Tag Archives: Belgium

Meeting Arnaud Wittmann, The Designer of De Greef

De Greef-Arnaud Wittmann-Interview-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

When I received the pictures of the collection Designed for Men by De Greef, I really liked the modern mix of black ceramic, white or pink gold, diamonds and nautical rope. And I wanted to meet Arnaud Wittmann, the talented designer of the house De Greef who captured our desires in this unisex collection (photos below). This collection’s alreay been a huge success just one month after its launch. 

How did you conceive this collection Designed for Men by De Greef?

– I draw first and then I select the materials. I designed jewels for men in leather and gold ten years ago. But the leather ages and I was looking for a material that resists everything and comfortable to wear, as the matt black ceramic. Designing a unisex collection, it was a little tickle the codes of a tradition house like ours.

De Greef-Arnaud Wittmann-Interview-Designed for Men by de Greef-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

– We’ve also had a great demand from our customers looking for fine jewelry for men for many years. A bracelet to wear with something else.

What inspired you and inspires you in general?

– The contrast of materials. I like the strict side, very pure. I draw from what works, not with the trends. We feel things. It is important to reinvent the wheel for creating new jewelry. I like working around the stone already cut. And I use fairly simple combinations of colors.

Arnaud Wittmann gets up to find two yellow diamonds, one of them sparkles a lot:

– The architecture inspires me too, the combination of lines and shapes. The work of the architect Santiago Calatrava who realized the station of Liege. 

De Greef-Arnaud Wittmann-Interview-Designed for Men by de Greef-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K     De Greef-Arnaud Wittmann-Interview-Designed for Men by de Greef-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K  De Greef-Arnaud Wittmann-Interview-Designed for Men by de Greef-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photo above (left): A ring in weirdium (metal invented by a company based in Liège, composed of silver, platinum and copper), mounted on pink gold.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Many thanks to Arnaud Wittmann and his team. 

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DE GREEF 

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Bruxelles: Déjeuner dégustation chez EXKi

ESKi-Food-Tasting-Lunch-Brussels-Belgium-1-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

“Nous sommes sauveurs de femmes”

m’explique Nicolas Steisel, un des trois associés des restaurants EXKi, où je suis invitée à un déjeuner presse, afin de découvrir les nouveautés.

– La femme a beaucoup changé. Mais il a quinze ans, le monde de la restauration ne suivait pas ce changement. L’idée s’est imposée à nous. Le légume est la base de notre cuisine. EXKi est un fast de qualité avec des prix qui restent accessibles.

En février, la betterave sera à l’honneur. J’en profite donc pour goûter une des nouvelles recettes, la salade Trio avec des betteraves bio, des lentilles, des carottes et de la feta (photo ci-dessus). Légère, simple et savoureuse. Mais j’ai vraiment craqué pour une des tartes de légumes : celle la courge est top!

Et si vous aimez les fruits, je vous recommande le “Fruit & Tea”, une sorte de smootie maison sans produit laitier ; ) Photo montage ci-dessous : photo 1, un Fruit & Tea composé d’ananas dans du thé parfumé et sirop de sucre brun, avant d’être passé à la centrifugeuse avec des glaçons, où il se transforme en une mousse onctueuse et parfumée à boire (photos 2 et 3). Photo 4 : le nouveau Coca Cola Life (avec du Stevia), je ne connaissais pas du tout! Et finalement il a meilleur goût que le Coca Zéro.

Aujourd’hui, on trouve des EXKi un petit peu partout : une quarantaine en Belgique (dont 21 à Bruxelles), 23 à Paris, 9 en Italie, 4 au Luxembourg, 1 en Hollande et bientôt un deuxième à New York. Nous souhaitons combiner plaisir immédiat avec de bons produits, alimentation équilibrée et intérêt environnemental“, conclut Nicolas Steisel. 

ESKi-Food-Tasting-Lunch-Brussels-Belgium-2-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés 

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My First Auto Show in Brussels, Belgium

Jaguar-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Invited for the first time at a car show, I am very excited to discover the innovations of the 93rd Salon Auto / Moto / Van which is held in Brussels until 25 January. First time for me! 

I like cars, but I’m far from an expert. Let’s say I am more interested in aesthetics, design, comfort and ease to drive (I like to shift gears manually) than engine power as such.

Only if I find a car beautiful or interesting, I’d discover more, like this superb Jaguar on the picture above. Then I will be curious about the fuel consumption, environmental impact and performance / price ratio.

Sexy 4X4

Land-Rover-Range-Rover-Evoque-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

I’ve always had a big crush on the British brands that greatly mix classy timeless design and technical performance. And when I think of a 4×4, the first name that comes to mind is Range Rover!

Photos 2 & 3 : the Range Rover Evoque ”British Edition”. The Range Rover Evoque perfectly reflects the spirit of the moment. Besides, it received 161 international awards since its launch in 2011.

The other great 4X4 brand that comes to my mind is Jeep. And the new Jeep Renagade in canary yellow version is awesome (photo 4)! Having not drived any of these cars, I will not talk about driving.

Land-Rover-Range-Rover-Evoque-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-2A-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KJeep-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

MINI City trips

Mini-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Wow the Mini! WHO doesn’t like the Mini? I’ve already been a big fan of the old Mini and remains a big fan of the new MINI! It’s a very stylish car. And with the new versions, the ultimate chic little car has a powerful engine too!!

Chic UFO

SsangYong-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

I didn’t know at all the Korean brand SsangYong (now Mahindra & Mahindra since 2011). Regarding the design, what a nice surprise with this XIV-Air concept car that looks like a manga, very cubic. The rear lights seem to be a half-open mouth. Funny!

SsangYong-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Vintage baby!

Citroën-DS-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

I do love old cars! They are so classy! On the photo above, the iconic Citroën DS! Symbol of French movies of the sixties-seventies, with Alain Delon, Jean-Pierre Melville, Fantomas … 

Among my favorites, there are the old Mercedes coupes and the Volvo on the photo below.   

Volvo-Collection-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Red Carpet

Alfa-Romeo-Mito-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

I am neither Rihanna nor a Hollywood star, but I’m fond of this gorgeous Alpha Romeo with the sweet name of Mito (above photo)! LOL! 

As for the new BMW 6 Series (photo below), I have to admit, this car in white is WOW! Although I much more prefer the Z8 Roadster of James (Bond)… and the last Z4!  

BMW-Série6-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Bubbly 

Smart-Forfour-Fortwo-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

As a good globetrotter, I had the opportunity to drive a Smart car on winding narrow roads of a small island years ago. Super convenient! I was able to put my body board, dive bag and an extra friend !!!!

A curvaceous design for the new Smart Forfour for four persons, with an interior reminiscent of the Courrèges 60s models!

Another small car I find really charming, the Opel Adam to customize according to his desires (photo below). Modern design, very fresh and young! Like the Toyota Aygo.

Opel Adam 2C

Photogenic

Mazada-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

To be very honest, I like more the composition of my photos on this Mazda CX-5 than the car itself. It’s certainly a great 4X4, with headlights reminding me the profile of a shark …

Mazda-93eEuropean Motor-Show-Brussels-Belgium-Europe-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

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93rd Salon Auto / Moto / Van

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