Once upon a time in Belgium
For its traditional fall exhibition, Parisian department store Le Bon Marché is paying a tribute to France's neighbour Belgium until 18 October. The exhibition looks at all aspect of the Belgian culture, from literature to fashion and food. Various events include concerts, guided tours and workshops.
It starts with a focus on some of the biggest Belgian comics heroes: The Smurfs, Marsupilami, Largo Winch and even Gaston Lagaffe. The characters are reimagined pacing up and down the store and become the subject of drawings specially made for the occasion, declined on a whole series of products or art objects. Children's book character Martine was also invited, and a special story book was released for the exhibition dubbed 'Martine au Bon Marché'.
The exhibition also put the spotlight on Belgian gastronomy with Made-in-Belgium products such as craft beers, waffles, and chocolates.
Special pop-up spaces are allocating to Belgian fashion brands such as Essentiel Antwerp or luxury leather goods from la Maison Delvaux. Men streetwear labels Arte and SuspiciousAntwerp are also among the Belgian brands invited for the occasion.
The department store called on Belgian comedian, writer and director Stéphane De Groodt to create his surrealist supermarket especially for the event. Items such as T-shirts, candles and confectionery are branded with his defiant, sharp and poetic wordplay.
once upon a time in belgium - website