For the very first episode of SUPERFLU, LDO's new lifestyle magazine, Maison Degand opens its doors to Ondine for an exclusive encounter with Pierre Degand. An engaging conversation about men's elegance, bespoke tailoring, and a distinctive vision of luxury.
Elegance: More Than Just a Way of Dressing
In the heart of Brussels, within the distinctive world of Maison Degand, the first episode of SUPERFLU begins its exploration of exceptional craftsmanship, remarkable discoveries, and the art of living.
Welcomed by Pierre Degand, Ondine discovers a house where elegance is defined neither by passing trends nor by prestigious labels.
Here, the quality of materials, the precision of tailoring, the attention paid to every detail, and the expertise of skilled artisans are what give each garment its true value.
It is a philosophy that Pierre Degand passionately upholds, beyond fashion trends and conventions.
Between Tradition and Modernity: An Ever-Evolving Wardrobe
The visit naturally leads behind the scenes of Maison Degand, offering a glimpse into the workshops, patterns, fabrics, and intricate processes involved in creating an exceptional garment.
Yet Maison Degand's universe extends far beyond traditional tailoring.
Alongside bespoke creations and formal eveningwear, visitors discover a more relaxed wardrobe, sportswear, made-to-measure jeans, and a carefully curated selection of lifestyle accessories.
These different facets reflect a deeply held belief: elegance does not belong to a particular era. It evolves with those who embrace it.
Being Clothed or Being Dressed?
During the conversation, Pierre Degand raises a question that is as simple as it is thought-provoking:
“Is it about being clothed, or being dressed?”
Behind this distinction lies an entire philosophy of dressing.
To dress well is to express one's personality, reveal a sense of individuality, and pay particular attention to how one presents oneself to the world.
Elegance, after all, is not measured by extravagance. It is often found in the smallest details, in the balance of a silhouette, and in the quiet confidence that comes from wearing a perfectly chosen garment.
Pierre Degand's Definition of True Luxury
Asked to define luxury, Pierre Degand offers a clear and uncompromising perspective: true luxury is never ostentatious.
Its essence lies in the quality of its construction, the excellence of its materials, and, above all, the talent of the artisans who bring each creation to life.
It is a demanding yet profoundly human vision, one in which craftsmanship takes precedence over appearances and quality stands the test of time.
This same passion continues to inspire Maison Degand, allowing tradition and modernity to exist in perfect harmony.
Discover the Interview
We would like to warmly thank Ondine and the entire LDO team for their visit and for the thoughtful attention they have given to our House.
We invite you to discover this conversation with Pierre Degand in the first episode of SUPERFLU, a programme celebrating beautiful things, passionate individuals, and experiences worth discovering.
English transcript
Ondine: Today, I'm taking you to Degand, the renowned Brussels fashion house that everyone knows by name. But is it the temple of men's elegance, or one of the last remnants of a bygone era? Let's find out.
Ondine: Hello, Mr Degand. Thank you for welcoming us into your house.
Pierre Degand: Thank you for coming.
Ondine: You still offer what we call bespoke tailoring?
Pierre Degand: Yes.
Ondine: So you're something of a stylist as well?
Pierre Degand: Yes, exactly.
Ondine: You're also a stylist because you sell brands, but above all, you sell…
Pierre Degand: No, we don't sell brands. We sell labels of quality. And depending on the quality label, I select the fabrics and the finishes. You're not buying a colour or a fabric. You're buying craftsmanship, which then comes with a particular material and colour.
Ondine: Here we are in the workshop, because taking measurements isn't enough. After that, everything has to be made. A sleeve, for example…
I imagine these are all the orders. I won't reveal the names written on them, but wow! Look at all this!
All the patterns for all the different designs.
Who are your customers today? Who is the typical customer? Is there such a thing?
Pierre Degand: People who enjoy dressing well. Because I believe it's a way of life. It's part of a whole universe. It's about appreciating the beauty of life and the fact that beautiful things exist.
Ondine: Look at that! You can even be elegant in bed! I like that.
Are there still occasions when people really dress up? They're becoming quite rare, aren't they?
Pierre Degand: Well, weddings have made a comeback.
Ondine: Yes, wonderful!
Pierre Degand: Yes.
Ondine: Perhaps for a new job, too. And there are still some people who genuinely enjoy dressing well every day.
Pierre Degand: Yes, people who love dressing well.
Ondine: Now we're in the most elegant part of the house. This is where the formalwear is. Look at that! That's sophisticated! Gentlemen, that's eveningwear!
Nowadays, you don't just find suits here, do you? It's not only bespoke tailoring. You offer all sorts of things, including sportswear. I've even heard about jeans. Am I dreaming?
Pierre Degand: Yes, of course.
Ondine: You can buy jeans at Degand?
Pierre Degand: Yes. We offer traditional jeans, and we also make bespoke jeans.
Ondine: Bespoke jeans?
Pierre Degand: Yes, bespoke jeans for women as well.
Ondine: That's wonderful! Look at all these gift ideas!
Everything you need for a whisky picnic! Honestly, if you don't have your whisky essentials, come to Degand!
You also sell cigar boxes here. Humidors, I believe they're called.
And I was going to ask you: how do you manage to remain successful in this business?
But actually, the answer is obvious. By expanding your expertise into something much more contemporary, you're constantly reinventing yourself. That's your secret. You keep reinventing yourself.
Pierre Degand: Well, I'm the last of the Mohicans, and I'm passionate about what I do.
Ondine: Perhaps that's the secret. Maybe that's what people appreciate.
Here we are where the suits are made. Look at this, all the wool fabrics.
You can choose absolutely everything you want for your suit.
And here, next to them, the cotton fabrics for shirts.
Oh, that's beautiful! I love these colours. That blue is stunning!
Do you think people will continue to dress properly?
Pierre Degand: That's a very good question. There's a difference between being clothed and being dressed. I sincerely hope that dressing well will make a comeback.
Ondine: What does the way someone dresses say about them? Isn't it the first message we send to others?
Pierre Degand: Perhaps not our entire personality, but it certainly sends a message.
Ondine: Yes, it's the details that make the difference.
What is your personal definition of luxury?
Pierre Degand: First of all, it is absolutely not ostentatious. Absolutely not.
It's not about marketing. It's not about brands. None of that.
It's the quality of the product's construction that must excel, thanks to the expertise and craftsmanship of the artisans who created it.
Ondine: Thank you very much, gentlemen.
And to everyone watching, don't hesitate to dress up a little. It would make the world so much more beautiful!
