An intimate look at four decades of Belgian fashion history
We are in the Dansaert district of Brussels. It is the 1980s. The forerunners of Belgian fashion are opening stores here. Sonja Noël is the first. For 40 years, through her STIJL boutique, Sonja has been translating contemporary Belgian fashion into everyday fashion wear. By supporting new brands and young designers, STIJL has played a part in writing the story of fashion in the city, the region and throughout the country.
40 + years of STIJL is more than just the story of a boutique. Both inspired and inspirational, the central role of this woman is revealed through 68 silhouettes created by 46 designers. It highlights the link she created between designers and customers, between high fashion and people’s everyday lives, between a boutique and a whole neighbourhood.
At first glance, the story of STIJL is not particularly different from that of any other fashion boutique. What sets it apart, though, is its unique selection of designers. STIJL is the place where collections move from the conceptualised and image-based world of fashion to the experience of everyday life.
