade secret passed down from father to son.
1928
JEAN HOLEMANS,
THE CREATIVE JEWELLER
Jean Holemans takes over the family workshop and refocuses on the more irreverent allure of jewellery. An inspired artist, he himself designs each piece of jewellery and creates the Holemans style.
1960
Jean Holemans creates the legendary Antelope Solitaire ring and introduces use of lacquers on precious metals, a first in Belgium.
1981
THIERRY HOLEMANS
THE BOLD STRATEGIST
Thierry Holemans takes up the jewellery torch and creates themed collections.
1990
Holemans Jewellers opens a store in Place Vendôme, Paris.
1998
MOÏSE MANN
THE PASSIONATE CRAFTSMAN
Thierry Holemans entrusts the running of the family business to Moïse Mann who knows the Maison well having worked there for nearly 20 years.
2013
A cherished emblem of Belgian jewellery-making for almost a century, Holemans rewrites its history in a new setting, the Place du Grand Sablon.
4. PLACE DU GRAND SABLON Brussels 1000 Belgium
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Le Sanglier
Le Sanglier is a workshop devoted to the creation of leather products that are completely handcrafted and unique. These creations are mainly dedicated to vegetable tanned leather. This type of tanning gives some of the most robust leathers and the most conducive to patina by their simple use. Perfect combination between the durability of a product and its unique and lively side.
Our products.
By purchasing a Le Sanglier product, you are offering yourself a durable and personal object made in a unique way. Then you will be alone in control.
Le Sanglier products are generally guaranteed for life for normal use. Scratches, scrapes and general patina are not covered by this warranty.
Ordering your products
The aim of this workshop is to devote itself as much as possible to personalized creations. This is why, sometimes, I ask you to participate a little more than on other e-shops where all the products are directly sold as is. It is often possible via the choices offered to personalize your future goods (color, sizes, types of buckles, etc., type of leather, etc.) or even to contact me in order to offer things that are not on this site. That’s what’s exciting.
It is your idea that feeds my new creations. You can also participate in what you buy.
Hectare Galerie
Hectare GalerieMore Info
Welcome to Hectare, a contemporary jewellery gallery located in the heart of the Châtelain district in Brussels. Hectare, a unique address to discover the creations of Chloé Noyon, Lou Sautreau, Sabine Herman as well as a sharp selection of Belgian or international designers.
Come and visit us from Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm!
We choose our designers from the heart. Entirely handmade in the artists’ workshops, discover jewellery in gold, silver, wood, Plexiglas, copper and textiles. Discover them in the “creators” tab.
Rue Faider 86 Brussels 1050 Belgium
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
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
Theo Eyewear
Theo EyewearMore Info
theo history
What began as a memo… on an order form has developed into the slogan for the most headstrong Belgian brand of spectacles: ’theo loves you’. To this very day the motto connects everything theo does, every decision, every collection. It was the love for their clients that made Wim Somers and Patrick Hoet, opticians with their own store, decide to design and present a collection under the name of theo. Why? Well, simple: because they wanted to offer their clients something other than the mainstream glasses that were selling at the time. So, in 1989, the first theo glasses became a fact. And they were groundbreaking. With every following collection, it became increasingly easier to reach the consumer. Today, more than 20 years later, theo is sold in 1,400 stores across 50 countries… and theo loves them all!
Originally theo only addressed the avant-garde. Later however, the glasses began to appeal to a wider audience. But theo always had a soft spot for the individualist. So in order to generate interest among trendsetters again, ‘Eye-witness’ was launched in May 1995. These spectacles were apparently unfinished and asymmetrical. Eye-witness wearers are often men and women who are kindred spirits. The Eye-witness line still exists today and every year new models are launched.
In 2004, theo announced its co-operation with the German-Belgian designer Christoph Broich. This cross-pollination between fashion and eyewear proved a hit. The sunglasses Broich and theo were recognisable by the safety pin in the spring. Four years later, theo started collaborating with Belgian designer Tim Van Steenbergen on its new collection of sunglasses. The two Antwerp labels joined forces and have since been producing spectacles that radiate glamour and sophistication. In 2012, theo & Tim presented their forth collection together. And they are working hard on the next one.
To celebrate its 20th birthday, theo presented the ‘VinGtage’ collection at Mido 2007. theo is famous for its small glasses, of course, making this ‘Vingtage’ collection (vingt ans d’age! = 20 years in French – one of Belgium’s official languages) quite a departure. The focus has definitely shifted from the eyes to the face. Yet these glasses are in no way similar to what people wore some forty years ago – these are spectacles for the present times, and indeed spectacular.
theo like to be unpredictable. For a new optical collection in 2010, theo started working with James Van Vossel, a creative spirit who was given carte blanche, resulting in a series with no equivalent. More models to come!
The theo headquarters are located in Antwerp. Mik and Toon, two of the three sons of Big Boss Wim Somers, joined the business a few years ago. Third son Jan joined his mother Jamme at the theo – Somers Optiek store. Nowadays, more than thirty people work for theo in Europe, the US and Japan. So this small family business has developed into a major player in the international optics market. Patrick Hoet sold his shares to Wim about 15 years ago. Nevertheless Patrick stays exclusive designer for theo. Meanwhile theo has its own design team that works together closely with Patrick.
And so, theo keeps on surprising!
theo loves you!
Headquarters Arsenaalstraat 3 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Flagship Store Theo – Somers Optiek Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
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LA PREMIÈRE BOUTIQUE DE CADEAUX ÉCO-RESPONSABLES ZÉRO DÉCHET DE BRUXELLES
Orybany rassemble une communauté d’artisans/créateurs locaux. Nos activités se déclinent sur 4 axes : la boutique éthique et durable – les ateliers créatifs – les marchés de créateurs – un accompagnement de nos artisans/créateurs pour le développement de leurs activités. Découvrez notre sélection de produits éthiques et durables sur notre E-Shop.
ENSEMBLE VERS UN NOUVEAU MODÈLE DE CONSOMMATION
La communauté des artisans/créateurs d’Orybany porte à bras le corps le projet d’Orybany. Tous soucieux de proposer un mode de vie éthique, écologique et durable, nous mettons tous nos énergies à vous proposer des alternatives de consommation en accord avec nos valeurs. Comme chaque petit geste compte et comme le changement commence par soi, nous voulons faire la différence et incarner le changement.
Aujourd’hui, Orybany est la première boutique de cadeaux éco-responsables zéro-déchet de Bruxelles.
L’ASBL Ateliers Orybany est un concept fédérateur de la scène créative bruxelloise lancé en 2013 par Juliette Berguet et Liliane Malemo, le projet est maintenant porté par la communauté des artisans/créateurs qui forme la famille d’Orybany. De la boutique, à l’atelier, en passant par l’organisation des ventes privées et des marchés d’artisans/créateurs (anciennement connu sous le nom de “Re:Creation Hall/ Marché de Demain”) ; l’ASBL Ateliers Orybany promeut un modèle économique de proximité, avec une dimension durable et sociale.
OryBany est la combinaison des mots « Oryginis » -les origines- et « Banynga » – la communauté – en langue lingala. D’où viennent les hommes, la matière ressource et comment leur interaction fait naître une création.
AU COEUR DE BRUXELLES
Après 6 années passées aux Ateliers des Tanneurs, l’ASBL Ateliers Orybany a posé ses valises à la Place Saint Géry depuis juin 2019.
La place Saint Géry et ses halles sont le symbole d’une cité ouverte et pluriculturelle et reflètent le caractère intimiste de la ville.
Orybany réunit dans ce lieu des artisans-créateurs locaux d’univers différents. Chaque artisans-créateur a son histoire et nous la racontons avec lui.
ARTISANS – CRÉATEURS ET MARQUE ÉTHIQUE
Les artisans-créateurs sont le coeur d’Orybany.
Notre mission est de les aider à développer leurs projets en leur offrant une vitrine, un contact avec leurs clients à travers la boutique et ou les ateliers créatifs. Malgré leur univers parfois éloignés, nous partageons les mêmes valeurs “humaines et durables” avec nos collaborateurs (artisans-créateurs & marques).
Une production locale et durable pour une consommation responsable et respectueuse de notre environnement.
Espace pour les artisans-créateur(trice)s :
Si vous aussi vous êtres créateur/créatrice de mode, à la recherche d’un endroit chaleureux, accueillant, accessible en plein centre de Bruxelles, Orybany est là pour vous.
Vous pouvez nous rejoindre de plusieurs manières:
Dans la Boutique sous forme de contrat “dépôt/vente” pour une longue période (3mois min).
Pour l’Atelier de façon ponctuel pour y organiser vos ateliers créatifs.
Pour une “Vente Exclusive” le temps d’une semaine et/ou un weekend. Nous privatisons une partie de la boutique rien que pour vous.
Pour un “Expo/Vente” le temps d’un weekend lors de nos rendez-vous mensuel.
Pour nous rejoindre, on vous invite à compléter le formulaire créateurs via ce lien .
Nous ne manquerons pas de reprendre contact avec vous dans les plus brefs délais. Besoin de plus d’informations, envoyez-nous un mail à info@orybany.com, et nous nous ferons un plaisir de vous renseigner sur nos différentes formules créateurs ainsi que nos conditions.
Orybany est avant tout un espace de co-création. Venez créer, rencontrer d’autres artisans-créateur(trice)s, partager votre passion avec eux et nos clients.
Ateliers 62 rue des Tanneurs Brussels 1000 Belgium