Een fashionista in de straten van Antwerpen: Hilde Baeten

Belgian fashionista in Zin magazine

Since a couple of years, I photograph monthly outspoken women and men for Zin magazine as well. Because of the Flemish theme number the editor asked me to search for a Belgian candidate. In the streets of Antwerp, I once met Hilde Baeten, together with her sister. For a picture and interview for this Flemish Zin, I asked this fashionista from Antwerp to pose once more.

Een fashionista op straat in Antwerpen: Hilde Baeten

Sun and shadow

To me, one of the pleasures of photography is finding a suitable place. This time I accidentally came across a very quiet ‘afterward’ square in the inner city. When I saw this staircase, I knew immediately: this will be he perfect place to photograph Hilde. The tight shadow lines combined with the staircase fits perfectly with Hilde’s clothing style.

Een fashionista in Antwerpen: Hilde Baeten

Quality

Hilde (1964) lives in a village near Antwerp, but works in the city center, as sales consultant at Verso. Hilde: “I completed a tourism education, but I did not find work at that time in the tourist industry. I’ve always been interested in fashion, so I was lucky I could start at Céline in Antwerp. I learned a lot, like appreciating beautiful fabrics. All sales assistants wore an expensive uniform skirt made of beautiful quality fabrics. After that, I worked in a shoe shop in Herentals near Antwerp. A shop selling only exclusive and expensive brands.”

New phase

“Until her death in 2013, I always cared for my mother, in addition to my work. She has become 93 years old and because she has been sick during the last years of her life, it was not always easy. At one point we were talking about a resting house. I had arranged everything, but at the last moment, I canceled it. I was sure she would not be happy in that house. Now I am so glad about that decision. My mother lived for another year, and after all, it became one of the most beautiful years we had together. After her death, a whole new phase started for me. I found another job in Antwerp, at Verso. I love my job. My next step will be moving to Antwerp.”

Een fashionista in Antwerpen: Hilde Baeten

My style

I love clean lines and beautiful fabrics. I often wear black, but in summer I’m dressed a little more colorful. Martin Margiela is my favorite designer. Besides other Belgian designers, like Dries van Noten. The shoes I’m wearing today are by Attilio Giusti Leombruni, jumper and skirt by Pinko. The bag is by Save my bag, an Italian brand. The bag is made of lycra and can even be cleaned in the washing machine. The story behind this brand: part of the proceeds of this model were donated to the victims of the earthquakes in Italy. I love to buy something with such a story.”

Een fashionista in de straten van Antwerpen: Hilde Baeten

Looking for a place to drink some coffee, we came along this beautiful old door. In front of this door, I took another photo of Hilde.

More (shoe) shops in Antwerpen you’ll find here