COLLECTION_ gifts from Belgium

Belgian gift ideasWhile we’re spending money on Christmas presents for our loved ones, we might as well make sure they’re not the only one benefiting from our gifts, right?  My first choice always goes to local,  sustainable, second hand, made by a small business or an experience instead of something materialistic.  To help you a little on your hunt for the perfect gift, I’ve kept every budget in mind and collected nine ideas that are designed and/or made in Belgium or are Belgian initiatives.    Need more inspiration?  Make sure to dive into my archives.  Happy shopping!

    1. The elegant, timeless and practical Mariko handbag by Lies Mertens, made out of bio leather and built to last.  Get it here.  For a more affordable design, discover the wallets (one of which is named after me!) in her Antwerp boutique.
    2. Corian disk earrings by Anna Rosa Moschouti, made out of surplus materials from kitchen and bathrooms.  Buy them here.
    3. Silkscreen print based on Michael Graves’ resort in El Gouna, handmade by Astrid Nieuwborg.  Order it here.
    4. Stained glass mirror by GLASenGLAS, available in different sizes and colors.  Find it here.
    5. Terra table lamp, originally a handmade gift from Antwerp based Lauren Van Driessche to her partner, now (thanks to Serax) available for us as well here.
    6. testhereThese These vintage vases are just one of the many treasures sold by Orence store.  Second hand is the most sustainable option and budget friendly as well!  Find them here.
    7. The museum pas, which gives you one year of free access to more than 150 Belgian museums.  Bonus points if you give a pair to a couple, or give yourself one as well: one year of cultural dates guaranteed!  If you order now, you can get a limited edition that features De ijsvogels by Emile Claus. Discover it  here.
    8. Mambo baskets is a Belgian based company that sells baskets made in Kenya, by women who are now able to send their children to school and pay their medical bills.  Get them here.
    9. A flower subscription is a gift that keeps on giving.  For Antwerp locals, I recommend Wilder, a flower subscription that follows the seasons, bringing you long lasting dried flower bouquets during winter.  Read more here.

 

COLLECTION_ a gift guide

With the 25th approaching, of course I couldn’t stay behind with helping you pick the perfect gifts for your loved ones.  So here’s my last minute gift guide, featuring everything from young designers to wellknown brands. With prices starting at €20, there’s something in here for everyone. Happy shopping!

  1. Balance candle holders by Firm Living.  Buy them here.  (Also crushing hard on this bowl, this candle holder and these glasses from the Danish brand.)
  2.  A white facade, five floors and an open door – a book about one of Antwerp’s finest places, for sale here.
  3.  Milky way mirror with marble foot by Jentendesigns, order it here.
  4.  Dit is een goede gids – a book for those interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle.  Get it here.
  5.  Speckled cups by Maevo studio, available  here.
  6. Snug candle holder (available in different colors) by Sanna Volker, find it here.
  7.  Art cheques from kunst in huis – a subscription to their library of art.  Find the campaign I shot for them here and (featuring enthusiastic clients) here.
  8.  CMMC bag with a limited edition print by Lies Mertens.  Get your hands on it here.
  9. Bow earrings with hoops by Barelli Manon.  Discover them here.
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COLLECTION_ inspired by Lies Mertens’ home

For those among you who fell in love with Lies Mertens’ eclectic apartment, I’ve collected a few items that’ll help you bring that eclectic touch to your own home.  You can do so by mixing design with affordable items and vintage feel with industrial aesthetics, and finishing it of with some quirky and tropical vibes.

  1. Palmtree printed pillow by Hkliving, buy it here.
  2. Macramé plant hanger, get it here.
  3. Pink teapot by Le Creuset, for sale here.
  4. Fig scented candle, find it here.
  5. Wire chair by Pastoe, available here.
  6. Flamingo print designed by John James Audubon in 1837, buy it here.
  7. Handmade glass and steel coffee table inspired by Paolo Piva, order it here.
  8. Palmtree spoons, discover it here.
  9. Concrete table lamp by La Chaise Longue, find it here.

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INSIGHTS_ Lies Mertens

A few months ago, when I was escaping the renovations in my studio until I could move into my new apartment, my friend Lies Mertens welcomed me with open arms into her two bedroom flat in a quiet neighborhood in Antwerp.  The apartment, part of a 1930s art deco building that used to house a cinema, has undergone quite a renovation process before it turned into the cosy home and atelier that it is now.  With every visit to Lies’ home it became more and more clear that her home was the perfect candidate for an INSIGHTS interview, and this sleepover was the perfect time to do so.  However, sometimes life gets in the way of these interviews to get finished.  That’s why I’m sharing this shoot only now, after Lies has already redecorated her apartment about a dozen times, but more on that later.

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COLLECTION_ Belgian design

collection-belgian-design-via-au-pays-des-merveilles

This week I’m presenting you with my favorite new Belgian designs of late, ranging from 4 meter long tables to tiny hammocks for air plants.

  1. Siblings Glenn and Sylvie Buydaert launched their label Bultin about a year ago, with these minimal lamps as their rather stunning first collection.  More info here.
  2. Photographer and designer Luca beel creates gorgeous “Luca Bowls”.  More pictures here. (You might have seen them before in this INSIGHTS blogpost.)
  3. Axelle Vertommen saves old ironing boards and residual wood from the trash and turns them into these unique shelving systems.  Read more here.
  4. Nicole Brock designed this ingenious modular vanity table, including a detachable suitcase.  More info here.
  5. Nathalie Teugels stands for magnificent minimal furniture in steel and marble, all handmade by Nathalie herself.  This magazine side table is one of my favorites.  Read more about her here.
  6. Leather accessory designer (and one of my best friends) Lies Mertens (you’ve seen her before on the blog here) designed this cute Hammock for the air plants of Phyt (which you’ve seen on the blog before here).  Buy it here.
  7. With The Lab Brewer, you can easily make your very own cold brew coffee or botanical gin, and impress your friends with your newly acquired brewing skills .  Get it here.
  8. This lovely mirror, called Dome, is designed by the Brussels based Hausmerk and made in Belgium. 
  9. Studio Sergeant developed Alfons, a clever extendable table that can seat up to 16 people and extends in small steps, ensuring it fits any situation and any space.  Find out more here.

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COLLECTION_ de invasie + give-away

collection de invasie - via au pays des merveilles

Next weekend De Invasie is finally taking over Antwerp again.  This platform for young talent will invade several locations in the city, where over 80 Strijders – warriors – will present their newest creations in fashion, interior design, illustration and many other domains.  To celebrate the launch of her first collection of leather goods at De Invasie, I’ve teamed up with my friend and one of my favorite Strijders Lies Mertens.   Keep an eye on my instagram account today to find out how you can win one of her handmade designs!

  1. Lies Mertens designs and makes beautiful leather goods, sized to fit modern life.  (You’ve seen her on the blog before here.)  More info here. (Photo by Eline Ros.)
  2. Margot Thyssen creates ceramics that are stunning in their simplicity. Find out more here.
  3. Architect and all-round creative Anouk Taeymans is presenting an innovative design-shelf with her label byANOUK.  See more of her work here.
  4. Atelier Belge is the brand behind the beautiful modular organizer Loopholes, find out more here.
  5. Ophelia creates gorgeous lingerie by hand, inspired by contemporary art, vintage, and modern women.  Read all about it here.
  6. Textile designer Jente Hendrickx is the brains and hands behind a collection of stunningly fragile textiles.   See more of her work here.  (Photo by Eefje De Coninck.)
  7. Nord interior design is the furniture label of interior designer Femke De Witte.  Soon more info here.
  8. Graphic designers Linde Luyten en Tille Lingier from RE_DO give new life to paper waste from printers and turn them into unique notepads and weekplanners. Find out more here.
  9. Leen Vanbroekhoven founded Oh My Kids, a brand of graphic sweatshirts for kids.  See more here.

 

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WORK_ Espiga

Espiga - Hannelore Veelaert & Lies Mertens - via au pays des merveilles

Recently, graphic designer Lies Mertens and I collaborated on the identity of jewelry brand Espiga.  This brand started as a school project by 5 young women, who created a piece of jewelry that is more than meets the eye.  This 3D printed geometric pendant contains a piece of felt that can hold a perfume up to three days, much longer than the skin does.  It’s the ideal solution if you’re allergic to perfume or if you want your favorite bottle of perfume to last a little bit longer.

Lies and I created a new logo and a lookbook, shot at Kornél (with the beautiful artwork by Mayken Craenen in the background) with two of the brands’ founders as models.  The yellow table top at Kornél inspired us to use this color throughout the entire branding and the presentation we prepared for them, which landed them the price for presentation with the strongest impact at the Vlajo finals.  Hooray for us!

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SUNDAZE_ Lies Mertens

sundaze - lies mertens - hannelore veelaert for au pays des merveilles-17

Sundaze is all about that Sunday feeling, with no obligations, only endless possibilities.  Whether your day off is on an actual Sunday or any other day of the week: everybody knows and loves that feeling.  In this topic, I document inspirational people on their day off.  How we spend the day is up to them, no obligations, remember?  Through this topic, I intend to see the city through their eyes, but also find out a little bit more about what drives this person in their daily life.  The first person to offer a peek into her life, is Lies Mertens, a 25 year old graphic designer and leather accessory designer located in Antwerp, but with a lot of love for travel.

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COLLECTION_ bags

collection_bags via au pays des merveilles

 

  1. Backpack III in navy by Mum & co, find it here.
  2. Laptop case by Lies Mertens, soon available here.
  3. Bucket in Haze by Building Block, buy it here.
  4. Gama Zeus in rose by Annelies Timmermans, get it here.
  5. Backpack by Avalanche, soon for sale here.
  6. Clutch bag by Jujumade, unfortunately sold out here.
  7. Metallic leather backpack by COS, buy it here.
  8. Reid backpack by Herschel, available here.
  9. Collection of bags by LRNCE, find it here.