Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore, TT_ invites locals and creatives to share their most cherished places at their favorite destinations. Today: a BRUSSELS city guide through the lens of TRISH BEGHIN, STYLIST, and FASHION DESIGNER. Cover image: courtesy of Trish Beghin
Trish Beghin set foot in the fashion industry when she got an internship at Rubbens Aterlier in Italy, followed by a fashion assistant internship at Vogue Netherlands some years later. However, the born-and-raised Belgian stylist and fashion designer, who graduated from International Success Institut with a Bachelor’s in Fashion Business, didn’t need the internships to navigate the industry. As a backstage dresser for Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, and A.F. Vandevorst, she knew the fashion industry was meant for her. Now, her work is featured in reclaimed magazines such as Vogue and Flair.
Also, read: THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN BERLIN, GERMANY
BRUSSELS THROUGH THE LENS OF TRISH BEGHIN
At age two, Beghin and her family moved from Oostende to Brussels. The first time she visited the city is hard to reminisce about, but she fondly remembers shopping with her thirteen-year-old cousin. “I followed her everywhere she would go. Because, as a teenager, I had never shopped without my mom – this was my opportunity to break free. And so I did; the experience felt like entering a new universe. It was exciting trying on clothes, taking pictures in front of the mirror, and walking through Nieuwstraat, one of the largest shopping streets in Brussels.”
BRUSSELS CITY GUIDE
While she’s a big fan of the city’s energy, Beghin’s Oostende memories are warm. “Who doesn’t love to live at the seaside? But when my parents separated, we left. My mother felt lonely there, and many of her friends and family lived in Brussels back then.” Brussels Energy is unlike any other capital city in Europe or globally. “People are hard to impress; they are quite calm. It creates a relaxed vibe, which I like. Some may think Belgians are cold, but that’s not what we’re about. We might not greet or smile at people we don’t know on the street. But we will immediately assist anyone if you ask for something or need help.”
BEST NEIGHBOURHOODS TO GO STRUTTING
“There are two: Les Marolles and Sablon. If you love vintage shopping, flea markets, interior shopping, and art, these are the ones to go.”
WHERE DOES THE FASHION CROWD GO FOR A DRINK?
“There’s a couple: I would say the crowds are very fashionable at Lily’s Restaurant – a great place to eat, drink, and dance. Tope at the Hoxton Hotel is great for people-watching, too. They have a great rooftop bar and serve Mexican food. AUM Brussels has a beautiful, chic interior. They serve excellent cocktails and great dishes. I would advise Le Beauty Gastropub as well. Their food is great, and the place has this sense of mystery.”
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BRUSSELS
“Coco Brussels is a great place to start; the interior is gorgeous and well-located. Timber at Mix Brussels is a hotel that opened six months ago. The place is huge and innovative; there’s a lot to do. They offer a wellness area, gym, co-working spaces, diverse restaurants, and more. Furthermore, Le Colonel is a must for meat eaters. I particularly love this restaurant because you can sit at the bar and watch how the chefs prepare your meal.”
BRUSSELS’ BEST COFFEE BARS
“Even though I don’t drink coffee, I know the right spots based on my friends’ taste. Honest is known for serving the best coffee in town. Seven Brussels is famous for its coffee and great interior design. Le Café du Sablon has a great reputation and is located in the city center.”
BEST BARS IN BRUSSELS
“I would recommend three bars—they simply never disappoint. First, La Pièce is a shisha bar with good music and great people. Second, Chili Bar is well-located. When you set foot inside, you immediately feel that the people are free and open-minded. At last, Swan Bar is the perfect option for a good drink.”
WHERE TO BRUNCH IN BRUSSELS
“Here I repeat myself since Brussels’ best brunch spot also serves great coffee. I would say Honest is great for a Sunday brunch. It’s calm and cozy, and every dish is freshly made. I’m obsessed with their pancakes, by the way. If you opt for something a little more fancy, go to Iris Restaurant. They have a chic brunch buffet and a cozy and clean atmosphere. At last, the pastries at Bisou Brussels are to die for – their bakery is unlike any other. Give it a go.”
BRUSSELS’ BEST SHOPS
“I’m the right person to ask for Brussels’ best fashion shops, haha! Stijl Brussels has the best of the best when it comes to Belgian designers. Think Dries van Noten, Haider Ackermann, Ann Demeulemeester, and many more. I admire the vibe at this place; the people who work there clearly love what they do and know lots about fashion.”
“My favorite designer vintage store in Brussels must be Les Enfants d’Edouard. They not only sell items at great prices, they can also tell you anything about the garments in their store.”
“For streetwear looks, Smets Brussels is a great go-to. They have a great selection of the latest Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, and Loewe collections, for example, and they style it in extraordinary ways that give the items different looks from those on the runway.”
“At ICON Store Brussels, they sell great designer items. Hence the name. It’s a heaven for high-end designer lovers. They sell Acne Studios, Gauchere, Coperni, Anna October, Rabanne, Sophie Bille Brahe, and many more.”
PEOPLE WATCHING
“People watching is best at Jubelpark. The huge arch, French-style gardens, and the park’s visitors are a feast for the eye. The park has a cozy vibe and nosy tourists during summer. There are a couple of great museums nearby as well.”
WHERE DO LOCALS GO?
“Locals go to Rue de Bailli, a small street filled with cute shops, great vintage stores, and cozy bars. Another favorite place among locals is Gallery du Centre – a gallery with multiple nail shops, mostly Vietnamese-owned. You can get your nails done without an appointment for only 30 euros.”
OTHER PLACES NOT TO MISS…
“When in Brussels, make sure to visit Place Boniface. It’s a great area for dinner. Galleries Angora is great too, mainly the Craft Market, which offers local crafts and is one of my favorites. And I would say the Dansaert neighborhood is always a great idea. Grab a snack or dinner at Noordzee, a classic seafood stand known for its oysters and moules.”
@trishbeghin
