The best shopping addresses in Antwerp

When we think of haute couture, we often think of Paris, London, Milan or New York. But these are not the only cities to hold the prestigious title of fashion capital. The Belgian city of Antwerp is a real magnet for young, up-and-coming artists. Many come here to develop their business and their talent. Indeed, the city has a rich artistic history. In the past, its port was a mecca for the fabric trade, so it's hardly surprising that fashion has evolved here over the years. At the end of the 80s, a new generation of fresh talent created a form of attraction for the small Belgian town. The "Antwerp 6" as they were called, students at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the fashion department taught by Mary Prijot, stood out from the crowd and began to make their mark all over the world. In Paris, Milan and New York, these 6 young Belgian graduates made headlines by making their mark in the fashion world, attracting attention from all over the world. Thanks to them, Antwerp has an international artistic reputation. Today, the fashion programme at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts is one of the most prestigious in the world.

With such a rich history, you can imagine that the city is full of shops, each more attractive than the last. In Antwerp, you will of course find the major ready-to-wear houses as well as the finest haute couture institutions. The Meir district, with its main avenue, the second largest shopping street in Belgium, boasts a huge number of boutiques. But Antwerp is also, and above all, home to small independent boutiques offering a wide choice of clothes, enough to make any fashionista's head spin.

Essentiel Antwerp

Huidevettersstraat 57/59, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

The founder, Esfandiar Eghtessadi, is a graduate of Antwerp's famous academy of fine arts. Essentiel is a Belgian brand at the cutting edge of fashion that's going from strength to strength. A must when visiting the Belgian city of fashion.

Clio Goldbrenner

Steenhouwersvest 63, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Every fashionista in Belgium is familiar with these handbags, which have become iconic on the streets of Antwerp and Brussels. The designer wanted to make luxury leather goods accessible to everyone.

Juttu

Meir 19, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Ubran A 100% Belgian concept store with over 100 brands, ranging from fashion to beauty products and home decor. The shop does, however, have a preference for local brands. As proof of its success, Juttu shops can be found just about everywhere in Belgium.

Enes

Volkstraat 58, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

A magnificent multi-brand boutique that has made a name for itself in the city over the years. The clothing collections are ultra trendy. The prices are high, but the shop and building alone are well worth a visit.

Sustainable shopping is undoubtedly gaining ground in everyone's wardrobe. Here are a few addresses where design and responsible fashion are in the spotlight

Curated by Edo

Lange Koepoortstraat 49A, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Here you'll find design items, stylish pieces for the home, for gifts and even pretty clothes. All with a focus on brands that are authentic, responsible and transparent about their manufacturing model.

Kiez

Minderbroedersrui 55, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Pssssst.... Another great address in Antwerp, at Kiez you'll find sustainable and eco-responsible lingerie, recycled polyamide knickers, organic cotton pyjamas, as well as responsible cosmetics. In short, everything you need to treat yourself in a more environmentally-friendly way.

Host - house of sweet & things

Statiestraat 56, 2600 Antwerpen, Belgium

Host is a small concept store where you can eat, dress and furnish! For them, the guiding principle of their shop is one word: sustainability. You'll find collections made using sustainable processes that respect people and the environment.

SUPERGOODS / eco + fair fashion

Kloosterstraat 38, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Supergoods offers a wide range of sustainable and committed clothing brands. The shop can be found in 3 major Belgian cities: Antwerp, Ghent and Mechelen.