SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING: THE HIDDEN PEARLS OF GHENT
Anyone who visits a city likes to take home a nice souvenir. We all know that you cannot find the most beautiful treasures in the busiest shopping street. Looking for a unique find in Ghent? You'll find it on the head with these hidden gems.
Studio Vangst is a unique second-hand shop in the city center of Ghent. Lola Valkenborg, the brain behind the idea, opened the store in December 2016. She was barely 23 years old at the time. Lola has spent her entire life scouring flea markets, thrift stores and outlets in search of unique pre-loved items. Studio Vangst is for those who, like us, do not always have the time (or patience) to spend hours searching for rare finds. Lola's mission? To forget the sometimes negative connotations of second-hand and to give items a second or even third life. We think she has succeeded with flying colors!
Studio Vangst, Baudelostraat 23, 9000 Ghent – Open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 AM to 19:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 18:00 PM – www.studiovangst.be
Let the daughter of an antique dealer take a course in theater costume design and then put her in a very cozy storefront. The result? Louise & Madeleine. As a child, Kim could fantasize for hours about having her own shop and eight years ago that dream finally came true. At Louise & Madeleine you will find vintage curiosities, supplemented with your own designs and unique pieces from domestic and foreign designers. The shop window alone is worth a stop. With its red and black lacquered tiles, it is easily one of the most beautiful in the city!
Louise & Madeleine, Kraanlei 61, 9000 Ghent – Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 18:00 pm – www.louise-madeleine.be
On the Predikherenlei you will find another roguish duo: Agnes & Maurice. The gift store is a tribute to Agnes & Maurice, the grandparents of founders Emely and Silke Van Impe. You can shop a unique collection of handmade gadgets, handbags and interior objects, from Korean soap to African jewelry. At Agnes & Maurice you will find both designer pieces and more affordable items and Emely's own collection of scarves and sweaters is also in the store. Add to that a beautifully restored sixteenth century historic building and you know that this shop is definitely worth a visit.
Agnes & Maurice, Predikherenlei 9, 9000 Ghent – Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 18:30 PM and on Sunday from 13:00 PM to 17:00 PM – www.agnesmaurice.be
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