Dorien (23) is an upcoming stylist who has lived in Antwerp for five years. It all started when she got a job at Forever 21 as a stylist and discovered she was actually really good at it. She met photographer Frédéric Bastin who took her on a trip to Barcelona to work on a shoot and it wasn’t long before big clients like Hair by Van Loenhout and REDKEN asked her to style their collections. She even styled a billboard campaign for Marlboro Cigarettes with photographer Guillaume Kayancan. It’s hard to describe her style in one word: she loves to work with ethnic elements, prints and lots of colour. But what we like most about her work is that she often works with young designers and students from the Fashion Department: Felix Boehm, Lise Eerens, Minju Kim, Clara Jungman Malmquist, Virginia Burlina, Raffaela Graspointer and Yens Cuyvers are just a few of her favourites.
In styling the only limitation is your imagination and of course not knowing where to go so Dorien let the cat out of the shopping bag and took us on a tour of her favourite Antwerp shops.I have to warn you: they are not cheap but Dorien explained: “These aren’t the stores I go to on a regular basis but if I had a lot of money I definitely would!”. Although she often shops at Zara and H&M (like most of us) she didn’t want to make a list of stores that you and I already know. Instead she really wants to show us what Antwerp has to offer. So here is a selection (and some tips) especially for you!
Isabel Marant, Kenzo, Marni: these are just a few of the designer brands you’ll find in this high-end store. But besides just being a store it’s also a gallery and a restaurant. And even though Graanmarkt 13 is quite expensive it’s still worth a visit: they also sell fashion accessories, toys for children and interior goodies by design label HAY that are pretty affordable. Designers goodies and accessories, art and food; plenty of reasons to take a good look around.
Graanmarkt 13, 2000 Antwerp. Closed every Sunday, restaurant also closed on Mondays. Visit for the menu (€29 -€39).
When you first set foot in Rosier 41, it can be a bit overwhelming. They have a huge collection of clothes from many different designers like Dries Van Noten (Dorien’s favourite), Maison Martin Margiela and Comme Des Garçons from previous collections so prices are reduced. The clothes (for both men and women) are sorted by designer, so it’s easy to find a particular item!
Rosier 41, 2000 Antwerp. Closed every Sunday. Like their page on Facebook to see when new items are added to the collection. Visit
This small store actually only sells men’s clothes, but Dorien thinks it’s a cool address for women too because the collection is rather unisex. Don’t be scared to wear a men’s t-shirt or sweater, oversized fits can look really cool on a girl. But what‘s most impressive is the large selection of Nike sneakers and beanies. And although it’s a men’s store they also sell shoes in smaller sizes!
VIER, Kammenstraat 66, 2000 Antwerp. Visit
This is thé place to find the biggest designers like Victoria Beckham, Kenzo, Helmut Lang and Acne to only name a few. Dorien took use of the opportunity to style and model an awesome outfit. Dorien explained:”This is my favourite pair of pants from the Kenzo collection and I really love prints so that’s why I picked out the sweater. The hat adds a pop of colour to the outfit while the handbag really ties it all together. Keep the shoes simple and you’re good to go!”.
Renaissance, Nationalestraat 28-32, 2000 Antwerp. Visit
Step by Step instantly puts a smile on your face because their display window is filled with Barbie dolls. Just like the other stores we visited, Step by Step offers big names like Philip Lim, Isabel Marant, Athé and a few of Dorien’s favourites, namely Alexander Wang, Band Of Outsiders and Surface To Air.
Step by Step, Lombardenvest 18, closed on Sundays. Visit
After a day of shopping we went to get a cup of coffee at where you can find the same delicious coffee as they serve at . We both love the flat white (€3), it’s so good ! Also recommended: the carrot cupcake (€2,5).
If’ you’re looking for more unique pieces (than let’s say H&M clothing) but you’re on a budget, visit , , (above) or (above)
Visit when they’re having their 3-2-1 euro days. You’ll be amazed at what you can find !
Check out your boyfriend’s closet: an oversized fit can look really good!
Look out for new designers, like my favourite Marius Petrus! There is a lot of talent in Antwerp.
When you’re tired and need a place to sit & relax, go have lunch at .
You can check out Dorien’s portfolio on
APC – Lombardenvest 12, 2000 Antwerp
Snackbar Koffie – Hopland 51, 2000 Antwerp
T2 (Think Twice) – Kammenstraat 85, 2000 Antwerp and Lange Klarenstraat 21, 2000 Antwerp
TARTINE – Minderbroedersrui 64, 2000 Antwerp
The Public Image – Wijngaardstraat 16, 2000 Antwerp
Pictures & text by Helen Van den Poel.