MIREILLE’S MUSINGS: Antwerp for fashionistas and more

I have wanted to visit Antwerp for years but must admit that after seeing the work of a few designers much less known than Dries Van Noten in Paris these last few years, I became more and more curious. I am delighted to have discovered this little gem of a town that transports you to another era. Of course, a visit to the cathedral is a must if only to see some of Rubens' major works. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Grand Place (smaller than Brussels but so charming), the ModeMuseum (exquisite exhibition of Belgian/French/Italian knitwear).

Staying at De Witte Lelie was more than a treat. Wonderful staff. It's a combo of 3 restored 17th century canal houses and a dream of a place: huge rooms, high ceilings, fresh flowers, exquisite breakfast next to a gorgeous kitchen with a view onto a small garden on a very quiet street. Bravo.

Food was great too, with a strong favorite Sir Anthony Van Dijck set in a 16th century courtyard with a wonderful atmosphere in a minimalist setting. Lots of chocolate places, but the tiny "Sofie sucree" won for their superb dark chocolate pralines.

Fashion: Beside Dries Van Noten and Walter, I enjoyed the small Louis and discovered some small boutiques with exquisite work like Anna Heylen on Lombardenstraat where I had a hard time resisting the one of a kind pieces that look like couture but are not at couture prices. An exceptional jewelry place on Schuttershof #38 (another small street filled with exquisite boutiques) is Ilse de Keulenaer.

Now I realize I'll have to go back...I didn't eat waffles, was too late for the mussels season and would return to taste oysters and French fries.