Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands have been keeping several fashion gems to themselves. Laurèl and Strenesse have long been furnishing stylish Germans with enchanting eveningwear while Scapa is Belgium’s answer to Polo Ralph Lauren. But have you heard of them? You have now. Sarah Pacini and Rue Blanche offer their own Belgian take on casual feminine elegance. Kipling is an Antwerp luggage brand gone global and Leonidas Belgian chocolates are now famous worldwide. All these and many more niche European brands can now be found at Maasmechelen Village – around just 60 minutes from Brussels, Antwerp and Cologne – with over 95 designer outlet boutiques selling previous seasons’ collections with savings of 30% to 60%*, all year round. So it’s time for a European voyage of discovery with exceptional value at the forefront of the experience. This is a “breakthrough” in European shopping, says Travel + Leisure China, and is the shopping destination for high-profile visitors. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Louis Michel, Belgian top model & famous TV personality Phaedra Hoste, former Miss Belgium Virginie Claes, Dutch Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen and former Belgian No.1 female tennis player Kim Clijsters have all shopped at the Village.
Apart from the local heroes, you can travel the fashion globe at Maasmechelen Village via Italy’s iconic Versace and the Italian Fornarina and Furla, the Dutch Marlies Dekkers, the Swedish Björn Borg, America’s Calvin Klein Jeans and Levi’s, Scotland’s patrician Pringle of Scotland and France’s Marithé + François Girbaud. You will also find at Maasmechelen Village the ultra-chic Belgian Olivier Strelli, Chine and Essentiel, who have chosen to open their only outlet – in the world – here, so no one need know that you paid half price for your hot new wardrobe. The Belgian contingent includes also Bellerose and urban trendy Mer du Nord for women and their junior equivalents.
Maasmechelen Village has five eateries of its own, serving for example, Belgian specialities at Brasserie Musette, wood-fired pizzas at Gastronomia Cellini, and juices and healthy snacks at Bodum. But if you’re wishing upon one of those Michelin stars, then Alex Clevers’ Hostellerie Vivendum, in Dilsen-Stokkem, is only a short bike ride away. This chef has a passion for re-invigorating vegetarian cuisine and, considering the star and all the other awards he keeps winning, it’s not at all expensive.
The Village sits at the heart of canal country; you can even moor your boat at a nearby jetty and rent a bike on site (perhaps pick up a cut-price Barbour; this is an investment – they last forever) and take a turn around the picturesque towpaths. The refurbished Hotel Amigo in the very heart of Brussels will provide a restful indulgence after your exertion in the region. Part of the Rocco Forte collection, it has been touched by the design genius of Olga Polizzi making it the sleekest choice with many of the original antiques still in situ. If you like what you see at the Amigo, then you should try not to miss the Sunday antique market at Tongeren where over 300 treasure-filled stalls will vie for your euro. You might want to snap up a hard Samsonite suitcase from Maasmechelen Village to ensure that your treasures don’t get broken on the flight home.
All in all, a weekend in this compelling pocket of Europe – effortless to reach thanks to the direct Eurostar service to Brussels from London, Paris and Lille – is a big old bundle of beautiful bargains. It’s a melting hotchpotch of collectables, design, constellations of Michelin stars, grand historical architecture, and – at Maasmechelen Village – you can value your time and money, without trading down on style or quality.
