A Fashion Guide to Antwerp: Belgium's Shopping Capital
So you love Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Raf Simons, Olivier Theyskens, and you can name each member of the Antwerp 6?
Or maybe you're not that hardcore, but you've heard some good things about Belgian linen and lace and you love that off-duty model look that Belgian fashionistas seem to have down.
Whichever you are, you need to add "Shopping in Antwerp" to your euro trip plans. This city is truly a hidden gem among fashion capitals. It somehow manages to be totally world class and totally under the radar compared to the more visible New York, London, Milan, Paris and Tokyo.
I'm using my experience as a former resident to give you a shopping guide to Antwerp. Here are the streets you need to walk down and stores you need to visit!
Shopping streets:
The Meir
When you first arrive at Antwerpen Centraal train station you will arrive very close to the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street. You know it has to be pretty great, because you'll pass three McDonald's within about a mile!
Start by strolling down the Meir and admire the architecture along the way. Here's the real secret to shopping along the Meir: some of the best boutiques are tucked away just south on side streets like Kolveniersstraat, Huidevettersstraat, Wiegstraat, Schrijnwerkersstraat, Lombardenvest and Korte Gasthuisstraat, Schuttershofstraat and Hopland.
The concentration of boutiques for international brands and independent stores in a small area in Antwerp is impressive. They have boutiques for almost every major international fashion brand in an area less than one tenth of a square mile!
Nationalestraat
After you've walked down the Meir toward the Lieve Vrouw Cathedral and the Groenplaats, head south down Nationalestraat. You're now heading toward Antwerp's trendy Zuid neighborhood. While the Meir is the major shop-til-you-drop street, Nationalestraat is more for the well-edited fashionista who's really looking for a unique piece.
Nationalestraat is home to many secondhand and consignment shops, as well as eco-conscious stores and some retro stores. Because Antwerp is a jazz capital it sustains a vibrant vintage and retro community that's quite active.
Nationalestrat is also home to the fashion museum of Antwerp (MOMU) and flagships for Antwerp 6 alumni.
Boutiques in Antwerp:
Dries Van Noten
One of the most famous Belgians in the world and one of fashion bloggers' favorite designers to mix into their wardrobe when they need a glow-up. Visiting this designer's flagship store is a must.
Ann Demeulemeester
I'm crazy about Ann Demeulemeester, mostly because of the triple lace boots released in Fall 2008 that have been living inside my deepest desires ever since. The look of Ann Demeulemeester clothing is very closely tied to Antwerp in my mind and seems attuned to the architecture and history of the city.
Princess
I must have passed Princess several hundred times in the year I lived in Antwerp and each time there was some adorable coat, bag or skirt in the window that just looked so luxe, effortless, polished and cool at the same time.
You know the kind of cool I mean – that Alexa Chung or Suki Waterhouse “It Girl” charm. Princess is the kind of boutique I would expect wealthy, fashionable mom-and-daughter duos in Antwerp like to visit on a Saturday morning after having a coffee and pastry.
Labels InC.
Who doesn't love designer consignment? Labels Inc. is so well edited that you could just enjoy visiting their Instagram as if it's a fashion lifestyle blog. But if you're in Antwerp you can actually buy the amazing designer finds!
LabelLov
LabelLov has a truly impressive selection of lightly used designer handbags. At the moment they have a never used Hermes Birkin listed for 14,000 Euros, as well as less-expensive but no less coveted Chloe bags for under 1,000 Euros.
Seventy One
Antwerp has a pretty active vintage community and Seventy One serves up retro and pinup style clothing.
Lila Grace
Lila Grace offers pretty, affordable fashion.
Jutka & Riska
This brand is actually from the Netherlands. It offers a mix of vintage and new items that are trend-forward.
The opinions expressed in this article reflect solely the views of the author. They do not reflect the views of any organization with which the author may be affiliated and do not qualify as an endorsement of any individual or organization.
