Examining brands like Delvaux, founded in Brussels in 1829, it's clear to see the tradition for good design runs deep. Delvaux considers itself the oldest fine leather luxury goods company in the world, and is still adored by fashionistas for its super-chic, luxurious bags and accessories.
Fast-forward nearly 200 years and the story is still one of innovation in both quality and design. Minimalism maestros such as Raf Simons and Martin Margiela retain a living/working/retail presence in the region (Margiela's huge white studio at the end of Rue Dansaert is a Brussels landmark), as does internationally sought-after womenswear designer Olivier Strelli.
More recently the much-lauded Olivier Theyksens – until recently, creative director of Nina Ricci – and the pair behind AF Vandevorst (who continue to show hugely successful bi-annual ready-to-wear collections in Paris) have made big global waves. And now newer labels such as Elsa (shoes and accessories), Atelier 11 (jewellery), Cathy Pill (womenswear) and Mademoiselle Jean (lingerie) are ensuring that, in fashion-land, all eyes are on Flanders.
And, it's not solely about the clothes. Working out of Bruges, Belgian design agency Hoet have let their creativity spill across many different fields, turning their diverse talents to crafting ultra-modern interiors, furniture, lighting and home accessories, from mirrors to toast racks.
Fashion: Flanders-style
A style guide to the many diverse cities in the region
Antwerp
Antwerp has been a trend hotspot since the 80s, when the "Antwerp Six" graduated from the city's Royal Academy of Fine Arts and took the glossies by storm. Today, this avant-garde group of designers are still considered the big boys (and girls) of Flanders fashion. An organised "fashion walk" through the city's fashion district takes you to many of their boutiques, and those of the new designers following in their footsteps. On the walk you will also visit ModeNatie; a unique fashion concept that is home to the Flanders Fashion Institute, the MoMu fashion museum and style title A Magazine. The streets here feel like Carnaby Street, Covent Garden and Bond Street rolled into one, and people look the part: they're as cool and high-maintenance as Parisiens. In Antwerp, its all about high fashion.
Flemish coast
While each resort along the coast has its own style, they all share a common love of the laidback, as you might expect from an area famed for its coastline walks. But don't be fooled into thinking it's all fleeces and trainers. Far from it – as with the rest of Flanders, fashion
is always a focus. The pedestrianised Kapellestraat in Ostend is such a hit, it's been voted best shopping street in Flanders by Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad. Fashionistas would also do well to check out the exclusive resort of Knokke-Heist for more top-end fashion.
Brussels
For label lovers and vintage vixens, Brussels is genuine shopping heaven. The Rue Antoine Dansaert and the streets around it are where hip emerging designers have their boutiques. (Alongside are the edgiest of the more established labels, a few elegant vintage shops and sleek interior stores), while the buzzy St Jacques area around the Rue du Marche au Charbon is peppered with younger streetwear, design and comic shops. Head to the La Marolle area if secondhand treasures are your thing for the daily flea market at Place de Jeu de Balle, along with inexpensive antique and vintage shopping and a relaxed, studenty atmosphere. Boulevard de Waterloo and the Louise area are where to splash the cash on Chanel or Vuitton among the Brussels ladies who lunch.
Bruges
A laidback, relaxed look, which is effortlessly chic, characterises fashion in Bruges: think dark jeans, black-heeled, knee-high boots, a well-tailored jacket and colour block scarf. It's less about cheap, fast fashion here; good design is evidently important to the city's style-conscious. Bruges fashion lovers demand chi-chi boutiques selling quality designer brands for their retail therapy.
Leuven
The street-style-loving crowd in Leuven are often found sashaying around the Oude Markt, where great vintage and designer boutiques abound. The cobbled streets around Vismarkt are blessed with a sprinkling of more expensive clothes, accessories and lots and lots of shoes, but central to the fashion experience in Leuven is Bondgenotenlaan, a major shopping street that boasts well over 100 shops, from the budget-friendly H&M to the budget-busting Max Mara and Delvaux.
Mechelen
Mechelen is an attractively foot-friendly destination, with all of the shopping streets in close proximity. In central Mechelen, it's all about shopping street Bruul, which is good for high street staples. Don't forget to explore the adjoining lanes for independent boutiques, and to check out the newly redeveloped Vismarkt.
Ghent
Ghent – which feels a bit like a cross between Venice and Cambridge – is a beautifully atmospheric city with a clever knack of blending historic charm and cutting-edge quirkiness. Great vintage clothes shops sit alongside local designers fervently reinterpreting 50s and 60s fashions. The architecture is rich in history and culture, yet step inside many of the shops and you're transported into a cutting-edge world of design. Be inspired by the originality of the young things racing down narrow alleyways on their bicycles, or chill out by the river.
