Sofie D’Hoore
Sofie D’Hoore
Boulevard Barthélémy 11 Brussels 1000 Belgium
ABOUT IREENE
Ireene is a belgian clothing brand founded by interior architect Marie Soufflet. Her
minimalist yet comfortable proposal is focused on a timeless style, a sustainable way of production and high quality materials. The design of the clothes, not tied to any temporary trends, is meant to be a possible answer to fast fashion, offering mostly unique and long lasting pieces for a daily casual elegance.
slowfashion
Using only high quality upcycled fabrics from Italy, our handmade collection is designed and manufactured in Brussels by a small and local network. The reduced series crafted for each season allows for a constant evolution and renewal throughout the year.
details do matter
The essential shape of our clothes is reinforced by the straight cut of the models based on the « less is more » idea. The apparent minimalism is highlighted by ribbons, invisible openings or pockets and outside stitching. These subtle details invite us to understand the creative process in a surprising way.
genderfluid
We want to distance ourselves from the classic gendered fashion by designing mostly unisex clothing. We ditched traditional clichés in favor of a playful and mixed collection, offering anyone to create their own identity.
cité du sureau 17 Brussels 1000 Belgium
Tales and Tailoring
Created in winter 2012, with passionate know-how, and addressed to informed connoisseurs, the new Belgian brand created by Marcy Szwarcburt reflects an original concept of nightwear to be worn both indoors and outdoors during the day as by night, chic and trendy.
An absolute Must Have for the happy few
A subtle blend of cool elegance, nonchalance and an aristocratic dandy fantasy.
A quintessential dress code for the cream of the crop
A variation of subtle materials and very high quality accessories has been selected to create this collection and translate the brand’s philosophy.
Pure Pima cottons, double and triple twisted, crisp poplins, oxfords or plain or lined cotton satins, checks or dots.
Exclusive prints are created each season according to its theme.
Mother-of-pearl buttons, braids, piping, and edging finish the garment which will be embroidered with interlaced double MM for the final touch.
The man behind the brand
Marcy Szwarcburt created his first pajamas in 1984
After more than 22 years at the helm of Donaldson and five years of wise thinking, Marcy has kept intact his aesthetic sense and his taste for things well done.
His know-how and his passion for beautiful materials, impeccable cuts and finishes as well as a very personal sense of humor are found in his new creation Maison Marcy
rue de l’Abbaye 7 Brussels 1050 Belgium
BE. by Emilie Beaumont
BE. by Emilie BeaumontGRADUATED IN FASHION DESIGN AT THE BRUSSELS SCHOOL OF “LA CAMBRE” IN 2007, EMILIE BEAUMONT HAS GAINED A LOT OF VISIBILITY OVER THE YEARS.
AFTER BEING THE FINAL CONTENDERS AT THE BRUSSELS “FASHION WEEKEND” IN 2006, SHE WAS ALSO RETAINED AMONG THE TEN FINALISTS AT THE WELL KNOWN FASHION FESTIVAL AT HYÈRES (FRANCE) IN 2007. IT WAS AT THIS FESTIVAL THAT SHE WAS SPOTTED BY CHRISTIAN LACROIX, PRESIDENT OF THE JURY, WHO EXPRESSED HIS PARTICULAR INTEREST IN HER COLLECTIONS DURING AN INTERVIEW ON FRANCE 3 TELEVISION.
EMILIE BEAUMONT STARTED HER PROFESSIONAL CAREER THROUGH VARIOUS EXPERIENCES AT FASHION HOUSES SPECIALIZED IN PRÊT-A-PORTER AND LUXURY PRODUCTS. SHE FOLLOWED TRAININGS AT VERONIQUE BRANQHINO’S IN ANTWERP, AT LOEWE’S IN MADRID AND WITH THE FAMOUS ALEXANDER MCQUEEN IN LONDON.
HER PROJECTS AND UNDERTAKINGS IN THE WORLD OF FASHION HAVE BEEN AS VARIED AS PLENTIFUL: A “LIVE” DRAWING OF A SILHOUETTE AT THE 2008 INAUGURATION OF BIP (BRUSSELS INFO PLACE), PRESENTING HER COLLECTION AT THE “BREAD AND BUTTER” FAIR IN JANUARY 2008 AND A NOTABLE PARTICIPATION AT THE “SECOND HAND, SECOND LIFE” FASHION SHOW, A CHARITY EVENT IN OCTOBER 2008 DURING WHICH HER REMARKABLE PIECES WERE AUCTIONED OFF.
VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS IN BELGIUM, FRANCE AND ITALY WERE DEVOTED TO HER, REFERENCING HER RICH AND VARIED CAREER SO FAR.
EMILIE BEAUMONT HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED HER PERSONAL COLLECTION “B.E. BY EMILIE BEAUMONT” OF WHICH SHE PRESENTED HER FIRST COLLECTION FOR MEN “B.E. MEN SUMMER 2011” AT THE “BRUSSELS MODO FESTIVAL” IN OCTOBER 2010.
THROUGHOUT HER DESIGNS OF WOMEN’S CLOTHING, SHE HAS FOUND INSPIRATION IN MEN’S FASHION. DESIGNING MEN’S CLOTHING HAS BEEN THE LOGICAL NEXT STEP FOR EMILIE BEAUMONT.
DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING IN BELGIUM, EMILIE BEAUMONT DEVELOPS HER COLLECTIONS INCLUDING GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES SUCH AS A SERIES OF SCREENPRINTED LEATHER BAGS IN LIMITED QUANTITIES.
KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THIS PROMISING FASHION DESIGNER.
Rue du Marché au Charbon 95 Kolenmarkt Brussels 1000 Belgium
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
Howlin’
Howlin’ABOUT
We are an Antwerp based knitwear brand.
Since 1981 we have been producing quality knitwear in Scotland and in 2009 we launched our new label Howlin’ (scottish slang for smelly). The way of manufacturing remains traditional but Howlin’ offers more room for fantasy in shape and pattern.
At Howlin’ we strive for timeless, playful products that are made with care. So whether it is a scarf or a shaggy waistcoat; all our products are individually manufactured and hand finished by traditionally skilled craftsmen in either Scotland, Ireland or Belgium using the highest quality yarns possible.
Small is beautiful.
MADE IN SCOTLAND
Scotland has a long history of producing the best knitwear in the world and we are happy to be involved in it for over 30 years.
Since the start of Howlin’ our goal was to bring a fresh somewhat twisted approach to Scottish knitwear while respecting its rich heritage. Keeping the best of the old techniques and mix it with new technology, patterns, colors and ideas.
In an ever faster and more automated economy we are happy to slow things down and have our focus on well made products. It’s a niche, we know, but we like niche products, a lot. Just like a small record label doing hand stamped 7 inches with personal liner notes. It’s the beauty in the details.
Each Howlin’ garment is handled individually and tenderly, throughout its entire production, from the first precise stitch to the delicate pressing and folding.
All our yarns are carefully sourced according to their quality and sustainability standards. Our beloved planet earth has a special place in our heart and we think it’s the best planet out there (as far as we know) so we want to have the lowest impact on it as possible.
Our natural yarns come from local mills, some even complete all the stages of yarn production under one roof. This includes grading, scouring and dyeing fleece before colour blending, carding, spinning, twisting and balling to produce this unique 100% pure Shetland yarn.
A quality which is often imitated but never duplicated.
MADE IN IRELAND
Over the years we have been working closely with a small Irish family run company established centuries ago.
Together with these master crafts people we produce the highest quality knitwear with local Irish yarns.
We have to admit, at first we got strange looks when we came up with our ideas but that changed over the years, now it’s simply that classic smile when they see a new Howlin’ design.
We are very happy to contribute to this unique art and craft which is not only beautiful but also important culturally to remain alive.
Producing in Ireland (and Scotland, and Belgium) not only means you have a truly unique product in your hand, it also means that the people making your goods are well paid and looked after.
MADE IN BELGIUM
Next to our Scottish and Irish knitwear we are happy to create products in our home country Belgium.
Together with several small factories in Belgium, each carefully chosen for their own speciality, we managed to make a diverse range of products which include lighter weight knitwear, jersey and towel fabric garments.
Our goal was to create durable, functional and original products which far outlives seasonal trends.
All pieces are produced in small batches and with close attention to details.
Extra special is the fact that for our jersey we don’t import fabrics but that we knit everything entirely in-house.
Therefore we can proudly say that all our Howlin’ products are truly 100% produced in Belgium.
Nationalestraat 20 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium
Kopstraatje 3 2000 Antwerp Belgium
Kristof Buntinx
Kristof BuntinxBrussels 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!
Chauncey
ChaunceyChauncey is Belgium brand, founded by knitwear designer Nathalie Bouhana, who worked for Hermès, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Ferragamo and photographer David Sdika. The brand is a mix of traditional elegance, with a touch of humour and surrealism. Using only the highest quality yarns, Chauncey prides itself on craftsmanship. All pieces are made of the softest natural yarns in Italy
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.