Happy Lifestyle
"ONCE UPON A TIME IN BELGIUM": AN EVENT BRINGING TOGETHER THE BEST OF BELGIUM
Stylish and festive, the new season is upon us! In honour of its latest event, "Once Upon a Time in Belgium", Le Bon Marché is celebrating Belgium with a selection of the most desirable products around.
Not just a bastion of humour, Belgium is a happy life laboratory, where references to surrealism are combined with street influences.
The event focuses attention on the trendiest Belgian brands, all of them exclusive: wonderfully creative fashion labels, design brands expertly balancing the the bold and cosy, not to mention some quirky yet seriously invested gems in the beauty sphere.
FASHION SELECTION
FOR HER
Showcased in the womenswear department are brands like SEA Me Happy and Imprévu, synonymous with bright and cheery ready-to-wear.
As for accessories, the event gives exclusive designs by Belgian leather brand Neuville pride of place.
Among the multiple pop-up stores, one is devoted to the ESSENTIEL ANTWERP label, while another presents luxury Belgian leather goods from La Maison DELVAUX. On top of that is one specialising in fashion-FORWARD Belgian designer labels.
Expect polychrome knits by Valentine Wrtmeur, reversible coats by Alicia Audrey, trenches by Kassl Editions, minimalist fashion by Sofie d'Hoore and vibrant, poetic dresses from Christian Wijnants.
ESSENTIEL ANTWERP, T-shirt €65.
FOR HIM
On the man side, it is time for street spirit labels: Arte and Suspicious Antwerp offer, each in their own way, a sportswear that is both contemporary and minimalist, while Antwrp has fun with graphic pieces with a nod to the 1970s. The exhibition also features Norm and its ethical sneakers and eco-responsible. As for the must-have brand Bellerose, it is the subject of a pop-up lifestyle.
To push the belgitude further, B Shirt and its sweatshirts with a message and La Patate show self-mockery and have fun reworking the acronyms that the whole world knows in the Belgian way. Another option is Joh Clothing's T-shirts, which humorously refer to the Belgians' love of cycling. To go for a ride, don't forget the Komono glasses and watches, with a street and arty spirit. Not far from there, The Skateroom presents a capsule of skateboards never seen before: real works of art in a color-block way or inspired by surrealist painting.
La Patate, "Chocolate Addict" unisex black t-shirt, €30.
KOMONO, Mono Black watch, €59.
NEUVILLE X LE BON MARCHE, Exclusive Marguerita XL bag, €99.
LA PATATE, black unisex "Netfrite" T-shirt, €30.
ESSENTIEL ANTWERP, Waaromnie coat, €445.
SUSPICIOUS ANTWERP, beige unisex hoodie, €99.
ALICIA AUDREY, green and grey reversible coat, 100% alpaca, €750.
CHRISTIAN WIJNANTS, black leather bag, €565.
LA PATATE, "Frites Mayo" T-shirt, €30.
IMPREVU, plain yellow cardigan, €100.
STORM, navy sneakers, €160.
BERNADETTE, Monica dress, €595.
THE SKATEROOM, René Magritte "Le Retour" triptych, €600.
THE BELGIAN LIFESTYLE
BEAUTY
The beauty sphere reveals its quirkier side with humorous products from the artisanal soap works Wash Wash Cousin, ultra-pure formulas by Bobone named "Thérèse", "Simone" and "Marcel", plus "Belle d' Amour" and "Under my SKIN" botanical creams from Cime Skincare.
There is plenty of fun to be had without compromising on naturalness or ethics, as proven by the bee products from Habeebee, the importance of sustainability to Self skincare products, the holistic formulations developed by RainPharma and the slow cosmetics range by MakeSenz. Finally, Brussels institution Delbôve is opening an in-store dispensary, where you can find its famous Crème Sorcière and receive a tailor-made treatment.
Even the Marisol hairdressing salon is flying the flag for Belgium with its shine ritual using hops.
Wash Wash Cousin, soaps from €8.
DESIGN
In Belgium, entertaining is an art form. Think contemporary tableware by Serax, plush velvet sofas from Marie's Corner, coloured glass vases by Henry Dean, Les Pieds de Biche terrazzo lamps... If you want to create a warmer atmosphere still, take your pick from the decorative Baobab candles, handcrafted creations from Cires Contemporaines and Paju outdoor candles on offer. And don’t miss the lighting range that designer ANN DEMEULEMEESTER now dedicates her time to.
The event also provides an opportunity to devote a collection of items to the renowned Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte, his most famous paintings being featured on notebooks, playing cards, umbrellas, T-shirts, plates and more.
DESIGNER HOMEWARE MADE IN BELGIUM
ANN DEMEULEMEESTER, Eclipse 1 suspension light, L30cm x W30cm x H7cm, €324.
HENRY DEAN, "Cylinder" vase in hand-blown glass, H32x12cm, €52 each.
PAJU, Ceramic candle in Sand, €49.90, €99.90, €139.
MARIE'S CORNER, Méridienne Tennesse in Chagall fabric with walnut feet, €5,962.
HENRY DEAN, Venere Vase, cognac, H17cm, €46.
VALERIE'S OBJECT, Junky Dory wooden dish, L35cm x W35cm x H10 cm, €154.
BROCALABELGE
In Belgium, flea markets are a way of life. Furniture and vintage items, old shop decorations... join the hunt for unique items you could give a new home and a second life to.
New pieces will be arriving at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche every week. Ornament your home with unusual objects filled with history.
Happy hunting!
Head to the second floor of the store.
FOR CHILDREN
In the children's department, you’ll find playful reversible clothing by Bonjour Maurice and vintage inspired ready-to-wear from Simple Kids. Making tech accessories even more fun, Kidywolf has developed wireless headphones with animal ears, alongside brightly coloured cameras. As for toys... how about some eco-designed wooden toys from Ardennes Toys, or box sets containing miniature cyclists and marbles by Bernard et Eddy?
The children’s comic book store also has a wide selection of comics for all ages. Take the chance to (re)discover famous Belgian characters like Marsupilami, the Smurfs, Billy & Buddy and plenty more besides...
Le Bon Marché Playtime is also getting in on the act. Activity leaders are running comic strip workshops for children aged 4 - 10 years old.
BRIGHT AND COLOURFUL PIECES FOR CHILDREN
LE BON MARCHÉ RIVE GAUCHE X MARTINE, Martine book, based on a character created by Gilbert Delahaye and Marcel Marlier / Léaucour Création © Casterman, €15, limited edition. Exclusively at Le Bon Marché.
SCHTROUMPFISSIME tome 2, €10,95.
MARSUPILAMI BOX SET, vols 17 and 18, reprint from numbered and signed illustration by Batem, Dupuis, €29.
SIMPLE KIDS, cotton jacket, €110, age 6 years, cotton dress, €150, age 6 years.
LE BON MARCHE X MARTINE, cotton T-shirt, €35.
KIDYWOLF, headphones, €27.
Belgium is taking over the store
