Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Welcome to the Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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In vogue

Stéphanie Duval gives us the inside scoop on the latest trends from planet fashion

Trend: The knit crowd

Perfect for the European summer

It might seem counter-intuitive to go for knitwear in summer, but the truth is there’s no weather this material can’t handle. As light as it can feel on a warm day, it will still keep you toasty when the temperature suddenly drops – and let’s face it, if you’re somewhere in Europe, that’s always a possibility. It’s ideal for the transition from day to night, or for wearing when you’re in and out of air-conditioned spaces all day. There’s no need to associate it with a goody two-shoes image either, as even the most authentic knitwear brands have upgraded their styles to compete with younger fashion houses. We especially love John Smedley’s new look: bold colours and nice details give classic shapes a new twist. www.johnsmedley.com

Bags of style

COTEetCIEL: an ideal marriage of form and function

Experienced travellers know that it’s a difficult feat to have everything to hand and look cool at the same time. Parisian label COTEetCIEL has a knack for it, though, so opt for one of its super-light, very stylised travel bags. Each of the models has different compartments for everything you may need during your travels, and is made from sturdy but beautiful materials. Laptop carriers start at €85, traveller totes cost from €80 to €160. www.coteetciel.com

The lady varnishes

KOH has manicures nailed

To say that KOH has a cult following is a bit of an understatement. The Japanese brand uses no harsh chemicals, only natural ingredients, and as is to be expected from a Japanese company, the products are also highly practical. How could we live without ‘Wipe It Away’ – a small and handy bottle of nail polish remover, which takes away every last bit of polish in one swipe with the tiny brush? The brand has even thought of men, and developed a special multifunctional toolkit for them. It looks modern and robust, but make no mistake: it has everything to leave hands utterly soft and groomed. KOH’s nail polishes start at €15, while the grooming kit is €50. www.kohcosmetics.com

Dynamic designs

Jewellery brand Hulchi Belluni harnesses positive energy

‘Hul’ is designer Martine Hul’s last name, ‘chi’ stands for the positive life energy and ‘Belluni’ is derived from bella luna, the beautiful moon. With a name like that, how can a jewellery brand be anything less than cosmically beautiful? Hul bases her entire collection on the feng shui philosophy, explaining: “When I design, I try to work in a room that has a positive influence on me.” Likewise, her jewellery is created to have a positive influence on the woman wearing it. If you’re in Kortrijk in Belgium, stop by the brand-new boutique to experience the magic. www.hulchibelluni.com

Paper chase

Belgium brand leads wallpaper renaissance

If there’s anyone to blame for the rising popularity of wallpaper, it’s Hooked on Walls. The Belgian brand’s conviction that “wallpaper is the new minimalism” is contagious: before you know it, those pristine white walls you found so very modern a couple of years ago will be covered in Tropical Chic, Glorious Revolution or Hysterical Glamour. You’d almost do it just to be able to say, “What do you think of my Stolen Diamonds walls?” But if redecorating an entire room is too big a step, you can head over to the website to download some free wallpaper for your desktop instead. www.hookedonwalls.com

Best foot forward

French sneaker brand fighting carbon footprint

Two French students with a shared passion for China, fashion and marketing came up with the idea for Faguo (which in Chinese simply means ‘France’), a sneaker brand that’s as much in touch with today’s fashions as with the current shape of the planet. For each pair of shoes sold, a tree is planted, and the next shipment of trainers will be by boat instead of plane. Still a relatively small company, Faguo has managed to get the attention of fashion insiders early on thanks to a very active Facebook fan page. To post a picture of you wearing your Faguos in an exotic place, or to find out more about the creators behind the brand, go to www.facebook.com/FAGUOShoes

Ironic icon

Naco’s fashion ‘jokes’

Designer Naco may live in the centre of the fashion world – Paris – but he’s not interested in participating. Or is he? First he designs T-shirts implying that it’s not all that important to know who’s behind Chanel, and fashionistas go crazy for them. Then he designs T-shirts that mimic the hyped marinière stripes, and again they’re embraced as must-haves by fashion lovers. But there’s still one way Naco lives up to his ‘Robin Hood’ nickname: his designs are never more expensive than €60. www.naco-paris.com

Star treatment

Enjoy Hollywood glamour with Claridge’s pampering

Claridge’s of Mayfair in London has perfected timeless elegance with its art deco design and faultless service, and it’s now possible to experience a little of the lifestyle of the stylish stars who’ve passed through the luxury hotel’s doors. Claridge’s has created beauty treatments inspired by Hollywood icons that will leave you ready for any close up. Why not indulge in a ‘Greta Garbo’, which includes Swedish massage, a La Prarie facial and a light lunch – it will leave you feeling so glowing that you certainly won’t want to “be alone”.

The Timeless Glamour & Debonair Style treatments are priced from €195. www.claridges.co.uk