Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In vogue

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

New kid on the block

Arrondissement AQ1 debuts in Berlin

The name of the label may be difficult to remember, but Christina Arend’s clothes are sure to linger in your mind. The German designer prefers clean cuts, geometrical shapes and subdued colours, which result in an impressively pure collection. The only distraction she allows is accessories: a mix of trompe l’oeil effects, layered chains and supple leather. This month, Christina shows at the Berlin Fashion Week for the very first time, and we predict she’ll catch the eye of fashion lovers and editors around the world. Accessories average about €300, tops €150 and dresses start from €375. www.arr-aq1.com

The return of the lipstick

Say goodbye to sticky gloss

After years of sultry pouts enhanced by gloss to look 10 times more voluptuous, Chanel now thinks it’s time to acknowledge the superiority of lipstick. The very gesture of applying lipstick is a symbol of luxury and femininity – which is the main reason why the brand doesn’t believe in long-lasting formulas. Peter Philips, creative director of Chanel make-up, feels that wearing lipstick even changes your attitude: “You hold yourself differently. Lipstick is accompanied by delicate poise.” The Rouge Coco lipstick exists in 20 shades, comes in iconic packaging inspired by the N°5 spray perfume and costs €29. Available from March. www.chanel.com

The world of Branquinho

From purses to shoes

Last year, Veronique Branquinho sadly had to unplug her namesake prêt-à-porter collection, but that doesn’t mean she’s leaving the fashion world. Spring sees Branquinho present the first collection under her creative direction for Belgian leather label Delvaux – it’s the perfect way for the 180-year-old company to translate history and tradition to a modern line. Prices start from €850.

Branquinho was also invited by Spanish shoe label Camper to design a special collection under the Camper Toðer umbrella. She created three inventive Derby men’s shoes, combining leather with fabric and introducing a mule-type heel. The shoes with leather cost €320, while the linen costs €300. www.delvaux.com; www.camper.com

Multitasking marvel

Surface to Air accesses all areas

Surface to Air is a creative agency based in France that has worked with a range of interesting labels, from Tsumori Chisato to Uniqlo and Louis Vuitton. But the company also has its own clothing and accessory brand, increasingly popular with the hip crowd: after debuting last season, its buckle shoes have already turned into a fashion staple. Prices start at €50 for a top, €140 for a dress and €290 for the buckle shoes. www.surfacetoair.com

Trend: Headto-toe denim

We’ve got the blues!

Remember the 1980s? Well those acid-washed jeans combined with an equally bleached denim jacket can stay safely in your memory. Thankfully, the head-to-toe denim trend takes a more sophisticated stance in 2010. Hugo Boss and Lacoste showed how it’s done on the catwalks: a dark, lightweight denim fabric adds a note of refinement to an otherwise fairly casual look. But it doesn’t always have to match. Part of the fun in this trend is mixing different shades of blue; once a big fashion don’t, but now all the rage. Add another layer of intrigue to your outfit by combining different styles as well. A sharp blazer with a pair of heavily distressed jeans? You’re good to go! www.hugoboss.com; www.lacoste.com

Grand hotel Coppens

Designer is inspired by digs

Belgian accessory designer Christophe Coppens has turned to features from his favourite hotels for inspiration, resulting in a summer collection that echoes luxurious bath towels, heavy key-chains and cocktails by the side of the pool. His parrot-print and raffia hats, big corsages and bamboo necklaces are ideal for invoking tropical temperatures before summer is actually here. Prices start from €110 for a hat, €60 for a scarf and €65 for a corsage. www.christophecoppens.com

Diamond geezers

Baunat’s innovative online jewellery shop

Baunat is audaciously changing the way we think of jewellers. By asking reputable Belgian designers (such as Anne Zellien and Wouters & Hendrix) to create special collections and then selling them exclusively through an online shop, the company can hardly be called traditional. But Baunat has thought its tactics through. Shoppers can safely send back jewellery they’ve ordered but don’t like, or they can make an appointment to see the collections up close in the Baunat showroom. And we haven’t mentioned the best part yet: the prices are as friendly as the service. You’d be hard-pressed to find jewellery of this quality for such a fair price anywhere else. Rings and earrings start from €460, necklaces from €640. www.baunat.com

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