On November 29 and 30, Brussels goes into fashion mode at discounted prices. For its third edition, the Brussels Fashion Sales are moving to the Halles Saint-Géry, transformed into a hub of creativity. Explanations by Valérie Berckmans, creator and co-organizer.
Even if the name does not invite confusion, what are Brussels Fashion Sales?
Valérie Berckmans: It’s the desire to highlight the richness of local creation. And the opportunity for everyone to treat themselves to pieces from previous seasons, prototypes or unique pieces, with discounts sometimes up to 50%. We rented the Halles Saint-Géry and we offered these 2 days of sales platform to around twenty designers, with all kinds of profiles, from Jean-Paul Knott to Conni Kaminski, Natacha Cadonici or Odette la Culottée, a collection of lingerie designed by two young women from Etterbeek, made in Portugal in organic cotton and recycled Italian lace, it’s very minimalist, very pretty. We brought together well-known brands, others less so, recently graduated designers and experienced designers, in fashion, jewelry, accessories… We tried to make a good mix, to offer the public a sample representative of everything that is alive and well in Brussels.
Exactly, what does this panel say about the state of fashion in the capital?
Valérie Berckmans: That there is a wide variety of styles in Brussels. It’s quite enjoyable to bring together in the same place designers who have been internationally recognized for a long time, like Jean-Paul Knott, and young people who are throwing themselves headlong into their project and making their mark with very creative pieces. I think it’s great to give these young people visibility and the opportunity to confront an audience, to understand that you don’t design in your ivory tower.
For this edition, you also invite you to stroll around the neighborhood…
Valérie Berckmans: We have actually organized a short tour outside Les Halles with a handful of creators who will be “at home”, in their boutique or showroom, notably Jean-Paul Lespagnard at Super Green me with his Escale N°8, Max and Lola, Siré Kaba and Erratum Fashion, Cyclup or Aurore Brun… And on the menu, we added all the restaurants that we liked, including Entropy which has just won the Gault Sustainability prize and Millau…
Is the heart of Brussels beating again?
This is what we would really like… We need lasting initiatives. And we have to realize that we are not a rotten old shopping center but a beautiful historic city that we can bring back to life like the Phoenix.
Brussels Fashion Sales, at Halles Saint Géry and surrounding areas, in Brussels, Friday November 29 and Saturday November 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
@mode_in.brussels
