In the Spring 2025 edition of the Belgian luxury magazine Members Only, Maison Degand is portrayed as far more than a tailoring house. Through the pen of journalist Raoul Buyle, the article explores the philosophy that has shaped the Brussels institution for decades: timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship and a modern interpretation of masculine refinement. From exclusive footwear to iconic fragrances and artisanal accessories, the feature paints a portrait of a house where distinction is never rigid, but always deeply personal.
English translation of the article
Maison Degand
Distinguished, but not stiff
Pierre Degand dresses the modern man, from sportswear to eveningwear. He is the ambassador of a timeless and coherent clothing style. Classical, yes, but with a reinvented classicism that makes it entirely contemporary. His credo: to focus on exclusivity. And never compromise on quality.
By Raoul Buyle
Its DNA: authenticity, luxury, elegance. Authentic? Whose origin, accuracy and sincerity cannot be questioned. Just like the garments and accessories offered by Maison Degand.
Pierre Degand’s definition of luxury? Before being a lifestyle, luxury is a talent, inseparable from craftsmanship, the quality of raw materials and the service provided. Certainly, luxury costs more, but it withstands the test of time.
Elegance according to Pierre Degand? A balanced combination of classicism and a style adapted to contemporary tastes. Distinguished, but not stiff! “Your elegance is my profession,” he says with a smile.
And contrary to what some people may think, he is not resistant to novelty. The spirit of the times is about fair pricing, a certain relaxed attitude (not negligence!) and durable garments made from noble materials that last a long time, sometimes a lifetime.
Dynamism and exclusivity
A newcomer to the Degand “stable”: James Perse. A casual chic brand born in Los Angeles in 1994 with a line of t-shirts combining luxury and comfort in perfect harmony.
Whether you are looking for stylish basics or premium quality cotton pieces, James Perse offers refined, high-end and successful ready-to-wear. It should be noted that the label is influenced by James’s father, owner of the famous “Maxfield” boutique on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
Last October, Maison Degand organised a… shoe fashion show within its walls. And not just any shoes: pairs by Gaziano & Girling from the collections of one of the world’s greatest shoemakers.
Needless to say that at Degand, the men’s shoe is much more than an accessory. It is the essential distinguishing element that sets the tone for an outfit.
It is the shoe that reveals to an informed observer who we truly are: whether or not we are a man of taste, sufficiently civilised to distinguish an Oxford from a Derby and to recognise the right moment to remove loafers and put on sneakers.
Gaziano & Girling? A highly exclusive English brand (with only one flagship store in the world, located on Savile Row in London), created by Messrs Tony Gaziano and Dean Girling, appreciated by those seeking both artisanal excellence and contemporary aesthetics.
Each pair is handmade in their own workshop in Kettering, Northamptonshire, using leather from the world’s finest tanneries, ensuring exceptional durability and optimal comfort.
Naturally, the house also offers a bespoke service, where each pair is adapted to the client’s specific needs, as well as a made-to-order service allowing partial personalisation of the model.
Still within the realm of highly exclusive accessories: cufflinks by the Venetian jeweller Nardi. Genuine little baroque and precious jewels, notably seen at BRAFA 2025.
Long reserved for major occasions, cufflinks are now worn daily for a “modern dandy” style.
Beautiful outside, beautiful inside
“Taking care of oneself is essential,” says Pierre Degand, who recommends the finest grooming rituals for men.
The shaving tradition, for example, has been elevated to the rank of art with Geo F. Trumper shaving products (1875), whose deliciously old-fashioned look is part of their charm.
The brand is known and recognised as one of the best English barbers and perfumers, established in London on Curzon Street in Mayfair and near St. James’s Park.
Appointed “Royal Hairdresser” by Queen Victoria, the company has since received no fewer than five royal warrants.
Other iconic shaving accessories include Plisson (1808), whose shaving brushes were already used by Napoleon I.
Do you know the favourite eau de toilette of King Charles III, the one he wore on the day of his coronation? “N°89” by Floris.
A woody aromatic fragrance created in 1951 for this great British perfume house founded in 1730.
Notes of lavender, bergamot and neroli blend with a heart of rose, geranium and ylang-ylang over a base of musk, cedarwood and sandalwood.
Floris London also offers a range of cleansing products, scented soaps, shaving balm and moisturising lotions.
Also worth rediscovering: “Colonia” by Acqua di Parma.
It was in 1916, in a small fragrance laboratory near Parma, that Baron Carlo Magnani created the “diva” of colognes.
A whirlwind of Sicilian citrus fruits, Bulgarian rose, English lavender, verbena and rosemary, twisted with notes of vetiver, pink pepper, sandalwood and patchouli.
A timeless icon of modern perfumery.
Among the new arrivals are also the Savonneries Bruxelloises. Quality and tradition of soaps with subtle fragrances, enriched with shea butter and manufactured in the heart of Brussels since 1926.
An art of living at its peak!
About Members Only magazine
Members Only Magazine is a Belgian luxury and lifestyle publication dedicated to high-end living, craftsmanship, gastronomy, travel, fashion and culture. The magazine is known for highlighting premium maisons, artisans and personalities who embody refinement and savoir-faire. Its editorial line combines elegance with contemporary lifestyle reporting, making it a natural platform for distinguished houses such as Maison Degand. The Spring 2025 issue particularly focused on luxury, timeless style and the evolving codes of masculine elegance.
