DESIGN | freunde von freunden

photo's / freunde von freunden

Sell your soul to Berlin, because it has all you've ever wanted. Is houses an art scene as big as two African countries, it sells cheap food, from Bratwürst to beer, and it  has been built up out of concrete. ‘The city is the best context in which to draw together diverse groups and perhaps the best cultural achievement that we can boast of. There is no Tabula Rasa and no White Cube. It is always to be found in different conditions and that is of great interest to me.’ Not everyone would agree on the aesthetics of concrete, but when I saw the living of architect Arno Brandlhuber, I sighed. It is raw, spacious and graphic. It is pure perfection, but so massively different from what's in the magazines today.

I wrote about the amazing concept of Freunde von Freunden before, but once in a while, it has to get more attention. The combination of deep, personal interviews and the unique places across most wanted cities as London and Berlin keeps me coming back for more. Hunting for creative people in their self-proclaimed habitat. Craving for the refreshing view on interior design. Please go.

FASHION WEEK | personal highlights

Cushnie Et Ochs | 3.1 Phillip Lim | Hwan Sung for Central Saint Martins 

A strong one-piece, emphasized by the diagonal cropped sleeves from the hand of Cushnie et Ochs. The sisters set their focus on material instead of shape and that resulted in a clean line of firm, rubberized and dense fabrics. 3.1 Phillip Lim explored the world of punk through a mix-up of leathers and the classic pinstripe suit. That far connotation with Kurt's Nirvana increased when seeing the glasses. They are nor white nor oval, but clearly inspired by the raw 'fuck you-mentality' mixed with a hint of joy and experimentation. Last in row is the graduation project of Hwan Sung, presented by the prestigious Central Saint Martins. He turns his models in modern angels by putting a ballet tutu on top of the all-white outfits. Interesting vision on layering.

All Hernandez Cornet

Yes to the perception of bare skin, yes to the crumpled green plastics, yes to the hints of raw denim. Hernandez Cornet's show was in many ways innovative. It was not about that vertical stripe that replaced a row of buttons, or the 'new suit' that was presented. For me, it was the moment of clarity that fashion is not always about putting it all in one design, just as that old saying 'less is more' is still relevant today.

Lacoste | Proenza Schouler

Lacoste surprised me in very many ways. It shook off their classic polo's, cheesy crocodile and dusty image. Sports re-innovated, taking risk. Highlights were the complete mint-green suit, including gloves in the same colour, and the semi-transparent layer on top of the digital printed dress. On the other end of the pastels, in between loads of black and white, there was the show of Proenza Schouler. Slightly inspired by the path of Balenciaga, these two outfits stood out. The wonderful use of lavender ostrich leather in combination with the turtlenecks and diagonal lines, Schouler made it picture perfect again.

OH YES | MMM Spring 2013

ph / courtesy of Style.com

Oh yes. The not-quite pierced noses of the models were stunning, futuristic and in the thought of Margiela himself. But the outstanding simplicity of the completely stripped gown was my personal highlight. Perfect for after one of those nights filled with nachos, ice cold beers and that cannot-resist cheesecake. No-one will doubt your eating habits if you hide them under one of these XXL trash-chic T-shirts. Thank you Martin Margiela for solving one of our first-world problems again.

INTERIOR INSPIRATION | White desk

ph / Hitta Hem

In the run-up to a new home and the consequences that a certain coloured wall can make, I try to find as much interior inspiration as possible to be well prepared. It is really hard to decide upon paint and accessories when we don't even have a space yet! I will become twenty in a few days, and I plan to receive another load of vacuum cleaners, porcelain and lampshades. But who knows, this desk could be in there too... I love the showcase-function of this workspace and the serene, white surrounding. Unfortunately, this IKEA edition isn't available in white anymore. But a complete black desk could be interesting too... Choices, choices.

 How would your ideal working area look like?

OUTFIT | 11012012

ph / boyfriend

So, thanks to my education for these photo's! First things first: hereby I claim my non-existing modeling talent. I had a really hard time to take a pose and smile in front of staring people mowing their yards. An assignment for school forced me to take a closer look at my outfit. So here it is.

My coat has become my best buddy during crispy cold winter days. The multiple layers make me turn into walking origami-art. I combined the soft wool with an oversized favourite of mine and spiced it up with neoprene, a coated jeans and sneakers.

grey coat: COS
white leather waiscoat: H&M against aids men's collection
white oversized jacket: Zara
neoprene t-shirt: H&M Trend
burgundy beanie: H&M
sneakers: New Balance

CITYTRIP | a small guide to antwerp

Eating, dining, wining, I won't dare to call myself an expert on Antwerp, but I did have a nice stroll along the Schelde this weekend.

Food
Our not-so-good experience with a sushiplace made us stay-in the other night and enjoy some tapas from the nearby supermarket. I asked around for some nice restaurants and the following names came up multiple times... 't Lastig Portret (Blindestraat 1) houses art students and serves fresh, simple food for fine prices. Café Berlin (Kleine Markt 1) is perfectly located in the Southern Area, across the psychedelic and youthful Kavka (Oudaan 14) venue and a two-minutes walk from the Fashion Museum.

Coffee
I can strongly recommend Norma (Minderbroersrui 30) for your daily sip of coffee. Barista Jens burns his own coffee while surrounded by mohawks, grannies and housewifes. Broer Bretel (Nassaustraat 7) is a homebase in the far North area, best accessible by (rented) bike (try the Central Station). Enjoy an espresso and take a stroll along the docks to spot some of the old sailor tattoos.

Shopping
The Meir is the easiest way to fulfill your needs. All the big chainstores are located around this broad path, which leads you into the old city centre. Much more interesting are the stores in the Nationalestraat with CLOSED, Renaissance, Labels inc. and (my personal favourite) AllSaints. Copyright (Nationalestraat 28a) is full of books and magazines of the local fashion institute, great for wandering. The small China Town (Van Wesenbekestraat) is brilliant for horrible statues of cats and the weirdest snacks in town. And also don't miss out on the recordstores which are all centered around the Lange Koepoortstraat.

Sleeping
We stayed over in designhotel Sir Plantin (Plantin en Moretuslei 136-140) were the breakfast is expensive (€15 per person) but the beds incredible. It is a nice experience to wake up under the argus-eyed portrait of a historical Belgian painter. The hotel is just a five-minute walk away from the Central Station, though, there are probably hotels that are closer to the city centre and have a nicer staff.

Non-sleeping
Antwerp has so many opportunities to enjoy your night! We booked tickets for a New Years Eve in Café d'Anvers (Verversrui 15), not knowing it was in the heart of the prostitute district... The old church with its industrial outside and minimal music does guarantee some sore feet after a night of dancing. SCHELD'APEN (d'Herbouvillekaai 36) is a mixture of crazy art and brilliant musicians, but quite off centre and best when its summer. De Muze (Melkmarkt 10) has hippie hair and free jazz music every day. You'll find more live music in Crossroads (Paardenmarkt 115) and Kid's Rhythm 'n' Blues Kaffee (Grote Markt 50).

Now it's time for the real experts to give me some golden tips for my next visit. What do you enjoy most in Antwerp?

ph / Martha Stewart, afterdrk, Café d'Anvers

2013 | to new adventures

ph / original Carol Christian Poel

Here is to new adventures. Bigger dreams. Creating desire. Appreciating the smallest smiles. Learn. Wish. Enjoy.

I've stopped making New Year's resolutions, simply because they never will be life-changing. I believe in bigger ideas that become ideals. Not to lose that twelve pounds, but to aim for a healthy vision on food. Not to graduate, but to absorb as much knowledge and inspiration as possible.

2013 will hopefully be a year full of self-knowledge and development in every field and every discipline and a sharper eye for aesthetics. I'm up for a new adventure. How about you?