After Antwerp, it is in Brussels, Rue Neuve, that the SIDESTEP sneaker shop has decided to set up shop. Good news for fashion enthusiasts, but also for all creative people. Because supporting young creatives is an integral part of SIDESTEP's DNA, the store has teamed up with seven talents to celebrate the Brussels creative scene. We asked them how they lived and felt in Brussels.
ZOEY HASSELBANK, DJ
What's your love story with sneakers? I'm really a fan of shoes. They can totally transform your outfit. I can switch from sneakers to heels. I may not always be up to date with the latest in sneakers, but when someone is wearing a great pair, I notice it right away. My style reflects my personal mood. I can look understated one day and extravagant the next.
Where do you do your shopping in Brussels and where do you eat? As a DJ, I am very attached to the Bloody Louis, I have been a resident there for 5 years now, so this club is like a second home for me. I love shopping at 'KURE' as their selection of international brands with timeless and enduring pieces inspires me immensely. Whatever my mood, I know I will find a nugget there. To eat, Osteria Romana is my favorite restaurant. Filippo's pasta carbonara is legendary!
1 Zoey wears the Nike Air Force 1 Pixel. © SIDESTEPZoey wears the Nike Air Force 1 Pixel. © SIDESTEPJUSTIN PAQUAY, Photographer
How would you describe your style? My style is very classic, but I like to add a streetwear touch to give an unexpected touch to my look: a contrasting button, an unusual shape or a modern fit.
What are your favorite places in Brussels?
To eat, it's 203, or Old boy, but there are so many good places to eat good food in Brussels (laughs). I'm really a fan of "Bouchée Double", too. They have it all figured out! Everything is based on seasonal products, simple but delicious and always with a touch of creativity of their own. I love shopping at Châtelain, going to “Peinture Fraîche”, they have lots of good books, so as a photographer, it's really inspiring! I also like the places around the Sablon, to go and visit pretty galleries and design shops like Le Typographe.
1 Justin wears the Reebok Revenge Plus. © SIDESTEPJustin wears the Reebok Revenge Plus. © SIDESTEPBENOÎT DO QUANG, director and musician
How would you describe your style? My style is very simple. I like my clothes to be comfortable, cozy and practical. For my job, freedom of movement is important, so comfort and functionality come first. But I like to pimp up my look with a touch of streetwear.
What are your favorite addresses in Brussels? I love the thrift stores on rue des Riches Claire, a must-do. To find beautiful trendy pieces, I always go to Bison 4, which is run by friends. To go out, I'm not really a "clubber", I prefer to have a drink in bars or on terraces in the city center. I also like spending time by the canal, with friends or walking alone at night to clear my head.
1 Benoît wears the Puma Mirage Sport. © SIDESTEPBenoît wears the Puma Mirage Sport. © SIDESTEPJULIE LIEVENS, Creative director
How would you describe your style? I don't know if I can define it. The truth is that my style is constantly evolving and I always find new inspirations. If I really had to describe it, I would say it's a mix of chic and casual.
Where do you do your shopping in Brussels and where do you go out? My favorite store is Smets with its fine selection of designers, located rue de Namur. You can find as many chic pieces as casual clothes or streetwear. For cosmetics, candles and perfumes, I shop at Senteurs d'ailleurs. But to be honest, I don't have much time for shopping, so I order most of my products online. When I want to go for a drink, I go to The Wine Club or Richard bars, and to dance, go to C12 and Jaloezie. In Brussels, the simple things are actually the best! Think of the Flagey or Châtelain market to buy beautiful flowers and local products and then enjoy a glass of white wine or oysters with friends.
1 Julie wears New Balance 327 © SIDESTEPJulie wears New Balance 327 © SIDESTEPZOHRA SCHOLTES, artist
How would you describe your style? My style is very casual and comfortable with a sexy edge. A tomboy look with a touch of femininity. I'm not picky when it comes to shoes. I prefer simple and clean styles. A nice pair of white sneakers is a must, you can wear them with everything from sweatpants to dresses. I even got married with a pair of white sneakers!
What are your favorite places in Brussels? I like to eat and drink. Scratch is THE new hotspot in town, on the ground floor you will find a large bar and on the first floor a gallery. Here, creativity is at the rendezvous. It's a nice place to get to know and meet new people. My other favorite place is Chez Nous, a restaurant focused on local food. Everything inside is eco-friendly and upcycled and everything served there is super fresh. A must visit when you are in town!
1 Zohra wears adidas Zentic. © SIDESTEPZohra wears adidas Zentic. © SIDESTEPTONYA MAS, Founder & designer CFÉ
Do you really like sneakers and what do you wear them with? I've always loved sneakers. It's amazing how comfortable and fashionable sneakers can be. With the right pair of sneakers, you can even walk to a meeting and still look professional. I have two favorite outfits that I always wear with sneakers. My first outfit consists of CFÉ sweatpants, a crop top, a blazer and sneakers. When the weather is nice, I take out my second favorite outfit: an oversized T-shirt and my current favorite sneakers.
Where do you work in Brussels and what is your favorite place to have a coffee?Cantine, a co-working space in Brussels that I use as the headquarters of my brand, CFÉ Belgium. The aesthetic is very clean and uncluttered, just like my style. Without a doubt, the best café in Brussels is that of Ana Attento, just off rue Dansaert. If I could go there every day, I would.
1 Tonya wears ASICS GEL1130. © SIDESTEPTonya wears ASICS GEL1130. © SIDESTEPUM!, DJ
How would you describe your style? Your style is in fact your personal story, a mixture of all the experiences that have made you who you are. I grew up in Belgium and saw fashion through the eyes of my Japanese mother, so my style is quite mixed.
Where do you go shopping in Brussels and where do you go out? For shopping, I like to go to STIJL. Not only are they true pioneers, but they also have a great selection of mainly Belgian designers. And the sales are fantastic. If I want a drink, I go to my friend Byron's whiskey bar. My friend Chibi and I don't drink much, but we love going. He prepares his emblematic mocktail with tonic, blueberries and red fruit juice. For concerts, my favorite place is the AB! During the pandemic they were closed, like so many other places, but now they are back. Support your city, go to a concert!
1 UM! wears the Nike Air Max 90. © SIDESTEPUM! wears the Nike Air Max 90. © SIDESTEPOverview of the Brussels store
Rue Neuve 31, 1000 Brussels
1This article was written in close collaboration with SIDESTEP.Instagram @sidestep
Read also :
Activewear: the exhibition of the moment
Brussels Touch: the exhibition that showcases the incredible talents of Brussels
Will digital clothing revolutionize fashion?
ELLE › Fashion › SIDESTEP OPENS ITS BOUTIQUE IN BRUSSELS
