Annette Kölling
Annette Kölling
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
Catalina J
Catalina JInfo
WHO WE ARE
Since 2007 she designed for several women’s wear fashion brands, launching her first label collection in 2016 in order to build a strong visual brand identity, dedicated to modern and individual femininity. Catalina J develops a refined construction of actual silhouette with elaborated crafted lines and sharp details inspired from Couture technique.
Dedicated to intelligent, active and stylish woman, dresses Catalina J are the image of a truly modern urban spirit. Her signature stems are empowered by the mix between geometric cuts and pure lines. The outstanding design places the studied grace of feminine body in the spotlight revealing a continuous search of proportion, fabric and color matching.
Headed in the creative process by inspirational themes in continue progress such as art, architecture and technology, the designer highlights a minimalist, yet polished profile with clean cut, soft and superfine adds up to a superior sartorial vision.
An important step in our brand development now is identifying and implementing innovative-sustainable solutions, choosing the right and responsible way of creating.
OUR APPROACH
We are interested in bringing innovative solutions and sustainable approaches through our active research on how to develop, produce and deliver best and original designs for our customers at the same time minimizing impact on the planet.
Our new journey started in 2018 when we decided to use for our next collection organic certified cotton and next steps are to add other low impact and natural fabrics to our designs.
A new challenge that marks a new beginning for our brand strategy – a responsible consuming lifestyle that correctly integrates into our future creative process.
FABRICS
We source the purest and high quality fabrics directly from our certified suppliers which have already a well established reputation and tradition in producing it.
The organic cotton is certified with international Global Organic Standard GOTS and OEKO Tex standard for textile.
Also we use low impact fabrics which biodegrade faster and use less water to produce them: viscose, tencel and recycled fabrics.
Great things are happening in this space, with many more to come!
OUR VISION
We aim to tell stories through our collections, building a strong identity of high quality, ethically made garments with a conscious concept and sustainable practices behind.
We love to create with respect for our customers and the environment. That’s why we decided to integrate the slow fashion process, and to implement ethic and sustainable opportunities for our production, made in EU.
We bring value and enhanced product experiences to our customer – next to creative signature design while using organic certified fabrics for our collections.
Avenue de Broqueville 94 BRUXELLES 1200 Belgium
Sarah Josis
Sarah JosisInfo
Sarah Josis studied fashion design and journalism in Brussels, her home town. After a post-master’s degree at S Mode in Paris, the young designer started working for major fashion houses such as Burberry and Joseph. It was only natural that she wanted to start her own business in Brussels.
In a desire to keep a line in phase with her time and her creative desire, the designer has developed a line for weddings, minimal and timeless.
WOMEN OF CHARACTERHer latest collection is anchored in an era where the modern woman combines strength and softness. From an early age, Sarah Josis has always been surrounded by women of character who have inspired her creative evolution. Seeing her grandmother elegantly wear a jacket with a clean cut, masculine and almost committed to her time, was the reason for this collection launched from its centerpiece, the masculine-feminine jacket proposed for a resolutely modern marriage.
In a society where the impression of being against the current, the designer wanted to carry more than just a collection but a movement of words, an ode to union where each piece carries the wish to defend a sustainable future and where we are one with the ecological and ethical values in which the designer believes. Marriage becomes a strong symbol where the garment takes on a minimalist look with clean but straightforward lines. Each fabric, whose material is designed to be combined with a certain colourful future, allows us to project ourselves towards more than just a single event.
Info
In 1876, François Van Roy founded an independent company producing work clothes. After World War One his son Otto started the weaving mill, followed, after World War Two, by a production workshop making its own collection of men shirts. In 1965 grandson Robrecht Van Roy and his wife Vic Meersschaut switched from the own gentleman’s collection to concentrate on production of ladies’ blouses and men’s shirts under contract. In 1997 the old firm became a public limited company, V.R. Embroidery.
In 1999 Robrecht’s children Steven and Els took over as active partners. They worked with the designers Vicky Vinck and Katrien Strijbol to develop a full collection for women wich resulted in Just in Case. In 2002, VRE has an embroidery department and contract work as well as its own collection, JUST IN CASE
Just in Case is a Belgian high profile fashion brand sold in an impressive list of countries. Antwerp based designers Vicky Vinck and Katrien Strijbol create sophisticated collections for women as romantic as they are. Amongst the clients you will find famous and not so famous women, yet all strong characters.
The collection explores as well boundaries of former fashion styles with romantic & fashionable details which Vicky & Katrien draw or create themselves. This makes the collection recognisable by the public and is regarded as highly fashionable. Women waring Just In Case will not pass unnoticed and are often complimented out of the blue with their choice of clothes.
PAROCHIESTRAAT 98 DENDERLEEUW 9472 Belgium
Info
ABOUT
For several years we have remained a regular partner of various top brands that appreciate both our flexibility, a no-nonsense mentality and young dynamics.
WHAT WE DO
As a lot of people are stitching them at home to help many amongst us, we decided to sell our stock fabrics online too.
HISTORY
- Acquisition in 1996 and became a family company
- Family Company based in Bruges
- Production 100% in Poland
- 1999 – 2001: Taking over
- ‘ROMILUXE’ – bed and bath textiles for babies
- ‘VERONICA MODE ATELIER’ (high fashion wage company)
- Sampling & Finishing Plant Belgium
- ‘PAS DE DEUX’ maternity brand
- 2014 – 2016: End of our brands ‘Romiluxe’ and ‘Pas de Deux’
- 2016: 100% Ladies Wear Wage Company
- 2017: Plant in TUNISIA
Pathoekeweg 50 Brugge 8000 BE
Info
Frieda Degeyter
Frieda Degeyter studied Fashion Design at the Royal Academy of fine arts in Antwerp, Belgium.
From 1993 till now she worked for several labels.
In 1997 she launched her own collection.
At the moment she is still creating and working on different projects.
Barbara Degeyter
After graduating in Graphic Design in Antwerp in 1995, Barbara has been working for several years for Belgium based magazines.
Since 2001, she attends an open ceramics studio near Breda where she has further developed her interest for object design.
Ma Reine et Moi
Ma Reine et MoiInfo
“Marraine was born on January 6, 1916 in Ans, a municipality in the province of Liège. She moved with her family to Roeselare in 1924. She learned to speak Flemish by reading the newspaper. She married and had two daughters and four grandchildren. one of those grandchildren, Martine Veranneman, born in 1969.”
In 2007 I started my own girls clothing line: Blathine. That was an exciting, intense time. But eventually it became a business and I missed the joy of the craftsmanship, the real handiwork and the direct contact with the customer, the carrier of my work.
In 2018 I changed course. I now only work on a small scale on order. I create tailor-made (wedding) clothing and take into account the individuality of the customer.
The approach is also unique: I don’t shy away from incorporating worn clothing with emotional value into a contemporary, new design. It is very pleasant to grow with the customer’s expectation to that moment when the result is allowed to see the world, usually that is a very special occasion.”
“Simplicity and elegance are my trademark. Wonderful “slow fashion”: the slow growth from a first sketch to tailor-made clothing that fits perfectly and a radiant customer.”
Did you know that I also teach?
As soon as Corona allows it again, workshops will be scheduled!
Design your own garment
During different modules I teach you to draw basic patterns to your own size. Then you analyze different models and I show you how you can convert them into your own pattern.
Possible modules are skirt, pants, dress, blouse, blazer and coat. Short classes each time.
New creative workshops are also planned:
– making lingerie
– dried flowers
– jewellery
-etc.
Naamsesteenweg 380E Heverlee 3001 Belgium
River Woods
River WoodsInfo
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.
Pierre Antoine Vettorello
Pierre Antoine VettorelloInfo
The work of Pierre Antoine Vettorello focuses on using textile design and clothes as a foundation for narrative. He makes sculptural and statement silhouettes that represent militancy and poetry. Some are inspired by military technologies, ordinary materials, West African textiles and materials, and methods learned during tours and workshops. As a designer, he seeks to incorporate hand-made processes and discarded elements into the creation of clothes and forms in order to center them in his work. As a human being and a scholar, he is challenging our personal relationship with our sartorial past, as well as how we manufacture mythologies about ‘designers’ in Western nations, repeating colonial practices. He identifies how we view and get inspiration from the African continent, as well as how we interact with it.
Vettorello received the ASVOF Diane Pernet award in 2010 and Arise Award in 2011.
He is French-born & Ivorian, grew up in Bordeaux, now works and lives in Brussels (Belgium). He is a Ph.D. research fellow at the University of Antwerp and Sint Lucas Antwerp School of Arts.
Info
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