Discover Antwerp, Belgium: The Diamond and Fashion Capital
Antwerp has been the centre of the diamond trade since the 16th century and today boasts a multi-billion euro industry, with approximately 85 percent of the world’s rough diamonds passing through its streets. The mercantile city has also thrived on the cloth business historically, and since the rise of the Antwerp Six designers in the 80s, it has established itself as a global fashion powerhouse. This vibrant city features picturesque streets filled with some of the best designer and high-end vintage shopping experiences in Europe, combined with an array of edgy and glamorous places to see and be seen.
The New Belgian Masters
Style-craving travelers should head directly to the city’s fashion district, ModeNatie, which centers around Nationalestraat and the nearby streetwear hub of Kammenstraat. The first stop on their fashion journey is the flagship store of Dries Van Noten, renowned alumni of the Antwerp Six. His Het Modepaleis occupies a historic former department store filled with lush fabrics and evocative prints. Nearby, in gently bohemian Zuid, another notable Antwerp Six star, Ann Demeulemeester, has established her flagship store, showcasing her romantic monochrome creations. A visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing MoMU, the highly respected fashion museum known for seasonal shows that celebrate local talents like Dries Van Noten and Martin Margiela, although it is currently closed for renovations until 2020.
Nationalestraat and Beyond
Antwerp’s unique style extends beyond just wearing designs by Dries or Ann. It comprises a sophisticated mix of edgy local designs, understated high street brands, prominent international labels, and premier designer vintage pieces. Independent retailers such as St. Vincents and Renaissance offer the best from European designers, while Enes and Atelier Solarshop present more accessible selections, heavily featuring Scandinavian and French labels. For sharp suits, Café Costume reigns supreme, and local label Arte is celebrated for its elegant streetwear. When it comes to footwear, Coccodrillo sets the standard. While many second-hand shops sell old jean jackets, true vintage treasures await in Antwerp, including luxurious 70s Dior and the genre-defying late 80s Comme des Garçons. For those on a budget, exceptional designer resellers like Rosier 41 and Labels Inc. offer astonishing discounts on recent season pieces and samples from Belgian, French, Italian, and Japanese designer labels.
Fashion Haunts and Hangs
Whether navigating the Baroque streets of the historic centre, the elegant Jugenstil stretches of Zuid and Zurenborg, or the up-and-coming neighborhoods to the north and east, Antwerp’s culinary scene is as design-oriented as its fashion status suggests. Notable is The Jane, where superstar architect Piet Boon merges distressed chapel elements with a stunning chandelier. For a rustic ambiance with vaulted ceilings, Sir Anthony Van Dyck features earthy interiors infused with natural light from ancient colonnaded windows. Dôme, situated next to the most beautiful Jugenstil villas, offers exquisite early 20th-century décor, perfect for a refined evening. The Graanmarkt 13 combines dining, shopping, and hospitality in a stunning contemporary space, featuring a moody basement restaurant, a sprawling fashion concept store on the first floor, and an attic apartment for a chic overnight experience.
Diamond Days
Get ready to explore the Diamond Quarter (Diamantkwartier), where the modern office buildings and unassuming shopping malls may not initially exude the sparkle their name suggests. However, this surprisingly practical area is as multifaceted as the finest diamonds produced here. The heart of the diamond trade beats behind guarded doors, featuring dealers’ offices and workshops with little retail presence. Nonetheless, it is a lively area perfect for wandering. Delight in a curry at one of the excellent Indian restaurants catering to the district’s large Gujarati community or enjoy a meal at a traditional kosher eatery, reflecting the area’s enduring Orthodox Jewish character. Shop front displays on Hoveniersstraat showcase the intriguing tools used in the diamond cutting and grading trade.
