The Diplomat
On the occasion of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, an exclusive fashion show was held last week at the residence of the Belgian ambassador to Spain.
On 1 January Belgium took over from Spain at the helm of the EU with the shared ambition of showing citizens that the Union works and has answers to their concerns, especially in the run-up to the crucial European elections in June.
Ambassador Geert Cockx stressed the responsibility and privilege of this presidency, under the motto “protect, strengthen, prepare”. With these words, Ambassador Cockx introduced the two Belgian designers, Delphine Tempels and Valérie Moreau, based in Ibiza and Madrid respectively.
The jewellery designer Delphine Tempels’ showcase fascinated the audience and was highlighted by the Vintaje Ibiza dresses. Delphine works in collaboration with local actors and the jewellery trade in Madrid and Antwerp. She carefully selects precious stones and gives innovative shapes and textures to her exclusive jewellery, some inspired by Brussels lace and Adlib Ibiza fashion, where she has a workshop. Its careful production chain is ethical, sustainable and responsible and its pieces are guaranteed by Authenticity, Traceability (Fairmined) and Quality (Gemology Laboratory) certifications.
Stylist Valérie Moreau dazzled with a unique collection of bridal “trousers”, jackets inspired by Flemish tapestries and prints inspired by renowned contemporary Belgian painters such as Pol Ledent, Monette Gardier, Claire Boone and Spain’s Covadonga Tellaeche. Excitedly, Valérie told the audience how as a child she was bedridden for four years and that during this time she wrote a long list of wishes she wanted to fulfil. Her love of life and her resilience meant that last year she fulfilled the last one on her list: to open her shop in Madrid. her list last year: to open her shop in Madrid.
The creations of both designers thus fuse traditional elements of Belgian artistic heritage with innovation. According to the embassy’s press release, these mixtures reflect “the Belgian country’s openness to innovation, diversity and cooperation, fundamental pillars of the Belgium Embracing Openness campaign. In addition, its pieces combine local roots with an ethical and sustainable production chain, always seeking collaboration and fulfilling the adage: ‘how something is done is as important as what it is done'”.
The event was attended by European ambassadors, authorities from the Community of Madrid, the Council of Ibiza, the Royal Tapestry Factory, the Museum of Costume and a knowledgeable audience from the world of art (tapestry curators, painters…) and fashion (designers, stylists,…), journalists and influencers.
