Showroom Belgium

I was invited last week to the lunch and press conference held by the FFI (Flanders Fashion Institute) and the WBDM (Wallonie Bruxelles Design/Mode) who were presenting their showroom Bruxelles. No matter how much the two sides of Belgium don't get along when it comes to politics, they sure do get it right when it comes to the Arts, and this collaboration was no exception. The showroom was buzzing with both Francophone and Flemish designers (and no they were not standing across the room from each other), and the journalist and bloggers seemed to like what they were seeing. I got to know the designers better, such as Sarah and Carol (the fantastic duo behind the fun and very vibrant line 'Filles à papa') for whom my appreciation got that much bigger after talking with them. I also spent some time with lovely duo behind 'the cookie therapy' but it was also the opportunity to discover some new Belgian designers  such as Niyona, Kimstumpf and Monsieur Bull (and god knows we have our fair share, of great Belgian designers but strangely they always seem to be requisitioned by either the French fashion community or the American one). As for the rest I will let the pictures do the talking.

Carol and Sarah (the stylish duo behind 'Filles à papa' wearing items from their W/F 2011 collection)

simply perfect with its reversible sequins

Their S/S 2011 collection will be out very soon and I already know what I want to take a closer look at

cupcakes, what else?

Loving this colour from 'The cookie therapmonsieru bull

'

Their trademark bow bag

'Monsieur Bull's lovely model (sporting one of his latest creations) seems to enjoy 'The cookie therapy' goods

Now, this is a beauty. This has to be the best looking 24h bag I have seen in a while, from Nyiona

the designers get to know each other a little better before PFW

Finally, I got to met the charming Valentine Avoh, whose blog I trully enjoy!

Lancel Opening Party

So last night, I was invited to the opening of the new Lancel shop (blvd Waterloo in Brussels), and what a party! Surrounded by bags, including the new Brigitte Bardot bag which I was very keen to see for myself, fun and charming people, champagne and food, and the sound of Beatrice Ardisson "aux platines", I had an amazing evening and it was just the mini break I needed.

A huge thank you to Sophie Carré for the lovely invitation

Stèv and Dorothée (other Belgian bloggers on the scene Sophie, Geoffroy, Valentine)

Sophie Carré herself and Didier

Candice's gorgeous zara clutch and never without her blackberry

The famous painting of the BB bag, that will be present at every Lancel shop opening, painted by Victor Spahn

Beatrice Ardisson

me wearing a red zara blazer and a H&M clutch

The BB girls

The Brigitte Bardot Bag, just like BB it is feminim but still very playful. Any thoughts?I would go for the all black version personally or my other favourite is the premier flirt in red croco

One last kiss and one last glass of champagne and we will be off

and it ended with the Lancel goodie bag and ...

a signed replica of the 'travelling' painting of the BB bag (signed by man himself, Victor Spahn)Why he decided to hand me this is a question still unanswered, but you won't hear me complaining

Ms Marple

I already introduces the Belgian brand 'Filles à papa' some time ago. However, there new collection is even more intricate and playful, making it very hard to resist. Two very unique pieces caught my eye; one was a silk navy blue blazer with slouchy pockets and a glitter lining, the other was this incredibly intricate white cardigan. I love the fact that most of their pieces start off being something  fairly simple; leather trousers, blazers, cardigan, white tees... However, the details (often hidden details) and the choice of materials make these pieces so playful and definitely one of a kind.

//WEARING//jeans: H&M super squintank top: YesStylebag: NEXTboots: sachacardigan: Filles à Papa (sold also at Glorybox in Brussels)

The details that count

A Day in the Life of Je Ne Sais Quoi from Elena on Vimeo.

Great little video I came across as I was browsing the sales over at Shop Je Ne Sais Quoi. I have finally come to a decision on the colour for the Cambridge Satchel and went with purple, now I just have to wait two weeks as their bags are hand-made to order which I think makes them ever better as they are truly one of a kind and it is so rare nowadays to find actual hand made leather goods.