Bruges might be known for its exquisite medieval architecture, which lines its cobbled streets and canals, its beer, waffles, and chocolate, and its long history of lace making. But these days, there's a burgeoning design scene in the city that is putting a fresh spin on centuries-old traditions – think artisanal bakeries, punk chocolate shops, and cool concept stores. This is where to shop in Bruges.
Back in 1987, Martine Goethals opened L’héroïne on the now-buzzy Noordzandstraat shopping boulevard as the first place in Bruges to champion the Antwerp Six: the collective of avant-garde Belgian fashion rebels including Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten. Today the gallery-like space is still best known for pieces by those original game-changers, and other notable Belgian talents, from easy-wearing Christian Wijnants cotton dresses to freeform ruched Dries Van Noten pieces and trippy-print bags. But Goethals and her team also support subsequent generations of Belgian designers and brands, stocking floaty tie-dye Just in Case dresses, Raff Collective cashmere jumpers and statement jewellery by Wouters & Hendrix.
Address : Noordzandstraat 32, 8000 Brugge, Belgium Website: lheroine.be Originally created for the 1958 Expo in Brussels, the Belgian waffle is a classic, but not immune to reinvention. Just beyond the 12th-century St John’s Hospital, on the corner of Mary’s Bridge, is Otto Waffle Atelier , an artisanal bakery pioneering a new take on the iconic treat.
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