CANADA GOOSE PROUDLY MADE IN CANADA

Above you see some pics of the Fall/Winter 2015 collection of Canada Goose. I visited their showroom in Antwerp, Belgium already in February. I had to wait to post these pictures until the first goods will hit the floor and with 25 degrees Celsius and more they just did.

Canada Goose was founded in a small warehouse in Toronto, Canada in 1957 by Sam Tick, under the name Metro Sportswear Ltd. After spending years working as a cutter in other factories, it was time for him to start his own business. Metro made woolen vests, raincoats, snowmobile suits, and other functional outerwear before creating down-filled jackets in the early 1970s. 

Canada Goose uses coyote fur around the hoods on their jackets because it never freezes, doesn't hold water, and the uneven hair lengths create a windbreak that protects exposed skin, helping to reduce heat loss from the face. This holds as true in urban environments as much as it does in the high Arctic.

SHOWROOM VISIT - MASON'S FALL/WINTER 2015

During the 1970s, the American marcatino in Livorno was a slice of America on Italian ground, a collection of objects, military garments, and gadgets of all kinds admired by collectors with passion or simple curiosity. America was literally within reach of the community. It was in this precise context that the Mason's Brand matured: the idea of creating civilian garments that conserve the aesthetic characteristics, durability, and functionality of military garments.

An undeniable style was being born, that which would last through the years and exemplify the excellence and artisanship of Made in Italy along with the functionality and avante garde of those military garments. This was the essence of the Mason's character, a resistant and essential wardrobe of the highest quality in both style and materials.

Awareness of the potential of this combination of a strong Italian artisanal tradition with military inspiration did not occur immediately: it was followed by an instinct and an application of great know-how and intuition. We knew the starting point, but, in that initial moment, the horizons were many. Today we know that the way was indicated and the evolution circulated and brought back to its origin not by accident: it brought us to the Italianity, taste for beauty, and importance placed on quality and significant details that make Mason's 100% Made in Italy.

STORE LOCATOR: PEUTERY ANTWERP

The Peuterey brand, introduced in 2002, takes inspiration from the name of a crest on Mont Blanc, one of the most fascinating routes on the Alps. The close link with the theme of discovery and travelling explains the very soul of the brand, reviewing a practical and versatile “timeless sportswear” concept with a modern take. 

Last week, I was invited for the grand opening of the second Peutery Flagship store outside Italy.

The store is located at the Komedieplaats, Antwerp between luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren & Paul Smith. On two floors of 60 and 120 sq. m. the brand presents the Peuterey and Aiguille Noire collections. The innovative modular and flexible display is emphasized by bronzed iron hangers, bronzed glass shelves, and round wooden displays. Visible concrete and carpeting add up to these recurring materials, which act as a reference to the philosophy of continuing experimentation, innovation, and research on materials. This store ain't just selling high end jackets but also has a high end interior. 

GANT ANTWERP FALL 2012

Just saw some inspiring windows of the GANT Flagship Store in Antwerp. They open the season with the Fall/Winter collection of Gant by Michael Bastian called "It's Your Lucky Day" and a "sweatshop" inspired window for the GANT Yale campaign. It's even possible to personalize your GANT Yale shirt with your initials. How cool is that????

MICHAEL BASTIAN HAS ARRIVED IN ANTWERP

GANT by Michael Bastian the Nordic Tales collection hit the stores, these pictures are taken from the windows of the GANT Flagship Store in Antwerp, Belgium. Follow me through the Scandinavian woods, click here for all the looks.

GANT ANTWERP FALL 2011

Yesterday and today I was invited to do the transition of the seasons of the GANT Flagship Store in Antwerp, Belgium. It's incredible that just today the temperature rises above 25 degrees C (or high 70F), but okay the collection is in and the Sale is over, so get over it. The Mainline collection is divided in 3 themes Royal Eccentric, which is the biggest part with lots of preppy designs and colors. Christmas in Vermont with some good old "workwear" as pictured above and an Aspen Ski theme.

GOODMORNING ANTWERP

Starting the day with a healthy breakfast at Banks Hotel is great, but I never expected that you start seeing Rhino's after eating so healthy. This Rhino was brought this morning to Van Bommel Shoes to graze in their windows.

GANTERIE A.BOON, ANTWERP

This Ganterie or as you wish glove store A. Boon is a pearl in Antwerp, established in 1884 it has a collection of over 10.000 pairs of gloves of the finest leather. Even Jean Paul Gaulthier knows his way to this store.

You can find it at Lombardenvest 2, near the Nationalestraat.