Belgium, May 2019 - #PROUDTOBEBELGIAN is called the new colorful partnership between Maasmechelen Village & renowned Belgian designer Charles Kaisin which kicks off the new season by bringing together the very best Belgium has to offer.
This time I had the chance to be part of an amazing trip to Maasmechelin Village & before Brussels to meet the amazing Charles Kaisin, to discover his stunning work for the village, as well to take part in one of his world famous Dinners. And let me tell you one thing: it is more than amazing! (take a look on these amazing installation!).
Not only is Charles Kaisin one of the kindest & most talented people I have met in a very long time but it was lovely to see his love & patriotism for his birth Country, Belgium.
The ‘Proud to be Belgian’ installation was launched on 27 April and is running until 30 September 2019, curated by Charles Kaisin in Maasmechelin – one of 11 fashion destinations within The Bicester Village Shopping Collection – is filled with an architectural display of spheres in the colours of the Belgian flag, while a pop-up restaurant will offer must-try food and drink that’s unique to the region.
#ProudtobeBelgian is a fully immersive experience that showcases Belgian creativity and makes MMV this summer’s must-visit sightseeing location in Belgium, close to Düsseldorf.
Famed Belgian architect and designer Charles Kaisin has transformed the Village in his iconic sculpturaland uniquely surreal style by dressing the entire village in a bold print, created exclusively by Kaisin for TBVSC and representing both unit and Belgian’s special heritage. Featuring the colours of the Belgium flag, the pattern is inspired by the nine giant spheres of the Atomium, Belgium’s most famous landmark, as well as the shape of a football nod to the national football team, the Belgian Red Devils.
Brussels’ famous Manneken Pis is also represented in the Village in the form of a six meter 3D-printed sculpture – the largest of its kind in the world. It is the best-known symbol of the people of Belgium, Manneken Pis is a 61cm bronze sculpture located in the heart of Brussels.
Depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain’s basin, it represents the famous Belgianindependence of mind and sense of humour (called ‘zwanze’ inthe dialect of Brussels). Designed by Hiëronymous Duquesnoy the Elder, it was put in place in the early 17th century. The current statue is a replica which dates from 1965. The original is kept in the Museum of the City of Brussels. Charles reinterpreted the sculpture in his red, 3-D printed & six meters tall version for the village.
Depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain’s basin, it represents the famous Belgianindependence of mind and sense of humour (called ‘zwanze’ inthe dialect of Brussels). Designed by Hiëronymous Duquesnoy the Elder, it was put in place in the early 17th century. The current statue is a replica which dates from 1965. The original is kept in the Museum of the City of Brussels. Charles reinterpreted the sculpture in his red, 3-D printed & six meters tall version for the village.
‘Proud to be Belgian’ truly comes alive in MMV, thanks to the amazing Visual Merchandise and installations. Discover the couture style bubbles, curated by TBVSC’s visual merchandising team, and the boutique windows dressed with exclusive products in the Belgian colours, especially selected for this design partnership. Btw the pop-up also features a quirky edit of limited-edition designer wares from Charles Kaisin: like umbrellas, bowties and charcuterie boards.
SURREALIST DINNERS…Charles Kaisins trademark
Charles has carried out projects for the offices in Paris of Le Louvre Abu Dhabi, for Swatch, for the MAC’s (Museum of Contemporary Art Grand-Hornu, Belgium) for the luxury house Delvaux, Royal Boch and for the fashion brand Chine Collection. Kaisin has also lent his design skills to product collaborations with the likes of Hermès, Delvaux and Serax. The most recent project is the collaboration with Bicester Village Shopping Collection, where his trademark - the surrealist - dinner is not missing.
For more information about the Bicester Village Shopping Collection please click HERE.
For more information about the Maasmechelen Village & the Charles Kaisin collaboration please click HERE.
Special thanks to Bicester Village Shopping Collection for organizing this beautiful experience and making this article possible.
