(© Saskia Vanderstichele)
Have you ever been shopping at the Manhattan Centre in Brussels? It’s not much of a shopping paradise, but tucked away between a card shop and the Sheraton hotel, you’ll find a true gem. Literally: Liliana Petrova’s jewellery shop, Le Bijou... autrement.
Originally from Bulgaria, Liliana Petrova came to Brussels many years ago. As a trained fashion designer she struggled to get her collection out there, so she started focusing on accessories. In her shop, located right across from the escalator leading to the metro station, she sells everything to make an outfit complete. Scarves, rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Some of them she makes herself, others she finds in Paris or Milan. Everything she sells has to be creative, on-trend, and affordable.
Petrova knows how important it is to follow the trends. She often has customers coming in with a new dress, looking for matching accessories. That’s why she reads Vogue and other magazines to know exactly which colours will be fashionable next season. To browse the collection at the store, open one of the forty drawers. Each one contains a selection of jewellery arranged per colour, material, or theme. You’ll discover great rings, necklaces, earrings (even clip-ons!), bracelets made from resin, felt, silver, wood, or old pearls.
As Petrova’s shop is quite hidden, most of her customers are people who work in the same skyscraper, hotel guests, or commuters on their way to the metro. The ongoing works at the metro station give Petrova a hard time, but she stays optimistic. Next year, business school Vlerick will settle in the centre as well, bringing in a new group of potential customers. If you are in the area, we strongly recommend a visit to her shop. By then, Petrova’s end-of-year collection will be available, with lace, gold, and black to match this season’s baroque trend.
Le Bijou... autrement ●●●
Manhattan Centre,
Galerie des Nations 38, place E. Rogierplein, Sint-Joost-ten-Node/Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, 02-203.03.21,
ma/lu/Mo > za/sa/Sa 12 > 19.00
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