The old fashion(ed) way « I Love Belgium

2
Mar
2011

The old fashion(ed) way

As we all know, we have amazing fashion designers. Every single one of them (if we’re lucky) will become an icon of their decade. And their legacy of that specific era will be passed on for a long time, under the common name of “vintage”. Something that will never be out of style.

Nowadays, vintage is très chic and a real must have for the closet. A vintage store will sell you everything of every era for a really good price. Old second hand clothes, purses, sunglasses,.. you name it! But among all these different vintage stores in Belgium, there’s one in particular: Modes Antique Textile.

Bettina and Michel Dugardyn opened their store in 1988 in the centre of the Brussels antique area. In the early days, they both already had a real passion for antique. Michel sold vintage items on the flee market in Brussels while Bettina was wearing the old original clothes on the theatre stage. Today, they own one of the most famous antique/vintage shop of Belgium.

Modes is not known as ‘just a vintage store’ but a place where you can find specific pieces from the fifties and sixties, although they go way back to the 1880′s. ”The funniest thing about this hype is that a lot of people are coming and ask if we sell ‘vintage clothes’. Our answer: No, I’m sorry. We don’t. We only have “vêtements et textiles anciens”, antique clothes”

Although being in the heart of the Marolles, one of Brussels most touristy areas, they can count on regular customers, collectors, stylists and people from the theatre and cinema who adore their passion for old fashion. And because they’re that particular, they don’t feel the competition breathing down their neck, like the other vintage shops do.

The real question is: where do they get all this stuff? The owners are very passionated about their particular assemble. The selection process is very intense and rigid. Only original pieces of excellent quality get through their screening. Some people come to the store themselves to sell stuff they inherit. But not one day passes by without looking and seeking in and around Brussels. Every now and then, they go to other countries too. French markets and secondhand shops are all on the list of worth visiting, just to find that particular magnificent old item.

You would think that there would be a dress or at least a hat that just won’t sell, but you’re wrong on that one! Every single item in the store goes out the door eventually. It all depends on la mode. Fortunately, it always makes a U-turn. If you want to find a treasure here, then quickly book your bargain-priced hotel in Brussels!

MODES
164 rue Blaes
1000 Bruxelles

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