As well as diamonds, did you know Antwerp is well known as one of the most fashionable cities in Europe? A city trip to Antwerp would not be complete without seeing some of our unique boutiques, markets and remarkable Belgian designers. Shopping in Antwerp is a true fashionista experience and if you’re here specifically for a shopping trip you are in for a treat. Here are some of the best bits of fashion city, Antwerp:
Academy of Fine Art
Antwerp is not only a place to shop ‘til you drop, it’s also home to one of the world’s oldest academies and one of the most renowned fashion colleges, The Antwerp Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts produces some of the most high-class alumni, many of whom have made it to the top of the international fashion scene. Once a year, in June, fashion students showcase their creations during SHOW, their annual fashion exhibition. It’s a place to become inspired and learn the craft of fashion from beginning to end.
MoMu
MoMu is the fashion museum of Antwerp. The museum, which is open to the public collects, conserves, studies and exhibits Belgian contemporary fashion. When you visit this remarkable museum, you’ll not only be in awe of the fashion exhibition, you’ll be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in the theme and the world of the designer. There are small exhibits and installations on the ground floor and a larger more in-depth exhibition upstairs, which changes bi-annually. The pieces on show are from world-renowned Belgian and international designers.
Antwerp Fashion Walk
On your trip to fashion city Antwerp, the best way to get a good feel for the place and where the best shopping is, is to take the Antwerp Fashion Walk. This walk shows you modern design, architecture and celebrated style icons which made Antwerp the trend-setting fashion centre it is today. During this walk you will stop at shops, buildings and other places that were instrumental in the development of Antwerp as an international fashion city, partly thanks to the legendary Antwerp Six who managed to find their niche in the 80s. While you don’t actually shop on this trip, it’s a great insight into the roots of Antwerp’s thriving fashion scene.
High-End shopping
There is absolutely no shortage of high-end designer boutiques here, great for a shopping trip to find that perfect piece for an event or your dream shoes that will last a lifetime. Nationalestraat is our principle shopping street and where you will find a huge number of fashion-forward shops, spreading to the surrounding streets, including Lombardenvest and Steenhouwersvest. Many leading designers, including Dries van Noten, Christian Wijnants, A.F. Vandevorst, Stephan Schneider have their flagship stores in or around Nationalestraat.
Edgy and Alternative
Kammenstraat is a short walk away and is Nationalestraat’s hip younger sister when it comes to fashion. Here you’ll find plenty of posh boutiques, as well as more edgy brands. If you’re looking for something a little more alternative and hipster, Kaamenstraat is the place to go to find a tattoo and piercing studio, a sci-fi and fantasy shop, a trendy clothing shops shop and some original food & bars.
For your ideal shopping trip to Antwerp, a true fashion city, make sure your accommodation is also fashionable and well-designed. PREMIER SUITES Antwerp is perfectly located within walking distance of all of the main shopping districts and attractions, making us perfect for your city trip to Antwerp. Enjoy your shopping trip knowing that you are not paying more than you need to when you book direct and take advantage of our best rate guarantee.
