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Much of Antwerp's reputation for edgy chic comes from its clothing designers; dedicated followers of fashion consider the city in a league with Milan and Paris, and Antwerp-based couturiers regularly appear in the international glossies. Credit for this development goes to the so-called Antwerp Six (students of Linda Loppa from the class of 1981 at Antwerp's Fashion Academy) and in equal measure to the new wave of talent that has more recently stormed the catwalks. Ready-to-wear by stalwarts Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, and relative newcomers Raf Simons, Véronique Branquinho, and Wim Neels command high prices. However, in the shopping area south of Groenplaats, prices are less astronomical. And, of course, the Diamantwijk is prime territory for glittering precious stones. Bear in mind that pretty much everything grinds to a halt on most Sundays, but unlike the rest of Belgium, on the first Sunday of the month, retailers' shops doors are miraculously flung open and customers are welcomed inside. In January and July, these special shopping days signal the start of the sales.
Tucked just off a lovely square in a 19th-century town house, Graanmarkt 13 offers a nicely edited selection of women's clothes, including pieces by local designers Bernadette and Sofie D'Hoore, plus unique ceramics, pottery, and jewelry. Its first floor has something of a shoe fetish, stocking the likes of Mansur Gavriel, K Jacques, and Aeyde; it's also worth a post-shopping stop for lunch or dinner at its namesake restaurant downstairs.
Ann Demeulemeester belongs to that golden generation that set the city's couture apart from the rest. She sells her clothes in an elegant corner store across the street from the Royal Museum of fine Arts (KMSKA).
Every Sunday, starting from 7 am and closing at noon, Tongeren plays host to more than 250 vendors and thousands of browsers for its weekly antiques market. The selection of antiques and brocante (vintage goods and collectibles) draws people from all over the country, as well as Germany and the Netherlands. The dealers set up shop in many of the town’s main squares and thoroughfares.
For advice on buying diamonds at the retail level (and details of the essential four Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut) you can contact the Antwerp World Diamond Centre Association, which operates under the umbrella of the Antwerp Diamond High Council. Information on its members and a suggested route for exploring the area are included on the website.
Founded in 1884, Bakkerij Goossens is a popular old favorite with locals. Try their classic roggeverdommeke—a rye bread stuffed with raisins.
For chocolate filled with unusual flavors like Japanese wasabi, Coca-Cola, or crisp fried onion, head to this self-proclaimed "shock-o-latier." Although you'll undoubtedly have to queue for your chocolates, you should use the time to admire your surroundings: the gilded ceilings and crystal chandelier of the opulent Paleis op de Meir (Palace on the Meir).
This stylish family-run chocolatier and pâtissier has been going since 1949, and remains one of the finest in the city. Its "Chocolate Lounge" next door is an excellent lunch spot (closed Sunday)—and needless to say, the desserts are delicious.
For a fascinating glimpse of how shopping used to be, stop by Ganterie A. Boon, which stocks old-fashioned leather gloves that appeal to grandparents and young Antwerp fashionistas. The shop was opened in 1929 and still has the original fittings inside. The retro window display looks like it hasn't been updated since the 1950s.
One of the iconic Antwerp Six that turned this city into the couture haven it became, Dries Van Noten collections for men and women can be found in the splendid Modepaleis, a five-story Belle Époque building that he bought in 1989.
Kaas Vervloet is the best address for regional, award-winning cheeses and other culinary delicacies. Try the Achelse Blauwe.
Opened in 1986 to sell clothes by the Antwerp Six, this stalwart of the Antwerp fashion scene is now run by Marjan Eggers, who, as well as stocking it with established names like Ann Demeulemeester, also has one eye on the future, inviting final-year fashion students to exhibit in its window.
Louis was one of the first places to sell the work of Antwerp's top designers in the late 1980s. Today, it sells the collections of the city's talent—Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, A. F. Vandervorst, Raf Simons, and more.
If you're after an edible souvenir from Antwerp, head for the old-fashioned biscuit and cake store Philip's Biscuits. Speculaas (spiced cookies), macaroons, and peperkoek (gingerbread) are best and can be ordered in attractive tins—a good gift alternative to chocolate. There is also a second branch at Oude Kornmarkt 8.
Built in 1908 as an exhibitions and events space, the Stadsfeestzaal was gutted by a major fire in 2000. Now fully restored, it houses a lively shopping mall across 40 shops. Clothing and accessories stores include Urban Outfitters, Green Ice, and Twice As Nice. Even if you're not in the mood for retail therapy, it's worth dropping by just to marvel at the spectacular Neoclassical architecture.
A longtime presence on the designer-clothing scene, Verso, located in a 16th-century mansion, carries such labels as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Alexander McQueen for both men and women, along with their accessories and fragrances. There's also a stylish café and martini bar.
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