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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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Ma démarche depuis la sortie de mes études a toujours été axée sur la qualité, l’innovation au niveau de la technique et du design. Mon intérêt pour les grands créateurs mais également pour la production des équipementiers m’a fait évoluer vers un travail rassemblant les points forts de ces influences. Outre la mode, je me suis également essayé au street art et au design. Pour moi ces disciplines sont complémentaires. C’est pourquoi, on peut caractériser ma démarche en quelques mots : créativité, savoir faire et qualité. J’ai d’abord réalisé plusieurs collections de jeans et de basiques haut de gamme et me dirige maintenant vers une niche bien spécifique, les sneakers exclusives réalisées avec des matériaux originaux et ce, sur mesure.
En conclusion, ce qui m’est propre est le mélange de mes connaissances en patronage, en stylisme et la pratique du sport (Basket)
appliqué à l’élaboration d’un soulier urbain et polyvalent. Un vêtement ou une paire de sneakers doivent, pour moi, être intemporels et fabriqués selon des méthodes “artisanales” qui en rallongent la durée de vie et les rendent réparables (quasiment garanties à vie).
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.
Jaggs
JaggsMore Info
Chez JAGGS, vous l’avez compris, on fait des vêtements sur-mesure !
Et on ne les fait pas n’importe comment ! Non seulement notre équipe se compose des meilleurs tailleurs, mais en plus nous défendons des valeurs qui nous tiennent à cœur.
C’est ancré dans notre ADN.
De la prise de mesure au suivi de votre vêtement, en passant par un accompagnement personnalisé et des tissus sélectionnés avec expertise, notre objectif est simple : vous guider vers l’élégance.
C’est ce qu’on appelle le JAGGSSTYLE !
Clairement vous voulez en savoir plus sur ce que l’on fait chez JAGGS. Et surtout comment et pourquoi ?
C’est très simple.
Chez JAGGS on s’est fixé une mission : habiller l’homme moderne avec style et dépoussiérer le sur-mesure pour le (ré)intégrer dans le quotidien des hommes d’aujourd’hui.
En bref, on vous propose des vêtements sur-mesure pour rendre votre vestiaire élégant et adapté à votre personnalité. Et pour ça, on met l’accent sur un service digne de ce nom et un accompagnement complet et bienveillant. On est bien conscient que tout le monde n’a pas l’habitude du sur-mesure ; rassurez-vous on est là pour vous accompagner.
Concernant tissus, patronage et confection, c’est très simple : on travaille avec les meilleurs pour vous offrir le meilleur. On ne fera jamais de concession à ce sujet !
Osons le dire : JAGGS s’inscrit dans une approche novatrice.
Sans détour, on dépoussière le sur-mesure pour proposer des vêtements entièrement personnalisables qui répondent aux envies modernes d’élégance.
Notre équipe de tailleurs, d’inspiration anglaise et italienne, vous accompagne dans le choix et la création de vêtements sur-mesure uniques. Elle vous aide à adopter le gentleman style dans toutes les situations.
Que ce soit en fonction de votre morphologie ou d’un désir particulier, le souci du détail ou la recherche d’un confort sans pareil, chez JAGGS on répond à vos attentes.
Avec nos conseils, vous brisez les codes pour créer un style inimitable : le vôtre ! Le tout en conjuguant le dynamisme des coupes actuelles avec le meilleur de la tradition. Tout un programme !
JAGGS a toujours eu comme principe de vendre au prix le plus juste. Au-delà de cette formulation marketing, notre équipe propose un équilibre entre confection européenne, juste rémunération des couturiers et tissus de qualité tout en démocratisant le sur-mesure.
Vous trouvez donc chez nous un costume sur-mesure de qualité dès 690€ ! Et ce prix comprend les prises de mesures, une confection de qualité exclusivement européenne et un choix de tissus parmi des marques réputées telles que Scabal, Loro Piana, Hudderfield …
Une offre complète et un suivi sur-mesure sans se ruiner, what else ?
Créer de beaux vêtements sur-mesure, c’est bien. Créer des vêtements sur-mesure éthiques, c’est mieux ! C’est pourquoi JAGGS s’est engagée à préserver le savoir-faire européen.
JAGGS confectionne exclusivement dans des ateliers européens et proches de nos frontières belges. Nous pouvons de cette manière maintenir un contrôle d’excellence permanent et garder un œil sur les conditions de fabrication.
L’éthique nous tient à cœur. La qualité aussi !
Par conviction, mais surtout parce que nous avons le goût des belles choses, nous avons choisi de préserver le savoir-faire des artisans européens.
Le made in Belgium n’est pas en reste.
JAGGS a choisi d’implanter un atelier de confection sur place, à Waterloo, avec des couturières expertes pour la création de tous ses accessoires : nœuds papillon, pochettes, cravates, boutons de manchette…
Une manière de dynamiser le tissu économique local, de nous inscrire dans un circuit (très) court, mais également de répondre instantanément à la demande. La proximité immédiate avec l’atelier permet la création en temps réel de noeuds papillon sur-mesure.
C’est également dans notre atelier de Waterloo que sont effectuées toutes les retouches de vos costumes.
En 2015 on était 2. Aujourd’hui, on est 10. Et on est (presque) tous sympas !
L’équipe est un savant cocktail d’entrepreneurs, de créatifs et de passionnés.
Mais ce sont surtout des personnes souhaitant transmettre le goût de l’élégance et du travail bien fait !
Chaussée de Bruxelles, 273 Waterloo 1410 Belgium
Rue de la Monnaie, 10 Namur 5000 Belgium
Rue du Collège, 94 Verviers 4800 Belgium
18 Rue de la Chalotais Rennes 35000 France
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We develop flamboyant, high-heeled shoe-pieces in the exceptional size range 36 to 46 (EU).
We celebrate you by inviting you to step aside from established conventions.
Our pieces, supported by rich and frivolous campaign stories, are an invitation to indulgence.
hey look like forbidden fruits:
Contrasted and colorful, sweet and sexy, delicate but strong…
Because at the heart of Adult versatility reigns, expressed through playful disguise.
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Les Flemmard, c’est cosy. Ce qui est encore plus cosy, c’est de partager notre bonheur autour de nous.
NOTRE ENGAGEMENT SOCIÉTAL
Parce que la cause nous implique tout particulièrement, nous nous engageons à appliquer une discrimination positive envers les personnes porteuses d’handicap. Cela se concrétise par l’emploi de personnes en situation d’handicap et par le don de Flemmard aux personnes en chaise roulant.
Votre commandes sera prise en charge par une personne en situation d’handicap. Pour les envois, nous travaillons en effet avec un atelier protégé (une entreprise adaptée pour l’emploi de personnes en situation d’handicap). Cela garanti du coeur, de la passion et de la douceur dans chacune des boites.
Nassim est tellement bien Flemmard aux pieds qu’il a eu envie de partager son bonheur avec d’autres : nous offrons une paire de Flemmard à toute personne vivant en chaise roulante.
Si vous avez un handicap physique, prenez contact avec nous Nous serions ravis de vous faire plaisir.
Selon une enquête de Statbel (l’office belge de statistique), en Belgique, seul 24% des personnes handicapées âgées de 15 à 64 ans ont un emploi en Belgique contre 65% pour l’ensemble de la population du même âge. Les rapports de l’Insee montre une situation semblable en France.
Les Flemmard ont de l’énergie à revendre. Si vous avez un projet en faveur de l’handicap, contactez-nous. Nous pourrons voir si l’on peut vous aider : en parler autour de nous, vous aider avec nos bras / notre temps, etc
NOTRE ENGAGEMENT ÉCOLOGIQUE
Flemmard c’est un mode de vie plus écologique. Un engagement évident surtout compte tenu de l’impact environnemental de l’industrie textile version fast fashion.
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Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee… that is what Elegnano stands for.
Elegnano offers elegant, exclusive women’s shoes of the highest quality for women that are fashionable and graceful, but also know what they want in life. Elegnano lives by the motto: float like butterfly, sting like a bee. Walking through life effortless and elegant, but strong and sharp at the same time. Elegnano wants every woman to move gracefully through life – like a fairy or a butterfly – without exchanging elegance and femininity for comfort and resilience. Technological innovation and modern design make this possible. Elegnano is literally, and figuratively a fusion of elegance and nanotechnology.
The Italian craftmenship and high-tech innovation are brought together in unique designs. The design studio is based in Belgium. We pay a lot of attention to the right fit and materials of the shoes. Only top quality materials are personally selected with great care. The exclusive leather goods are handmade in the Marche in Italy, known worldwide for producing high quality footwear.
Katrien Herdewyn,s fascination for shoes started at a very young age: The four year old Katrien built a shoe shop in front of the garage and spent hours underneath tables in aisles to look at the shoes of people that walked by, without being distracted by anything above it. In 2010 she graduated as a civil engineer with a master’s degree in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the University of Leuven. After her studies she started a PhD in Sciences, in combination with studies in Footwear Design at the Academy of Fine Arts of Sint-Niklaas. She took specialized classes in Fashion Footwear Design at London College of Fashion (UK), Polimoda (Italy), Prescot & McKay (UK) and SLEM (Netherlands). Her designs are enchanting and delicate, yet edgy and sharp. The eccentric collections she designed for the Academy have already been shown in various exhibitions, fairs and fashion shows in Belgium, the Netherlands, London and Paris. In 2013 she was nominated for the Global Footwear Design Award. In 2014 she became the only Belgian finalist in the prestigious Muuse x Vogue Talents – Young Vision Award Accessories. In November 2014 Katrien started her own commercial shoe label: Elegnano.
Willem De Croylaan 35 Heverlee 3001 Belgium
Olivierstraat 21 Wezemaal 3111 Belgium
Filles à papa
Filles à papaMore Info
Lauched in 2009 by Carol and Sarah Piron, the brand FILLES A PAPA has its roots in Liège. The sisters were soon joined by fashion photographer Gregory Derkenne who, beyond his eye for aesthetics, honed the label’s ethos. The duo-cum-trio was quick to understand that fashion and style is a question of identity.
FILLES A PAPA is an attitude, a deliberate rebellious streak and a clothing line in which the word “contemporary” reveals all its paradoxes and sharpness. Postmodern you might add, as this celebration of the modern young woman reflects the cynicism of our time. Behind the propriety of the name [meaning “Daddy’s girls”] lies sharp off-the-peg fashion that attracts boutiques, magazines and it-girls around the world thanks to its offbeat mood and a perfectly calibrated fit with the here and now. FILLES A PAPA offers a very distinctive but daringly different wardrobe.
Emerging through its collections and images, which are produced each season like a manifesto, is the portrait of an heiress who hasn’t forgotten to be a rebel or a rock star who’s made her aggressiveness part of her charm. Fuse, combine, hybridize and surprise, because as philosopher Michel Serres has said, “Nothing makes more sense than changing the meaning.”
Annette Kölling
Annette KöllingMore Info
Annette graduated 2007 at the Royal Academy of fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
Since then, she has worked for major fashion and design houses within Europe.
After living eleven years abroad, Annette moved back to Germany in autumn 2013.
Settled in Berlin she is expanding her ladies shoe collection internationally.
LETTESTR.4 Berlin 10437 Germany
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BABBI was founded in 1992 by Barbara Giaclina. The founder had the desire to see her children wear home shoes that were both elegant and comfortable. She combined her passion with the “savoir-faire” of European craftsmen – working with the finest double face sheepskin wool – and thus created home shoes for the whole family.
Burggraaf Henri de Spoelberghdreef 2 Deurle 9831 Belgium