La Frenesie Brussels

La Frenesie is a beautiful florist and vintage homewares shop run by the effervescent Caroline Moreau. It's on the site of the old firestation on Place Jeu de Balle which, when I lived in Brussels twelve years ago, was utterly neglected. Now the firestation has been completely renovated and is home not only to Caroline's stylish emporium, but also to La Mode - arguably one of Europe's best vintage clothes and textiles outlets. You can also find some great galleries and a café called Pin Pon (which I'm told is the sound that BELGIAN firetrucks make as they speed off to emergencies) on the square.

Anyway! Caroline very kindly agreed to sort out the necessary red tape to enable me to do a pop-up workshop in my Mobile Makery alongside her and the other traders.

This is just a taste of some of the beautiful things you can find in Caroline's treasure-trove!

Pop Up pops up!

Come and buy  beautiful bunch of flowers at La Frenesie in Place Jeu de Balle in Brussels today. You can come and make something pretty at my popup too! My Mobile Makery will be open from 1100-1500. Look forward to seeing some of you there! 

MJ meets Babette in Antwerp

I first read about Babette and her passion for vintage a few years ago and had always wanted to meet her. As I was in Antwerp where she's based, I revved up the Mobile Makery and headed over to her house where we chatted over a delicious cup of violet tea in her wonderfully retro kitchen.

It was Babette's Mother who first taught her to sew. In fact Babette remembers falling asleep to the sound of her Mum's sewing machine whirring away in the room next door. Unlike many teenagers who eventually drop the handmade aesthetic, Babette carried on making her own clothes and after a while friends asked her to design things for them too. Jobs with Dries Van Noten and Belgian milliner Elvis Pompilio amongst others could have seen her move into the world of couture, but instead she decided to set up her own Etsy business. Babette's Vintage Designs was born of her love of the 30's, 40's and mid-50's in particular. The styles she offers come from adaptations of original vintage patterns plus a few more modern designs tweaked to create her own signature look. All the pieces have individual names and are made to measure. 

Being curious, I asked if I could have a sneak peak of Babette's own wardrobe and I was thrilled to find it packed with gorgeous clothes she's made herself. Of all the items in her closet, there were only a couple of things she'd actually bought. This is a woman who really believes in what she does and practices what she preaches. 

When Babette's not sewing (or working as a dental assistant - oh yes, we creative types need to have many strings to our bows) she's indulging in her passion for synchronised swimming. She set up her own group, Solange's Travelling Wonder Show, which performs in art-deco pools across Belgium. She even designs and makes the fabulous swimwear herself. 

Top tip: to keep hairstyles in place in the water - you need lots of gelatine. And when it comes to waterproofing your makeup - try hairspray.  Close your eyes and hold your nose first of course!

You know me and my lack of willpower. Well, I just couldn't resist, and ordered one of Babette's dresses for myself.  She measured me up and we arranged for the finished dress to be sent to the UK at the end of my 'grand tour'. However, the 'sewing fairies' got to work and within just TWO DAYS my dress was ready for me to collect. I'm wearing it in this picture, and it fits me like a glove! It's lovely. 

There was just time for me to show Babette one of the techniques from my millinery book The Modern Girl's Guide to Hatmaking. Then we took a photo in the Mobile Makery, after that is, Babette had chosen the right accessories to accompany her own dress! 

XXX

Pop up workshop with MJ's Mobile Makery!

MJ's Top Tips for Antwerp

One of Antwerp's famous public murals

After leaving my friends in Lille I headed to Antwerp to stay with Iris - a former BBC friend who's now making a name for herself as a food blogger, writer and photographer. She has a great blog full of top travel and foodie tips if you're looking for a feast for the eyes and senses. I was fortunate enough to arrive in the city during press week - so I was invited to lots of exciting book launches and fashion/food events. This new wine bar Divin has just been opened by Sepi, who's one of Belgium's top sommeliers. We were treated to a range of beautiful tasting dishes which will be served alongside a handpicked selection of quality wines. I also drank the most delicious glass of rhubarb juice - the flavour was incredibly pure. Highly recommended! Sepi has just published a new book all about wine designed to cut through all the complicated language and posturing that's sometimes associated with this speciality. It's such a shame it's not available in English as I'd love to know more about my 'wine personality' and how to taste wine properly. Whilst we're on the subject of alcohol - I'd also put a gold star next to Vascobelo near Antwerp's main medieval square. Not only are the cocktails delicious, but there are substantial nibbles included in the price of your drink and if you're lucky, a seat looking right out over the stunning Grote Markt.

I was really impressed by Antwerp's shopping - I explored the area around Kloosterstraat where there are some unique vintage and antiques shops as well as a sprinkling of hipster lifestyle emporiums.  I loved the range of shoes and bags in Noë which are available in no less than 88 colours. Everywhere you look in Antwerp there are pops of colour - even the bikes (which are plentiful - watch out whilst your walking) are inspiring.

When it comes to places to pause for a coffee - one in particular really excited me. I'd actually hoped to do a Mobile Makery workshop at Maurice but sadly Veronique the superbly glam and quirky entrepreneur behind the concept was too busy knitting for her new collection. But no matter, I could see that she has her work cut out running not only her coffee shop but a knitwear label too. What really impressed me about this place was the way in which Veronique has managed to create a totally charming and inviting space in the sterile environment of a bank foyer. Using a few perfectly chosen flea-market pieces and some expertly designed room dividers, she's managed to carve out cosy nooks for people to linger, log-on and socialise. The coffee is great, and the atmosphere welcoming. I really hope I get to meet Veronique next time I'm in town.

There's imagination at work in Antwerp. This new launderette come coffee shop is currently the talk of the town. And you can see why. Apparently people come in to wash a pair of socks just so they can have a reason to hang out here!

No visit to Antwerp would be complete for me without going to the Fashion Museum. It's currently showing an exhibition about Dries Van Noten's Inspiration (on until 19th July) and if you can - I suggest you go! It's excellent - explaining how Dries puts together thoroughly original collections from a range of influences - history, fashion, film, music, culture, craftsmanship - all have their part to play. I was thoroughly absorbed for a good two hours. Afterwards I browsed in the museum bookshop - spotting a hardback about the milliner Madame Paulette. I didn't buy it though. I have four months to go and I can't spend all my hard-earned cash at once!

XXX

Spotted on the street in Antwerp!

"I just wanted to say that the last couple of days I've been seeing your van parked in our neighbourhood, and I love it! If you see someone lurking about with a big white dog, that would be me. Have a good trip/vacation...Kind regards, Sandy"











How lovely when people get in touch! Thanks Sandy from round the corner!

Mobile Makery photoshoot Antwerp

I had great fun this afternoon in Antwerp doing a photoshoot in the Mobile Makery with my friend - food writer and photographer Iris Debremaeker. The sun shone and my newly acquired yellow vintage coat played its part perfectly! Thanks Iris x