Belgian
fashion and design naturally belong on the international stage, so it
is no surprise that Brussels has become somewhat of a paradise for the
serious power shopper. There are plenty of shopping streets and
galleries, both in the upper and lower town. In any case the words to
look for are soldes or solden – it
means sales! (Officially 1st month of the year and in July). Design
studios and boutiques proliferate in the center of the capital,
arousing the surprise and excitement of an ever larger circle of
customers. Take
a walk along Rue Antoine Dansaert Straat and the
surrounding area to discover the hub and heart of Brussels’ fashion and
design world with the best concentration of avant guard designers and
fashion boutiques. The Avenue Louise is one
long catwalk of famous fashion brands, including big international
names like Chanel, Vuitton, Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and
Christian Dior. The first section is one of the most attractive
shopping districts in the city, with prestigious as well as more
affordable shops clustered around the large department store Innovation.
If you are
looking for bargains, then go shopping in the lower city
around Rue Neuve in the city center. It is one of the
most bustling of Brussels’ shopping areas that stretches all the way up
to Rue des Fripiers. Built in 1847, Gallerie St
Hubert is a gorgeous, glass roofed arcade in the center of
town, lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores and has the
distinction of being the first shopping arcade in Europe. It houses a
number of well known shops with wonderful window displays. |
