A passion for art has been the driving force of Beatrix Bourdon’s career. The Belgian native is managing director of Brussels’ annual BRAFA Art Fair; Europe’s oldest art and antiques event, it is seen as a barometer of the art market.
Beatrix oversees every aspect, from curation and vetting of exhibitors to the catalogue and sponsorship. In her free time, she loves walking and cycling in the countryside and around the city’s parks, such as the Mont des Arts formal gardens, as well as exploring Brussels’ rich culture. brafa.art
Decoration & design
New Hope 26-28 Rue Américaine 1060 This high-profile new gallery was designed by architect Olivier Dwek. The collectors behind it – Frédéric Hanrez and Jérôme Sohier – have an exceptional range of 20th-century pieces from Danish and US designers, plus Belgian names like Ado Chale and Jules Wabbes, who are also at BRAFA.
What's everyone reading?
Xavier Lust 75 Avenue Emile de Bec o1050 A noted Belgian designer and sculptor, Lust presents his own design pieces in his studio in an old printing press. His work is among the best of contemporary collectible design in Brussels and internationally. You can visit his studio by appointment, or on open days.
Charles Kaisin 36 Quai du Commerce 1000 I love this Belgian architect and designer for his joie de vivre. He’s versatile but best-known for surrealistic dinners held in fantastical locations, from a metro train to the remains of the city’s Citroën garage. He has a small shop next to his house and does pop-ups.
Fashion & beauty
Stijl 74 Rue Antoine Dansaert 1000 A reference point for designer clothing, known for its highly specialised and curated selection, Stijl aims to promote Belgian independent designers as well as established names.
Jean-Paul Knott 147 Rue Franz Merjay 1050 This boutique in Ixelles is a gorgeous shop to wander around. Jean-Paul has a long collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent and is known for his costumes for Béjart ballets.
Food & drink
Toucan sur Mer 17 Avenue Louis Lepoutre 1050 The seafood is fantastic. I’ma bit of an Anglophile, so I go when I want fish and chips – theirs are the best in Brussels.
Senzanome 1 Place du Petit Sablon, 1000 For something more sophisticated, Senzanome is one of my favourite choices in the arty Sablon neighbourhood. The food is Italian and the chef has a Michelin star.
La Villa Lorraine 75 Avenue du Vivier d’Oie 1000 Another fine-dining option is this beautiful two-Michelin-star restaurant run by chef Yves Mattagne, set in a 19th-century villa. It has a popular cocktail bar attached.
Amen 165 Rue Franz Merjay 1050 Near Place Brugmann, this was created by Pascal Devalkeneer, a two-star Michelin chef. It has a great Saturday lunch option dedicated to Belgium’s roast, the poulet frites compote.
Where to stay
Manos 100-106 Charleroise Steenweg 1060 This welcoming gem is near the bustling, gallery-filled Avenue Louise. It’s luxurious but non-pretentious and has a great spa.
The Dominican 9 Rue Léopold 1000 Located in an old, renovated abbey, this central hotel has a fabulous atmosphere. It’s chic, but its aura and history has been maintained.
The Hoxton 1 Square Victoria Régina 1210 I’m looking forward to this opening in an iconic brutalist-style building. The luckiest rooms overlook the botanical gardens.
