The one to have - Dries van Noten scarves

If you were to invest some money into a scarf, and needed to have one – look no further than the Belgian designer Dries van Noten. I have never seen a designer work with color so masterfully. He creates some mind-boggling color combinations that look good together, and that is a very hard task. In addition to that, he adds the most amazing embroidery and beadwork – often done by Indian artisans. Belgian lace and other high quality fabrics are always on order. For women, the scarves project a sense of femininity with a touch of fragility and romance. For men, these are never flashy, and are a great introduction of color into one's wardrobe, even if you are color-shy (like me). So, pick one up – it will always make a statement.

Men's

















Women's

















Women's on the runway

















Women's shawl detail

Designer Profile: Jurgi Persoons - Remembrance of Things Past

To invoke the title of Marcel Proust's masterpiece is to invoke a flood of memories about moments that have left some imprint on you. It is also to invoke the things that passed and will probably not return. It is both nostalgic and sad. Such an imprimint was made on me when I first encountered Jurgi Persoon's work. I remember an iconic image of being completely stopped in my tracks while rushing through Barneys racks by clothes of staggering beauty and craftmanship. These clothes were designed by Jurgi Persoons, a young Belgian, who graduated Antwerp Royal Academy in 92.

Jurgi no longer designs. He was driven out of business by economic reasons - his clothes were very expensive because of a significant amount of difficult manual work they required. The "nervous" assymmetrical stitching, highest quality fabrics, such as Dormeuil wool and a large amount of panels that went into each garment demanded a premium. Unfortunately Jurgi could not get the client base required to keep him afloat. Yet, in my mind he remains a genius. I've collected some pictures (thanks to my friend Scott), and would like to share them with you. His pieces are still displayed in the MOMU museum in Antwerp.

"Mirror" presentation - dispensing with traditional catwalks












Multi-layer kilt from the Scotland-inspired collection - A/W 02

















Coat embellished with chiffon - A/W 99

















Skirt from A/W 99 (check out the stitching!) - must brag, wife is a proud owner of that museum piece.

















Sweater detail - best example of the "nervous" stitching














Pant detail














Sweater