Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Fashion & beauty

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

In knit to win it

Knitwear is this season’s hottest trend

We’re hoping for temperatures to keep dropping and snow to appear, because this season, knits are back in a big way. Staying warm and toasty won’t be a problem with a plethora of fabulous winter woollies on offer. We saw upscale versions on the catwalks of Band of Outsiders and Rag & Bone, but luckily just about every fashionable high-street chain has also managed to pick up on the trend.

British label River Island opened its first Belgian store only a few months ago, but fashion lovers – both male and female – already know it’s where they can get the good stuff for less. Things to look for in your staple knitwear piece this year: quirky prints (mix and match), wool that’s soft to the touch (and won’t itch) and retro details like wooden buttons and shawl collars. www.riverisland.com

Hats off

Christophe Coppens broadens his horizons

It’s been a busy year for Belgian hat designer Christophe Coppens. He’s opened a new atelier in Antwerp; created a cocktail glass with Grand Marnier; and designed a special edition DS3 for Citroën. Now, the workaholic is launching a capsule collection with Belgian retail chain JBC – making his designs more affordable – and illustrating a collector’s edition of the iconic Elnett hairspray by L’Oréal. Next stop? World domination. www.jbc.be; www.christophecoppens.com

Dynamic denim duo

American jeans meet Italian design

Current/Elliott, by Los Angeles-based stylists Emily Current and Meritt Elliott (who started out customising vintage jeans) has long been a celeb favourite. And now it seems the label has its eye on the die-hard fashionista, with a collaboration with Italian desinger label Marni. The resulting boyfriend jeans are the perfect mix of slouchy and sophisticated; look for ingenious details on seams and cool patterns on cuffs. Prices start at €200. www.marni.com; www.currentelliott.com

A ring of beauty is a joy forever

Unique designs from Belgian jeweller

A flashy diamond is so passé… Instead, check out the wonderful one-of-a-kind pieces by Belgian designer Salima Thakker. Crafted from pure white rhinestone, jasper and black quartz, these rings are pieces of unspoiled yet beautified nature on your finger. If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, these designs exemplify the new cool girl in town you just have to hang out with. All rings are priced at €180. www.salimathakker.com

Film-star fashion

Gérard Darel takes us from Marilyn Monroe to Robin Wright

The behind-the-scenes story of Gérard Darel’s latest campaign is an ode to icons of fashion and style. The location of the shoot was the beautiful city and beach of French town Deauville. Here, Robin Wright, better known for her performances in quality films than paparazzi shots, posed for photographer Peter Lindbergh, who has made a career out of portraying elegance and beauty in a classic way. But the star of the campaign is Wright’s sweater: an exact replica of the Irish woollen knit Marilyn Monroe wore when starring opposite Yves Montand in Let’s Make Love, it’s the key item in Darel’s retro-inspired autumn collection. For €135, this piece of fashion history can be yours. www.gerarddarel.com

Sights and smells

Pack Giorgio Armani for sweet-scented travel

“I believe the old adage that says travelling broadens the mind,” says Giorgio Armani. “Learning about new cultures is not just good for the soul; it also helps to put things in perspective. Travelling is a source of inspiration.” That said, we all know travelling is much more pleasurable when you do it in style – which is probably why Mr Armani has launched his three signature scents in travel editions. Traveller pouches come with either Acqua di Gio, Armani Code or Emporio Armani Diamonds eau de toilette, from €70. Broaden your mind, and smell good while doing it. www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com

Affordable art

IKEA’s exclusive new collection

Printing over two million copies of its new catalogue each year, Swedish company IKEA produces what you could call a Bible on reasonably priced interior decorating. With a sleek and typically Scandinavian aesthetic, it has won over even the most critical design experts. Now, the company has set its sights on conquering the world of art. IKEA has asked five contemporary artists to create a unique piece for them, which will be sold at highly affordable prices in selected shops worldwide. In Belgium, head to the stores in Zaventem or Hognoul to discover a beautiful drawing by Helene Billgren, a black-and-white illustration by Roger Andersson or a colourful graphic by Niklas Seglevi. Prices vary between €29 and €99 for a framed piece. www.ikea.com

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