You surely know that Rue Dansaert and the neighboring streets in the city centre have some fabulous shopping options but how well do you know the best locally-owned boutiques which feature Belgian and global designers as well as other high quality fashion items? While writing this piece, I realised that the fashion landscape of the Brussels downtown is dominated by women. Below I share a shopping guide to the city centre with a selection of my personal favourites and the commentary coming from my experiences of working in the local retail sector.
Most of the must-visit boutiques are run by women with passion for their profession, women for whom aesthetics is the golden thread through their lives. Simply put, these ladies are touched by art, beauty and all the virtues of life.
The clothing stores featured in my selection will be especially interesting for a woman who longs for the art of dressing and wants to distinguish herself with some quality pieces. As you will be able to discover, these boutiques are all well-established names that are contributing to the image of Brussels as a fashion centre.
STIJL
We can’t start anywhere else than with STIJL. This store lies at the basis of the Brussels fashion scene in the mid-eighties, starting with the Antwerp six.
In the meantime, STIJL still specializes in putting together an exceptional selection from the collections of Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulenmeester, Maison Margiela and Rick Owens, among others.
The woman behind all this is a true Brussels icon Sonja Noël. In the store, Sonja is assisted by ladies who are equally educated and versed in the fashion world as herself. For example, shop assistant Elise graduated with the highest ratings as a master in styling from the prominent La Cambre. This kind of expertise can definitely help all the curious customers to find their right look.
Location: Rue Antoine Dansaert 74
HATSHOE
Just across the street from STIJL, you will find HATSHOE, a small store with a large selection of shoes from designers who represent a certain avant-garde and creativity, such as Ellen Verbeek, Balenciaga, Pierre Hardy, Dries Van Noten and more.
The driving force behind this classy, breathable store is Lieve Buyse. For Lieve, who is a creative herself, it’s all about refined femininity and beauty. Lieve is assisted by the ever classy Jana Philps, master of the arts. This duo helps you adjust that new shoe with great finesse and thus find a signature under your outfit.
Location: Rue Antoine Dansaert 89
UNDERWEAR
Take a look at the Instagram profile @dunderwear and it immediately becomes clear… UNDERWEAR is not your typical obvious lingerie store.
Firstly, they distinguish themselves with a special selection of brands such as La Fille d’O, Yasmine Eslami, Pierre Mantoux and others. Secondly, they make it their mission that you embrace and pamper yourself and your body.
Geertje, the previous owner of UNDERWEAR, is a true style icon. She has an impressive sense of style and attitude toward life and you can feel it when visiting the store. Recently, her collaborators Tine and Fien took over the businesses offering the same quality and cheerful service. This lovely trio makes you feel safe to walk out with gained self-confidence and a wonderful new lingerie set.
Location: Rue Antoine Dansaert 47
VETUE
At the luxury resale store VETUE, every piece passes through Marie’s hands before it ends up in the boutique. You can find almost new clothing, accessories and jewelry from Veronique Leroy, Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu, Delvaux and more.
As a passionate supporter of young start-up brands, Marie also presents new collections of young talent. The gracious Marie goes one step further and always turns her display case into a true work of art. This makes a visit to her store a veritable shopping experience.
Location: 5 Rue Leon Lepage
ISABELLE BAJART
At ISABELLE BAJART you will find vintage treasures from different eras. You are also more likely to find Isabelle behind the scenes. Much of the time she is on the hunt and negotiating to acquire all the original, timeless and high quality pieces.
Her eye for perfection and her finesse ensure a high-quality selection of vintage pieces in a perfect state. Expect to find Max Mara, YSL, Celine, Prada, Gucci, the best of the past decades in a pleasant setting.
Location: Rue des Chartreux 25
Icon
From clothing and jewellery to shoes & bags, this store offers a great selection of pieces. Michelle from Icon is a master at finding your ‘coup de coeur’. Together with her sister, who is also a delightful saleswoman, the pair makes shopping in this place an absolute joy!
Location: Pl. du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 5
To complete this short guide, I also recommend a visit to the stores of the following Belgian brands in the Brussels downtown. All of them are definitely worth a visit!
ESSENTIEL ANTWERP ‘Life looks better in color!’ By Inge Onsea.
Rue Antoine Dansaert 76
KAAI BAGS innovates by designing bags that are both functional and fashionable. The motto of founders Helga and Ine is: ‘By women, for women.’
Galerie du Roi 21
BELLEROSE Comfort, fun and quality designed in Belgium.
Rue des Chartreux 11
