MoMu Exhibition - "BLACK. Masters of Black in Fashion & Costume"

The MoMu Fashion Museum in Antwerp is renowned for its collections and inspired exhibitions.  Home to some 25,000 items from traditional and historic dress (dating back to the 16th century) right up to the most modern designers including Dries Van Noten and Bernhard Willhelm, the collections are frequently changes and supplemented by exhibitions and projects throughout the year.

“BLACK.  Masters of Black in Fashion & Costume” is the latest MoMu exhibition.  Illustrating the use of the colour black in clothing and fashions through time.  The fascinating display includes paintings and exquisite examples of historic costume through to masterpieces of contemporary design which depict the important role colour has played in establishing the wearer in society.  As a city, Antwerp has a long association and special connection with Black and the exhibition perfectly charts its development over time.  The exhibition will run till 8th August 2010.

In the MoMu Gallery, third year student from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Fashion Department are exhibiting examples from their recent collections.  The theme of the collections is ethnic culture and the students draw on their own experiences, passions, skill and personal history to create visionary collections.  The Ethnic Costume exhibition will run until Wednesday 2nd June.

Mode Museum is open every day except Monday from 10am till 6pm (very occasionally closed to facilitate exhibition changes but you can always double check dates with our reception team).  Entry to most exhibitions is included in the admission fee (€6 for adults) for which you also receive a visitor brochure packed full of information on the current exhibits and displays.

Afterwards you may be feeling peckish, looking for a bite to eat and stumble across Fish & Chips, Antwerp just around the corner from MoMu.  If you do keep on walking.  We don’t mean that in a negative way though!  Despite it’s name, Fish & Chips is one of Antwerps trendy boutiques – great for satisfying your shopping urge but not necessarily your hunger so we’d recommend consulting this Antwerp food guide.

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The words Antwerp and diamonds have been synonymous with each other for centuries and “Antwerp Cut” is an international trade term for flawless beauty.  Since the 15^th century the city has been at the hub of world trade and more than 70% of the worlds diamonds are still traded through the city.  Antwerp Diamonds district is only a couple of minutes walk from the hotel where you’ll find elegant showrooms with fascinating tours, exhibitions and, of course, the opportunity to buy your own sparkling specimen.

More brilliant than the cities diamonds are our amazing Antwerp’s hotel deals and I’ll keep you posted with our latest specials and packages as they’re announced right here on our Blog.

There is so much to see and do in Antwerp so I’ll be bringing you the hottest news and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Antwerp offers great live music in numerous venues across the city.  From classical to rock to Jazz at Café de Muze there is something for everyone.  The annual Zommer van Antwerpen festival takes place throughout the summer months with dancing, theatre, street performances, circuses and even outdoor movie screenings and is a spectacular time to visit.

Being home to Europe’s leading fashion design school guarantees that Antwerp fashion is always cutting edge and leading the trends.  Since the Eighties when the pioneers of the movement (known as the “Antwerp Six”) travelled to London and Paris conquering the fashion world with their distinctive visions, successive generations of designers have continued to make their unique marks and grab the worlds attention.  At the creative heart is the ModeNatie, a building as iconic as the Flanders Fashion Institute and Antwerp Fashion Academy housed within and the fashion high point is its yearly show drawing in thousands of international visitors.

With finest produce from around the world passing through the port Antwerp has always had a gourmet reputation.  Many restaurants offer French style cuisine but often with a Flemish flair or incorporating delicious local ingredients to add a Belgian twist.  You’ll also find shining examples of all styles of cuisine from European to Asian via and Latin-America.  Discover the wonders of Antwerp restaurants with our good food guide.

Antwerp is steeped in culture.  Its rich, historic past and works produced by some of its famous citizens can be found in the numerous museums, treasuries and churches around the city.  There are also many theatres, cinemas and galleries offering something for everyone and here you can find out about all Antwerp attractions.

Antwerp is a shoppers paradise.  They say “It’s not London, Amsterdam, Paris or Milan, its the best of these rolled into one.” and I’d definitely agree.  The city is shopping heaven with a rich and diverse range of stores set against the elegant cityscape; browse the host of upmarket boutiques and high street favourites.  Antwerp shopping trips are as rewarding as they are fun.

I look forward to keeping you updated with the best to see and do and hope to welcome you to our beautiful city and the Leopold Hotel very soon.

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The historical dome was layered with gold and several kinds of marble were used to restore the historical stairs. No efforts were spared to let the ‘Pride of Antwerp’ shine again.

 The base line ‘Expect the Unexpected’ says it all! Up to 40 shops, among which several pilot stores of international brands in a unique historical setting with modern accents definitely grabbed visitors’ attention and hearts.

 Anchors are the first Saturn in Belgium and Urban Outfitters (first shop on the European main land). Other Pilot Stores for Belgium are Tommy Hilfiger Tailored, Salsa Jeans, Nike en Sabon. COS (Collection of Style), Leon Mode and Edisac opened their first Antwerp store in Shopping Stadsfeestzaal.

 When you need a break you can rest your feet in one of the two architectical masterpieces that are located in the historical ballroom. Sip your drink in an ultra-modern bar with a unique design, La Salle or on the ‘floating terrace’ of the Laurent Perrier Champagnebar.

Many reasons not to hesitate to come and discover the Shopping Stadsfeestzaal, a dazzling venue that accommodates exquisite shopping and two sparkling bars!

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On street corners, in music clubs, in open air during the summer months, in small or large concert venues … music is everywhere! Antwerp boasts clubs like the Crossroads Café or the Kid’s Rythm & Blues Bar where you can enjoy weekly jam sessions by leading Antwerp musicians or free live performances by smaller bands. ‘De Roma’ is another great and inexpensive option for seeing some of the world’s finest musicians in all kinds of musical genres like jazz, classical music or even Flamenco. The Arenberg Theatre or their summer residence the ‘Openluchttheater’ have an impressive programme of well known artists all year round whereas rock and pop temple Trix offers national or international beginning bands a shot at fame! And of course Antwerp has it’s very own temple for the big international rockstars : the Sportpaleis and the smaller Lotto Arena. And if we say stars, we mean stars! Some of the concerts programmed for the upcoming spring months are none other than Grace Jones, Rihanna, Mika, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Eric Clapton, Whithey Houston and Michael Bublé.

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This exhibition follows Delvaux from the manufacture of travel goods for the local nobility in the 19th century, through the rise of the modern handbag in the 20th century.

The exhibition “Delvaux, 180 years of Belgian luxury” runs untill Sunday February 22nd 2010 in the Antwerp Fashion Museum. Book one of our stylish Leopold Antwerp hotel rooms when you visit this unmissable exhibition.

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Antwerp has always been known as the place to be for young creative people. Great example are the young designers, like Walter Van Beirendonck, who put Antwerp in the fashion spotlight. Musically, there’s a lot of talent out there as well. Not to mention all the other artists, music festivals, and clubs. Antwerp is booming, and this is attracting all sorts of creative, artistic people from all over Belgium and Europe.

When you’re looking for a new look on today’s world, today’s art, or today’s fashion, Antwerp is definitely the place to be. Contemporary is the most  important word here, is heard all over town. Everyone is convinced to fully exploit this election to proof to all the other European youth, we here at Antwerp are proud of what we have established so far, and we can only say the future is looking bright. This vivid city is surely worthwhile a visit.

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The zoo houses more than 6000 animals of 750 species. Just recently we all welcomed baby elephant; Kai Mook.These were very exciting times for all of Antwerp!

The Antwerp Zoo have new modern attractions to go with its old-fashioned charm. Freezeland, a habitat for sea otters and penguins, has joined the Nocturama (for the creatures of the night), a planetarium, a winter garden and an aquarium. It’s sure worthwhile a visit!

The passage of time and the extensive landscaping of the grounds have turned Antwerp Zoo into a green oasis in the very centre of the modern city. The scientific side of zoo operation has not been neglected and the Royal Zoological Society has, like many other zoo administrations, embarked on breeding programmes to sustain populations of endangered species.

Book your Antwerp luxury room now or travel in style with one of our room suites. When reserving your weekend break at Leopold Antwerp hotel, or perhaps a suite room at its sister hotel Astoria Antwerp , you will be able to book your tickets immediately for the Antwerp Zoo. They are also available on request at reception.

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“Night of the Proms” has a very simple yet successful concept; “Classic meets Pop”. The pop artists are complimented by the in-house  orchestral arrangements brought to you by the philharmonic orchestra. Looking at the various genres in years’ line-up, Rock (Roxette), Jazz (Toots Thielemans) & Blues (John Miles) stand out  in this exciting cocktail of music. This event is held every year in Sportpaleis Antwerp. Tickets are still available.

“Night of the Proms” is perceived very highly in Belgium and through Europe, as one of the musical events of the year. There are a number of editions per year, due to the continually increasing demand for tickets. This event further enhances Antwerp’s vivid cultural & musical reputation. To book your stay in Antwerp look for Antwerp hotel deals at Leopold Hotel Antwerp.

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Whether you are in town on a business trip, a weekend break, seminar, or just any other occasion, the Leopold is all you may expect from a city centre boutique hotel, it’s smart and sophisticated yet fun and just that little bit quirky.

In this blog, we will keep you up-to-date on the latest news of this hotel, city events, and the everyday trivia of the most wonderful city in the world; Antwerp; http://www.antwerpen.be

Whether there’s a new exposition, a fashion show, diamond exhibitions, or live concerts in town, you will find it in this blog. We hope you enjoy your time reading here, and look forward welcoming you again!

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