Photography Melika Ngombe

With the fashion week roll about to begin, fashion professionals the world around best start sprucing up on their fashion intelligence for the next few weeks will be one long test. Picture the following. You’re standing at the bar at the after-paerty, waiting to be served. Someone starts small-talking you, asking you how you found the collection. Next thing you know, you’re being quizzed on everything from the credit ratings of certain luxury powerhouses and the latest rumours surrounding the appointment of Dior Homme’s menswear designer to who the new face of Balenciaga might be. And, unless your blog reader’s full of the industry’s main chit-chat platforms (Bryan Boy, Tavi and the likes), Women’s Wear Daily‘s really your only ‘get out of jail for free’ card. The weekly bible of the fashion world, the newspaper, who has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, is the mother-of-all authorities on everything that is remotely linked to fashion. Truth is, whether you need to know what’s trending on the catwalks this season, who the new creative director of your favourite fashion imprint is or which upstart just got awarded the Mango Fashion Award? Getting a yearly subscription to WWD’s your only safe bet.

Women’s Wear Daily

Yearly print and online subscription $169.00

www.wwd.com

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps (from 13 euros)

Available at Kiehl’s

Lombardenvest 80

2000 Antwerp

Chanel’s ‘Les jeans de Chanel’ (25 euros for one)

Available exclusively at the Chanel Fashion Boutique, Chaussée de Waterloo 63 Waterloosteenweg – 1000 Brussels

www.chanel.com

Writers Nicholas Lewis, Philippe Pourhashemi and Randa Wazen

01. Scent of a summer

We all need to indulge in our girly side once in a while. Marc Jacobs knows cool chicks inside out and is sure to please his cute, adoring fans with Daisy Eau So Fresh, a bubbly and unpretentious summer fragrance. Six colourful daisies adorn its clear bottle, turning the removal of the top into an amusing, tactile experience. The scent itself couldn’t be more upbeat, with notes of grapefruit, apple blossom, violet, wild rose and plum bringing some much-needed joy and sweetness to our daily grind. (PP)

Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs 125ml bottle (€93).
Available from Ici Paris XL and Marc Jacobs retailers.
marcjacobs.com

02. It’s all in the detail

You’re going to have to up the antes if you want us to even consider wearing a watch. The thing is, we’re not exactly wrist-wearers, preferring instead to, erm, go naked. But every now and then, a particular model pops up on our radar. With its subtle quirkiness, undertones of a deep-rooted design discipline and a functionality befit of its origins (Swiss, what else?), it really is the streamlined purity of its squared-shaped dial complemented by just the one yellow hand that sealed it for us. That, and the fact that we actually caught ourselves wondering what wardrobe staple it’d be a best fit with. And there goes another item to add on the “wallet watch list”. (NL)

R5.5 XXL Platinum watch by Rado (€3,100).
Available from Cosyns (Brussels), Slaets Horloges (Antwerp) and Van Bignoot (Ghent).
rado.com

03. Bag raider

Bags can be a hard one to pull off during the summer months. The trick is to pick a style light enough to complement your summer breeze, but strong enough to contain your daily essentials. Colour is crucial, as are form and function. These are all prerequisites venerable French leather goods staple Lancel has mastered, and this is never more so evident than with its Premier Flirt slinger. A “be-easy”-type bag with enough pizzazz to turn the right kind of heads, its supple shape, exquisite craftsmanship and lemon, ostrich-print leather were the perfect match for the kind of summer we’re planning on having: unplanned, colourful and off-the-beaten- track. (PP)

Premier Flirt handbag by Lancel (€699).
Available from Lancel (Brussels).
lancel.com

04. Byzantine bling

Glastonbury, Coachella, and the likes have morphed into runways of late, and after enduring the sore sight of Wellies in all shapes, sizes and colours for the past five years (thanks, Kate), the timing feels ripe to re-inject some much-needed glam into festival footwear. Fresh off the Paris-Byzance collection, which pays tribute to Coco Chanel’s fascination for Byzantine jewellery, these black leather sandals are draped in enough gemstones to blind anyone, no matter the sunglasses. And if heroin-chic is what you’re going for, trust us – prancing around battered fields in these whilst holding a beer in a plastic cup couldn’t possibly get more deliciously decadent. (RW)

Leather sandal with glass beads by Chanel (price on request).
Available from Chanel (Brussels).
chanel.com

05. Not just another pair of aviators

When it comes to eyewear, few designs have stood the test of time like aviators. And whilst the original Ray-Ban’s may be perfect for purists, those unwilling to risk meeting half a dozen tear-dropped shade-adorning clones on a simple run to the local grocery might favour the variations offered by some of the countless brands who’ve also exploited the classic design. Debuting its sunglasses collection this spring, this Tru Trussardi model, with its generous golden frame and vintage demeanour, carry the badass vibe of a South-American druglord, whilst its discreet branding and subtle use of leather accents on its brown rims elicit Italian chic. Think Pablo Escobar meets Marcello Rubini. (RW)

Aviator TR12819 sunglasses by Tru Trussardi (€199).
trussardi.com

06. Got colour?

At the end of a shoot on a recent night, a bunch of us where having a cigarette break in the garden. Talking about what we still felt was missing from the photograph we were trying to finish (we were on set for our book page), the discussion suddenly shifted to Randa’s fashion sense and, more specifically, her choice of colours (she mostly wears black). “You really should wear more colour,” said Renasha. I began thinking about having a slightly similar colour deficiency myself (my wardrobe is mostly made of blues and greys). The only way I usually bring a touch of colour to what can only really be described as a very unicoloured uniform is by the shoes I wear. And these little babies are just the thing I need to shine a light on my dark- blue-jeans-grey-sweater formula. (NL)

Chute sneakers by Lacoste (€ 75).
Available from Lacoste (Brussels).
lacoste.com

07. Cos’ we told you so

In its ongoing battle for design democratisation, COS keeps coming up with stronger collections each year, pushing its high and low concept on the high street. With the belief that great fashion shouldn’t be out of bounds, it’s ironic how many insiders actually shop there to find stylish, reliable pieces. Staying true to its minimal roots, Collection of Style has been growing steadily since its London launch in 2007. Revisiting extreme trends to make them more appealing to the adoring masses, the collection anticipated our longing for colour this season. A pair of lightweight cotton chinos in a saturated shade is all you need for brightening up the office routine. Think preppy, but don’t be a bore. (PP)

Collection of Style chinos by COS (€59).
Available from COS (Brussels and Antwerp).
cosstores.com

Photographer Benoît Banisse Art direction and styling Flore van Ryn

01. Just click it

We’ve become experts at commissioning photography, art directing as well as styling it, but when it comes to photography itself, we let the professionals do the talking. It’s not like we wouldn’t enjoy getting behind the camera and shooting a gorgeous pair of… shoes. It’s rather that, well, we can’t really be bothered with the technical aspect of it all – you know, aperture, shutter speed, contrast, focus and what not. Imagine our joy, then, when this beauty landed on our desks for a little test. It’s light, has interchangeable lenses and, wait for it, does it all for you.

α NEX-3 16mm interchangeable lens camera by Sony (€500)
Available from Sony Centers throughout the country
sonycenter.be

02. Prints please

It’s a known fact that we’re of the type to look down on people when first meeting them. Often wrongly interpreted as snobbism, it’s only really a sometimes worrying obsession with footwear. We won’t judge you by your looks, your intellect or even your personality, but we will judge you by the shoes you wear. Call us shallow; we believe the shoes a person wears are just as telling a character clue than, say, whether or not you bite your nails. You’re on safe ground though if we meet for the first time and these are the shoes you’re wearing. Part of Converse’s collaborative collection for women with Finnish textile printmaker Marimekko, they’d say three things to our trained eyes: she’s cool, confident and carefree.

Jack Purcell x Marimekko (€89,95)
Available from Bellerose (Brussels)
converse.be

03. The revolution in red

Although you could argue that, in this day-and-age of virtual protests and desktop unrests, all you need to organise a revolution is a Facebook page and a handful of Twitter followers, we’d like to think of ourselves as a touch more old school – even in the small matter of deposing governments. Fact is, if we ever were to seriously consider overthrowing the powers that be (not such a far-fetched idea considering the country’s record-breaking political deadlock), we’d start with plotting the downfall on paper. Not any kind of paper of course. You see, if we’re going to spend time musing on coup conspiracies, you better believe it’s going to be done in keeping with a certain colour-coded structure. Thus, a red notebook. What else?

Red notebook by Atypyk (€13)
Available from Bozarshop (Brussels)
atypyk.com

04. Teenage angst no more

For as long as we can remember, bloodshot eyes and red spots were as central to our teenager looks as Dr. Martens and ripped 501s. For bleary eyes, Minhavez was the make of choice, never failing to whiten our eyes just in time for afternoon classes or inquisitive dinner with the elders. For the red spots, the perfect miracle remedy somehow eluded us as we painfully saw our faces turn from smooth operator to rough calculator with each year going by. If it were today, however, we’d find solace in Kiehl’s blemish control cream, a now-you-see-me-now-you-don’t kind of magic.

Minhavez eye drops (€4), available in pharmacies.
Kiehl’s Acne Blemish Control treatment (€39)
Available from Senteurs d’Ailleurs (Brussels) and Kiehl’s (Antwerp and Ghent). kiehls.com

05. Death traps

Equally as terrifying as they are beautiful, these carnivorous plants feed off small flies and insects that get lured into their traps. And whilst some species from the exotic jungles of Borneo or Guinea are big enough to gobble up entire rats, these apartment-sized carnivores won’t be turning your living area into the Little Shop of Horrors just yet. Indeed, these imported versions rarely outgrow their pots, although that’s not to say you won’t catch them snapping up a fly or two. You know, just for starters.

From left to right: the venus flytrap (dionaea muscipula), cobra plant (darlingtonia californica) and the rosy sundew (drosera hamiltonii), between €4 and €6.
Available from Velvet Café (Brussels).
velvetine.be

06. The red hiking hood

Come spring, this pullover jacket by favoured hiking and extreme sports brand Napapijri could very well become your new best friend. Part of the label’s Geographic line, which focuses on sportswear and urban pieces, this summer take on their classic Skidoo cut packs a polyamide shell fabric that makes it extremely lightweight, windproof and water repellent. We’ve always been purvey to somewhat of a mix-and-match aesthetic, and this bright but bold hoodie just about does it for us.

Skidoo summer jacket for men by Napapijri (€199).
Available from Napapijri (Antwerp).
napapijri.com

Photography Benoît Banisse Art direction and styling facetofacedesign

01. Royal rolls

Toilet paper doesn’t usually get us talking, but that all changed on a recent night out. After having downed one long drink too many, we staggered into the club’s restroom, bleary eyed and tipsy. We were greeted with the usual water closet fixtures and fittings (black tiles, black floors, black seats, the lot) but what really got us grinning was the matching toilet paper. That’s right people, black toilet paper. The initial novelty of our discovery having faded, we pondered what a brilliant idea this actually was. Why, we wondered, did toilet paper always come in the customary white sheets? Surely, it made more sense to censure skid marks by drowning them in a thick layering of black cushioning. Anyway, it does now. And, you know what they say: once you go black you can’t go back.

Renova Black gift pack (€7,51)
Available from Rob (Brussels), ISPC (Ghent) and their online store

02. The black panther

The great thing about a recession (if there ever was one) is having less money to splurge and going back to basics. Whether purist or novice, nothing beats the strength of classics, especially when it comes to trainers. Get rid of all the fancy extras and you’ll end up with a cool shoe that will take you places. The folks at Puma seem to have got the memo when they decided to reissue the Suede classics – based on their 1978 creation – adding extra leather to give it a modern twist. Mixing the old with the new has never made more sense. (PP)

Puma Suede Mid classics (€99,95)
Available from Johnny Velvet (Brussels), Lux (Antwerp) and Zimba (Ghent)

03. Sex smells

When Tom Ford introduced Black Orchid – the first fragrance under his own name – in 2006, he created an instant classic without even knowing it. Ford wanted a glamorous and distinctive scent, breaking away from the minimalism of the 90s and its clinical aesthetic. Encased in its sleek, Art Deco inspired bottle, Black Orchid is bold, heady and sensual, combining notes of sultry woods, blackcurrant and vanilla with sandalwood and truffles. Inspired by the beauty and elegance of the rare flower, the Texan designer dreamed up an elusive perfume, both mysteri- ous and noticeable. Simply put, it’s sex in a bottle. (PP)

Black Orchid eau de parfum by Tom Ford 100 ml bottle (€120)
Available from all good perfumeries

04. Where there’s smoke

Blame it on Louise Brooks, Morticia Adams or Cleopatra, but sorting out the perfect smokey eye has been most women’s – and some men’s for that matter (Jared Leto, can you hear us?) – lifelong beauty challenge. In steps Guerlain’s loose kohl in its Indian inspired case. With its pitch-black intensity and astonishingly long lasting effects (up to six hours), it’s perfect for the waterline inner-lid, the tricky bit being mastering the wand without gouging your eye out and controlling the fallout. Paired with Chanel’s eyeliner duo: a glittery shadow powder on one side and a cake liner – to be smudged dry or used wet for a retro liquid effect – on the other, you’re good to go. Otherwise doomed to wander the earth with what could be mistaken for a decade-long heroin habit or worse, looking like a pre-pubescent emo (no offense, Jared).

Guerlain Terracotta loose powder kohl liner (€32,94) and La Ligne de Chanel (€38,14)
Both available from all good perfumeries

05. I’ll have mine black

Why should anyone settle for boring white rice and mushrooms, sad tan coloured pasta, sesame seeds, potatoes and beans, or the same old red radishes? Perhaps there’s something off-putting about black food, although it often retains a higher nutritious value than its lighter hued counterparts. And if you’re anything like us, with cooking skills that happen to be mediocre, to say the least – these black delights are sure to provide the “wow factor”, where your burnt roast might have failed at impressing guests.

Castagno Bruno pasta “integrale di kamut con spirulina” and beluga lentils, available from Natural Corner.
Dried mushrooms, black beans, and sesame seeds, all by the brand Golden Lilu and available from Kam Yuen Superstore.
Radish, potatoes, Riso Bello Venere black rice, and truffles available from Rob.
Blackberries available from most supermarkets.

Sent by the ever-so-thoughtful Kiehls, the box ensures we’ll never have to set foot in a beauty store again. It packs Kiehl’s Imperial Body Palm, a limited edition Creme de Corps (with a Kaws-designed label), its Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, its Lip Balm No1 as well as some Kusmi Tea. A mouthful of treats…

Can you beat it?

Photography Veerle Frissen in our back garden