Art On-design “I’m not really made to fit the general mould.” Pierre-Emmanuel Vandeputte on breaking away from the conventional with honest Belgian design Design September is launching #ikkoopbelgisch/#jachetebelge for the very first time, and help you get to grips with the unlimited talent on show, we’ve gathered together three of the brightest young things that would be foolish to miss. Continuing the mini-series is Pierre-Emmanuel Vandeputte, set to showcase at Filippa K.
Neighbourhood life Behind closed doors, the unpublished pictures A few unpublished images of our last edition's fashion story.
Art Fashion designer Mansour Badjoko wa Lileko on making real clothes The fresh-faced local designer on ideals, reality and how the fashion industry is racist, sexist and classist.
Neighbourhood life New kids on the block: Bayer & Bayer There's a new, English-inspired barbershop in town and it's called Bayer & Bayer.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing Brainbox, Richard Serra and Happy birthday dear Academy ...plus Catclub, Gedi Sibony and Everything and More at Tim Van Laere
Neighbourhood life The Word Magazine All*Stars: Max and Randa Shoes say more about you than any of the rest of your wardrobe picks. And sneakers say even more.
Neighbourhood life The Word Magazine All*Stars: Damien and Olivier “They really are my gig and festival sneakers. They could write a book”
Home and away with Esprit’s Spring/Summer collection We preview Terry Richardson's campaign images for global fashion imprint Esprit's 2013 Spring/Summer collection.
Roos Vandekerckhove and the power of colour Pistachio green, bright red, indigo blue and fuchsia pink: a few of knitwear virtuoso Roos Vandekerckhove's favourite things...
Holiday gift guide: The Word’s Christmas wishlist We help you keep the holiday season's shopping stress levels down with this hand-picked, carefully-selected gift guide.
Five industry moves that rocked the fashion world in 2012 In fashion, you can't take anything for granted. Here are the top 5 moves that shocked and excited the industry in 2012.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing Hives, Harmonie and art a la carte.This weekend in Belgium. AB hosts the Hives, Harmonie turns two in Antwerp and the Nationa(al) Pop Up Store pops up in Brussels.
Stephan Schneider on curating the Nationa(a)l Pop Up Store We spoke with the German designer about his selection, the new generation and why a strong product is always key.
The year’s three most infamous fashion industry cat fights In the second installment of our best-of list fest, we look at the ballsiest and bitchiest fashion cat fights of 2012. Meee-ow...
Neighbourhood life The fashion world of London-based Belgian photographer Gael Delhaye London-based Belgian fashion snapper Gael Delhaye shot this series exclusively for The Word. Lucky us.
CEO Marco Probst takes Belgian luxury leathergood house Delvaux into the future "We don't need a star designer. Our product is the star": New Delvaux CEO Marco Probst talks strategy.
Art Adeline and Alexandre on the opening of Nationa(a)l Pop Up Store Cousins Adeline and Alexandre's blink-and you'll-miss-it one stop shop for Belgian creative entrepreneurs sets up in Brussels.
Annemie Verbeke on Nationa(a)l Pop Up Store Womenswear designer Annemie Verbeke gets involved in the Nationa(a)l Pop Up Store in Brussels' Châtelain neighbourhood.
Quentin De Wispelaere’s fashion photography We kick off our bi-monthly fashion series with Belgian photography talent Quentin De Wispelaere and his slightly eerie images.
MoMu director Kaat Debo on its first decade Kaat Debo waxes fashionable about the first ten years of MoMu, Antwerp's prestigious fashion museum.
Fashion photographer Zeb Daemen on androgyny and the search for timelessness Industry wunderkind Zeb Daemen talks timeless images and the appeal of shiny-skinned, alien-like women.
Illustrator Valentine De Cort teams up with Belgian fashion giant Delvaux Valentine De Cort draws the story of Delvaux's very fashionable leading lady to celebrate the revamped Le Madame bag.
Neighbourhood life An interview with the creative minds behind Belgian fashion label Percy Stone Percy Stone are yet another creative city-side couple in the early days of their joint enterprise. They answer our questions about their two's company.
Fashion designer Christian Wijnants on his 20th collection and winning the Woolmark prize Throwing a big party to celebrate winning the Woolmark prize is not really Christian Wijnants' thing, he's saving his energies for Paris next year.
Neighbourhood life An interview with Antwerp-based German designer Daniel Andresen Antwerp-based German designer Daniel Andresen took time out to chat to us about subjects close to his heart, like the textures and imperfections of a well-spun yarn
The weekend has landed "All that exists now is clubs, drugs, pubs and parties. They’ve got 48 hours off from the world..." Our pink album's fashion series shot by Antwerp-based photographer Kris De Smedt.
Antwerp-based girl DJ duo Soren on gigs and good looks We met up at Antwerp's Café Normo with Amélie Lens and Rosalie De Meyer to talk about Søren, the DJ act they launched together last year.
Belgian stylist Benoît Béthume on the launch of Mémoire Universelle, his new bookazine Stylist Benoît Béthume's bookazine Mémoire Universelle is more book than magazine. The first issue's about love, and it's about to hit a shelf near you.
An interview with fashion designer Joanne Vanden Avenne Designer Joanne Vanden Avenne is mixing architectural shapes with luxurious fabrics and dreaming of a flagship store in Paris.
Neighbourhood life Fashion designer Étienne Derœux on his American road trip-inspired collection Designer Étienne Derœux went roadtripping across the USA à la Jack Kerouac where the formality and tradition of American dress informed his third and latest collection.
Neighbourhood life Antwerp’s Helder: a design studio and interior store all in one At the helm at Antwerp's Helder are a couple of designers whose own creations accompany those of a myriad of young international names...
Neighbourhood life Brussels retail tastemaker La Fabrika’s ode to design restraint Number two on our tour of Belgium's most exciting design shops is Brussels’ La Fabrika, a 230 square metre patch of the city's design-friendly Dansaert district.
Neighbourhood life Shopping for design at Antwerp’s Atelier Solarshop We strolled through the streets of Belgium's major cities and picked out our favourite design store gems. Each day this week, tune in for a selection of our favorite addresses and featured items. Today: Atelier Solarshop.
An interview with high fashion shop Smets’ buying director Pascaline Smets Glamorous style heiress Pascaline Smets uses her role in the family business to bring a cosmopolitan edge to Brussels.
An interview with graduate fashion designer Louis Gabriel Nouchi Louis Gabriel Nouchi's menswear collection was one to watch at this year's La Cambre Mode[s] show. He's back to the drawing board in Brussels' prestigious fashion academy, burning, bleaching and cutting his way to the top.
Art Brazilian design celebrated at stunning Brussels venue Ampersand House We made ourselves at home at Ampersand's very homely gallery to contemplate the Brazilian Modern exhibition, an insightful showcase of Brazilian furniture worthy of extra special attention this Design September.
Canadian fashion designer David Szeto Yes, you can build a successful career as a designer without the usual exposure. In an atelier in Saint-Gilles, we catch up with David Szeto, one of fashion's best kept secrets.
Art Inside Brussels-based fashion designer’s private art collection We talk to Belgian designer Jean-Paul Knott about his passion for art, why he keeps collecting it and what he really likes to do when sleep doesn't come.
Neighbourhood life This is Belgium The best new faces in Belgian fashion With the new fashion season upon us, we review agencies' books, sifting through their pages for the new faces of tomorrow.
Art An interview with Antwerp-based fashion photographer Frederik Heyman Frederik Heyman keeps baffling us with his weird, beautiful and stylized images. We catch up with the Antwerp artist at home over tea and cookies.
Neighbourhood life A conversation with Antwerp fashion designer Jan-Jan Van Essche We sit down with menswear designer Jan-Jan Van Essche to talk about the pleasure of comfort, putting seasonal cycles aside and why less is always more.
Neighbourhood life Visionary Paris-based Belgian designer Bruno Pieters on sustainable fashion Graced with an interview with designer Bruno Pieters, we discuss 'Honest by.', a new concept that focuses on high-end, sustainable clothing. Transparency is the new black.
Seven things you should buy before you leave We’re keeping both him and her happy with this month’s showstoppers selection. We have the iconic bag, shoes and polo shirt, the future-friendly dresses, the obligatory pair of high tops, the jacket to go with them as well as the scent of the moment.
Drive-by shooting We know what you’re thinking. This girl looks like trouble. But this little sight of beauty knows exactly what she’s doing and where she’s going. Have a look at our grey album's fashion series, shot by Antwerp-based photographer Alex Salinas.
Pablo Henrard Pablo Henrard, a talented fashion student we spotted last year, opens up to fill us in on his 4th year womenswear collection, getting the girls for his last show and interning with the "family" at Gaultier Couture in Paris.
A taste for paradox We sat down with Paris-based Belgian Kris Van Assche - who designs Dior menswear as well as his own line - to talk about his style, avoiding sartorial clichés and why having fun with clothes is so important.
Miquel Boutens We catch up with young Antwerp Academy graduate and Brugge native Miquel Boutens to talk dressy menswear, bow ties and Marie-Antoinette.
Art Bag packers for your summer adventures We've stockpiled a stylish selection of goodies to get you prepped for your summer holidays. We've thought of everything - travel bag, bumbag, desert boots, the obligatory sunnies... to help you pack up before you skip off.
Christian Astuguevieille On the eve of one of his biggest auctions in Belgium, we chatted to French wunderkind Christian Astuguevieille about his relationship with Rei Kawakubo, his unusual career path and his contagious passion for tactile objects.
Neighbourhood life This is Belgium The best travel spots in Belgium This month is all about travel at The Word, and we've been busy touring the country trying and testing Belgium's best and most original getaway spots, from habitable Trojan horses to design hotels and the loveliest of bed & breakfasts.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing The weekend in Belgium 07.06 This weekend you'll find us knee-deep in fashion with both Brussels' La Cambre and Antwerp's famous fashion academy putting on their annual catwalk bash, plus expos and shows up and down the country.
Neighbourhood life This is Belgium The best travel blogs in Belgium The holiday season is upon us and we reckon you deserve a break. To get into the swing of things we've got an online travel special for the month of June, starting with our pick of Belgium's best travel blogs.
Welcome to the jungle We invited a number of fashion experts including American style icon Diane Pernet to discuss the industry and what it takes for young designers to make it.
Glenn Martens We shoot the breeze with 29-year-old Belgian designer Glenn Martens about his Paris début, a typical day at the atelier and where he gets his inspiration.
Art Fifteen questions to Caroline Van Hoek Here's us chatting with Brussels-based gallery founder Caroline Van Hoek about her take on the artist-as-jewellery-maker, why she expanded her space upwards and talent-scouting.
A brave new world Upcoming Brussels-based photographer Ismael Moumin shot the orange album's fashion series for us, futuristic, dark and somewhat dystopian.
Neighbourhood life The start-up survival kit We’ve pieced together a range of survival kit items to get you through the start-up years, from the essential laptop bag to lifesaving Aiki Noodles.
Neighbourhood life This is Belgium The best online shops for fashion Online shopping goes native with our pick of Belgium's best e-tailers, plus a round-up of our favorites abroad, with a focus on sites featuring Belgian brands.
Destined to shine Our pick of orange show-stopping goodies, from a Burberry trench to Kenzo's latest perfume.
Blonde ambition Céline De Schepper, only 23 years old, just graduated from La Cambre last June and is already one of Belgium's young rising fashion stars.
Spring cleaning Spring is a time for new beginnings (read: new clothes). But what to stuff in your closet once you're done clearing out the cobwebs from your woolly Belgian winter wardrobe? Here's our handpicked selection of lovely spring things.
Iris van Herpen retrospective at the Groninger Museum Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen's retrospective opened at the Groninger Museum last Friday and we were there to witness the magic.
Fifteen questions to Alice Knackfuss We talk to the designer about feminism, the "freedom" of menswear and why she ultimately refuses to believe in fast fashion.
Neighbourhood life Hunting and Collecting’s Niels and Aude Niels and Aude are the creative geniuses behind Hunting and Collecting, a Brussels-based concept store that's made a name for itself in Belgium and beyond.
Art Photographer Kelly De Block In our continued bid to shine a light on rising Belgian talent, we speak with recently-graduated fashion photographer Kelly De Block about collages, contrasts and connecting with people.
The Beautiful Fall A fascinating read about the bitter rivalry between iconic fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.
Stockman dummy In the third part of our designer survival kit we introduce you to the Stockman dummy - an essential no future fashion maker will be able to do without.
Premiere Vision Twice a year Premiere Vision, the world's number one fabric fair, brings together designers from all over the world in Paris.
WWD Need to get up to speed on the inner workings of the fashion industry? Want to find out who's holding which position in which company? Or how a recent sales dump in Asia has affected luxury brands' stock price? A yearly subscription to fashion bible Women's Wear Daily's really all you need.
Neighbourhood life Delvaux and Wouters & Hendrix collaboration We sit down with jewellery designers Wouters & Hendrix to get the lowdown on their Delvaux collaboration.
Neighbourhood life Fifteen questions to Pablo Piatti We sit down with fashion illustrator Pablo Piatti in Antwerp to discuss his craft, drawing faces and viewing illustration as a complement to photography.
Neighbourhood life Our Christmas wish list Starting today and up until Christmas eve, we’ll be putting forward two present proposals a day meant to make your end-of-year gift search that little bit easier. Today: A knitted cardigan from Henrik Vibskov and scarf by SPRB.
Art The school of white socks We zoom in on one of our all-time favourite fashion faux pas: white socks.
Art When Hedgren met Sonny Belgium bag maker Hedgren teams up with happy snapper Sonny Vandevelde for the launch of their capsule collection.
Art White coats: The pharmacist For the last instalment in our series on professions that still require wearing a white coat in the workplace, we visit Ghent-based pharmacist Ann Seye.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing The weekend 15.12 Three exhibitions, a Black Lips concert and a DJ set in Brussels, photography in Antwerp, painting in Ghent, popular culture in Leuven and, last but not least, a quick-shot selection of leftfield Christmas markets to catch this weekend.
Art White coats: The baker In part three of our feature on wearing white coats at work, we profile Himschoot, Ghent's oldest bakery.
Art White coats: The cheesemonger Meet cheesemaker Walschot in the second instalment of our series on professions that still cherish the white coat as working wear.
Art White coats: The poulterer Do you remember the time when wearing a white coat at work was a pre-requisite, not an option? Here, we visit four professions who still insist on donning a white apron during working hours.
Art Rue Blanche Rue Blanche is not only known as a purveyor of softness for everyday women but also for its outstanding look books. We dived a bit into history and had a closer look at its catalogues of the last 25 years.
Neighbourhood life Chauncey’s white crew neck Cosy-up to this white sweater from Brussels-based knitwear label Chauncey made of the finest Mongolian cashmere.
Neighbourhood life Damir Doma We sit down with 30 year old Croatian fashion designer Damir Doma to talk production issues, being an introvert in Antwerp and choosing white for his latest collection.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing The weekend 01.12 Lineart Art Fair and Hercules and Love Affair's Andy Butler in Ghent, Belgian photography and discount designer shopping in Antwerp, Jasper Johns in the countryside and, last but not least, Robert Devriendt and a temporary design store in Brussels.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing The weekend 18.11 Design exhibitions, photography fairs, fashion sales, vintage markets, live shows and DJ nights. People take note, your weekend's about to kick off and it's going to be big.
Neighbourhood life Fifteen questions to: Zhao Li With her playful, animal-shaped creations, up and coming jewellery designer Zhao Li has roots in China and a home in Antwerp, adding some much-needed colour to the local jewellery scene. We speak with her about the beauty of spiders, using medical plastic and her jewellery line 'talitali'.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing The weekend 11.11 A camera phone photography exhibition in Ghent, a Paul Smith exhibition in Antwerp, a fashion show of second-hand creations, a gay-cinema festival, I Love Techno in Ghent and a rap concert in Brussels.
Neighbourhood life A Sofie D’Hoore dress The little black dress gets given a Belgian twist in the shape of Sophie D'Hoore's upscaled offshoot for the modern woman.
Neighbourhood life Fifteen questions to: Peter Ceursters Fifteen questions put to Peter Ceursters, manager of Antwerp's Acne store by day and accessory designer by night.
Neighbourhood life Bleu de Chanel Chanel's latest fragrance for men 'Bleu de Chanel' hits all the right notes. Neither too girly nor too macho, the perfectly balanced manly scent offers just the right mixture of confidence and unpretentiousness.
Neighbourhood life Do the right thing The weekend 28.10 With most of the country gearing up for a four-day weekend, the cultural calendar is full of things to do. Here, we highlight a festival, a concert, a two-night party, an urban retail trail and two exhibitions which we very much hope will be to your liking.
Neighbourhood life Fifteen questions to: Sofie Claes We sit down with Antwerp rising start Sophie Claes for the second in our instalment of fifteen question sessions to talk doing charity in India, starting her own business and what characterises her style.
Neighbourhood life Kiehl’s Creme de Corps You know what they say: a good defence is a strong offence. Don't wait for the winter to take its toll on your skin, and pre-empt the cracks with Kiehl's Creme de Corps, a face-saving, all-encompassing body cream that'll act as damage control to the winter months' wrath.
Neighbourhood life YMC sweater for girls Nothing says cuddle up and snuggle like a heavy-knit sweater, and this YMC crew neck has got the entire office dishing out group hugs as defensive measures against the week's depressing weather.
Neighbourhood life Ménage à deux: When fashion, art and lifestyle collide In the third instalment of our series on new retail innovations, we meet DJ duo Ménage à deux a couple of days prior to the opening of their concept store of the same name, a fashion, design and culture emporium nestled in the heart of Brussels.
Neighbourhood life Fifteen questions to: Eric Beauduin Fashion designer Eric Beauduin's leather good creations have taken the fashion world by storm, resulting in prestigious retails imprints such as L'Ėclaireur in Paris and Halelujah in Brussels carrying his line. In a new, weekly series of rapid fire questions to the fashion folk, we quiz the Brussels-based bagman on everything from the meaning of luxury to the importance of retaining his independence.
Neighbourhood life Nike Sky Force ’88 The re-edition of Nike's Sky Force '88 has got the whole office reminiscing about the days when we spent more time on the basketball court than at the local. A time when scoring a three-pointer didn't yet have a double entendre.
Neighbourhood life Win: share our fanpage and win yourself a Word goodie bag A shameless exercise in self-promotion involving bribes in return for likes.
Neighbourhood life Les jeans de Chanel Denim is everywhere and now you can even wear it on your nails: We love Chanel's jeans inspired shades of blue.
Neighbourhood life Rise and shine: fashion designer Pablo Henrard’s beastly chic Up and coming fashion designer Pablo Henrard’s striking designs are confrontational and refined at the same time. We speak to the fourth year student about his menswear collection, and why he chose Brussels over Antwerp.
Neighbourhood life The shave in style challenge When fashion meets grooming: three hair stylists let lose on three models armed with nothing but a pair of Braun cruZer shavers.
Neighbourhood life The shelf: Pictures speak louder than words Discover the photography of Wim Wenders, Jeff Wall and Gregory Crewdson or learn about the global rise of denim: Take a look at our newest selection of books we would like to see on your shelves, illustration-focused but more than just to be displayed on your coffee-table.
Style spotters: Manu For the fourth and last in our series of visual chapters on individualism and style, we hand the camera over to Manu from Mapp Store – one of those people who always has something good to say. He might have just given a new album a listen, and thinks you should too (we recently discovered Holidays […]
Neighbourhood life Casting: Beards, moustaches and sideburns We’re looking for 25-35 year old men with beards, moustaches and sideburns for a video shoot we’re planning together with photographer Tine Claerhout. Put simply, the idea is to let a hairdresser loose on your facial hair, and re-style it entirely. We’re looking for three models, who’ll each be needed for half a day at […]
Style spotters: Damien Aresta Part three of our series on everyday style, in partnership with Schweppes, sees us handing over the office disposable to Damien Aresta. A graphic designer, musician (he plays guitar in the indie folk/pop outfit The Ducati Lovers), art director and teacher (he teaches at ERG), Damien is a man who simply cannot sit still, continously […]
Style spotters: Elisabeth Ouni The second instalment of our style spotters series in collaboration with Schweppes sees us enlisting the tried and tested eye of former model-turned-blogger Elisabeth Ouni to scour the streets in search of taste. Best known as the brains behind A Polaroid Story (which we recently took a shine to), the Ostende/Oostende-based sharp shooter delivers a stunning […]
Backstage at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts’ Show2011 Final year students at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Art‘s Fashion Department have just taken their final bow, going out with a bang with its Show2011. And, true to form, this vintage year produced yet another crop of talented designers. Here, we sneak a peek backstage, capturing pre-show hysteria, post-show relief and everything in between […]
Style spotters: Soumaya Dancemachine In collaboration with Schweppes, we’ve recently taken a closer look at urban style, capturing the individuals that make and shape a city’s collective aesthetic. Asking several trusted style spotters to capture the singularity of their entourage’s dress code, we’ve scoured the country looking for evidence of an attention to detail, paying particular attention to the […]
