WoW what a brand

09/12/16

Nathalie Verlinden

Women's shoes / children shoes / ecological / fantastically beautiful / ... but what else? We fired nine questions to her ...


1.How would you describe your role within ‘Nathalie Verlinden’ – the brand?

I am a busy bee and like to do a bit of everything. I do the design, sales, follow up the manufacturing process in Italy, I take care of the transport and billing but above all, I am a mother. 


2. Where did it all begin? What is the reason you do what you do? What makes you so passionate?

The start was very impulsive. I just followed my gut feeling, but making shoes has proven to be tremendously captivating.


3. If ever you had the chance to travel continuously, what would be the first place you would visit? 

There are so many beautiful and interesting places, but Canada and Argentina are on my to do list. 


4. How does your day start? 

I take breakfast with my 11 year old daughter while we listen to the radio. I always eat a self composed bowl of cereals. 


5. What or who inspires you? 

That varies. It all depends on my focus during that period. It might be art or architecture but also nature or landscapes. 


6. What is your favorite piece of design or art?

I find it very difficult to chose only one piece. One of my favorite designs is the Japanese tea pot by Katsufumi Baba and I bought a few art works recently by John Van Oers, a sculptor from Antwerp. 


7. What is your most beautiful creation so far? 

Again? So hard to chose! I think I am just very proud of the philosophy behind the collection, the eco-friendly way of producing. It is all about quality of life. I am always looking for new and better designs and consider business and the impact it has on the quality of our lives. It is a constant struggle, finding this balance. The importance is doing things better, not just more! 


8. What would be your advise for a young starter, seen from your perspective?  

Passion is not enough. I work in an emotionally driven market, the fashion and luxury industry. Economic times are uncertain, so a longterm vision and strategy are undispensable, in order to survive unforeseen storms.  


9.Do you have any other creative kills that you would elaborate? 

Yes, every season, but I remind myself everytime that the cobbler needs to stick to his last.

Alpine cows in the mist

22/08/16

A journey through Surselva with our kids - Switserland

We choose Switserland as the excellent roadstop between Belgium and Italy. But it's more than a quick stop, we stay for 10 days in Val Lumnezia (the Valley of Light) in Graubünden. Our base camp is a fine designed apartment from Belgian owners, called Casa Lumnezia in Vignogn. 


Summer in the Alps is great for kids.... There are a lot of amazing lakes like the Caumasee in Flims, the Badensee in Davos Munts,... all with the same crystal clear water. Also hiking is a great idea! We take early in the morning the sesselbahn from Bergstation Triel to Piz Hitzegfen and walk over the tops to Piz Mundaum. It's a special moment... just the mist, the alpine cows and the 4 of us. The cows with their typical bells are absolutely not affraid... and sometimes you must "push" them away so you can continue your trail. After this hard "work" we spoil ourself with some wellness at the Waldhaus in Flims. Oh, and don't miss the Rheinschlucht.... it's an amazing monument of nature. 

An other pearl of this region is his high-end architecture; Vrin, the village of architect Gion A. Caminada, Chapelle St-Benedict and the Therms of Vals from architect Peter Zumthor, the Gelbe Haus from architect Valerio Olgiato, the Bundner Kunstmuseum in Chur, ....


Best kept secret of Umbria !

07/08/16

A story of a place to discover and wild boars....

The adventure starts by searching the Farm House of Simon... neither our gps in the car or Google maps guides us to the right spot. But by using our human instinct we finally arrived at our holiday home in Bettona. Surrounded by hills overgrown with olive trees we discover a complete renovated farm house, pimped up with a glass staircase, a fully equipped new kitchen, 3 beautiful bathrooms, 3 large bedrooms, ... a bit spoiled. The most attractive spots are located outside... a great terrace with a panoramic view and an amazing pool that seems endless. Not only the kids are crazy about the swimming pool :-) . A lot of sunshine, fresh fruit, lovely friends and great Italian wine gives us the time of our live. Cities like Assisi or Perugia are not more than 30' away. But even closer there is Montefalco, Bevagna, Bettona and the medival festival of Collemancio. When you are searching for tourists, you are in the wrong region :-)

Late at night, when the kids are asleep, only wild boars disturb the silence of this great place. It's a little bit scary because it's quit close they come...



Amsterdam + Utrecht

03/01/16

It was very short and intense but so fine...

Two days in Amsterdam and one day in Utrecht. The capital of the Netherlands is a place where it is always nice to stay and so it's so close by. Our favorite neighborhood remains "de pijp" with many concept stores and popups located in and around the Gerard Doustraat. Also Sukha, Hutspot and de Wildernis are unmissable addresses, as well as the good old "negen straatjes". To boost our body we had a stop at YAY and enjoyed a pure natural drink. Lots of crazy combinations! There are a lot nice places to sleep in this metropolis. We found our spot for three days on airbnb

On the way back to our homeland Belgium, we had a stop in Utrecht. In the children's store An Apple a day we met a very nice lady. The children enjoyed themselves in the spacious playground, while the mom's had a look between the beautiful stuff they sell. For the hubbies there is space to enjoyed a delicious coffee or tea. Inside the city walls of Utrecht we had one discovery after the other with some help of the PUHA route. Also the healthy bar SLA was on our list, here you can eat soup and salad on a special way. More hip clothes, you will find at Klijs&Boon, with a very beautiful swing inside (off course our little ones enjoyed this). 

We will put Utrecht on our list of favorites! 



An original Collegien

04/12/15

Collegien meets SNUG

As soft as a sock and as comfortable as a slipper these Collegien and SNUG.STUDIO slippers will keep your toes warm and cozy. With perforated breathable soles, non-slip spikes and extra soft soles (phthalate-free) for maximum comfort.

The slippers are the designers of Collégien from France. The slippers are wonderfully comfortable, they are composed of a soft cotton sock and a flexible perforated breathable sole with anti-slip studs. So they are perfect for home, but also for the nursery. The shoes are available in various gift prints which have a funny name like Pandi Panda, Pinky Stripes, American Flag and Retro. We find the slippers really great especially now when the cold weather is coming, the shoes are perfect! The shoes are from size 18/19 to 40/41 (European sizes), but please remember that they are one size smaller than usual. What do you think of this fashionable slippers ? Shop all slippers here!



Anna Pops explains

01/12/15

Guest on E-commerce at Xpo Kortrijk.





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