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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 postshopping stop for lunch or dinner at its namesake restaurant downstairs.
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.
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 (coconut cookies), 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 stores include Urban Outfitters, Green Ice, and COS. Even if you're not in the mood for retail therapy, it's worth dropping by just to marvel at the spectacular neoclassical architecture.
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).
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