Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In vogue

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

Trend: The new prep

Smart guys rule the summer

Bow ties and suspenders: that’s what we really love on a guy this season. College sweaters and checks will never go out of style, but this season, ‘preppy’ is taken to the next level. It’s as if designers collectively rediscovered JD Salinger and took their cue from the 1950s classic Catcher in the Rye. Stylish men go will go through this season looking sophisticated, then, though thankfully not without irony. Trousers are rolled up just a little too high, striped socks are worn with sneakers and buttons are closed all the way up… It’s Mad Men meets Harry Potter – in a good way. www.g-star.com; www.hilfigerdenim.com

Pout in your pocket

Beauty meets jewellery at Dior

To make that quick make-up touch-up so much more luxurious, Dior has invented the concept of jewellery with hidden cosmetics. The Addicted to Dior Luggage Tag isn’t exactly discreet – with its Swarovski gems rivalling the glitter of the lip-gloss – but it sure is a nice way of adding a spot of glamour to your travels. Inspired by the house’s iconic address in Paris, the beauty kit sells for €63,63. www.dior.com

What’s the story?

Schipper/Arques’ fairytale fashion

If the Alice in Wonderland mania going on right now feels too Disney and not enough Tim Burton for you, you’ll like Belgian design duo Schipper/ Arques. Inspired by folk stories, ancient culture and exoticism, the label creates stories rather than collections: dark fairytales in which elegance gets an entirely new interpretation.

The creations for this season play with the concept of being restricted, both mentally and physically. It makes for a unique headpiece (pictured) and several intriguing corsets. www.schipperarques.be

Moving in style

Freddy sponsors top European ballets

Dance and fashion have much in common, sharing a fascination with beauty and grace. No wonder, then, that there are ballet influences in this summer’s collections, with tutus and leg warmers fast becoming style staples. But fashion also infiltrates dance. Italian sportswear brand Freddy is already the official sponsor of Italian theatre company La Scala and the Royal Ballet of London, and now adds the Royal Ballet of Flanders to its list. The Belgian company will thus celebrate its 40th birthday in style. www.freddy.it; www.kbvv.be

What a Carrie on

Sarah Jessica Parker chosen for Halston Heritage

Though most of the credit should rightfully go to Patricia Field, the New York stylist behind the fashion success of Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker became a style icon through starring in the ground-breaking TV series. Her character, Carrie, inspires thousands of women to dress more like they feel, and not shy away from daring colours. Perhaps that’s why American fashion house Halston asked Parker to become creative director of its young and colourful Halston Heritage line. And with the release of the SATC movie sequel just around the corner, we’re sure to see a lot of Carrie and her new outfits this year… www.halston.com

Fancy footwork

Ellen Verbeek’s super shoes

There are only a handful of Belgian shoe companies and designers, but they’re a special lot. Ellen Verbeek is quickly becoming the best-known of them, with her slightly eccentric but beautiful designs. She started out with handbags, but couldn’t resist the call of her lifelong obsession with footwear. Each design is made by hand, ensuring that the finished product is as remarkable as the idea. From €300. www.ellenverbeek.com

Unsung hero

Skunkfunk combines chic, casual and cutting edge

Now here’s a brand that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Skunkfunk is Spanish and very affordable, but before you think Mango or Zara, just take a look at the summer collection. There’s no copying of the catwalks, but instead a very distinct identity that effortlessly combines casual with chic. Skunkfunk is a brand to wear over and over again, but it’s the cutting-edge line SKFK that will forever have a place in our hearts. Prices range from €40 for a women’s top to €80 for a dress, while men’s T-shirts sell at €30. www.skunkfunk.com

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