Maison Degand celebrates its 50th anniversary !

In the year 2023, Maison Degand commemorates its 50th anniversary, symbolizing half a century of commitment to elegance and premium apparel. Presently, Pierre Degand addresses the formidable trials that the fashion sector encounters, upholding his unwavering belief, and appoints Fabrice Duchêne as his partner to safeguard the perpetuation and endurance of his visionary legacy.

When discussing the inception of his journey in the business, Pierre Degand holds a special appreciation for his mother's role: "My path began with her belief in me, enabling me to establish my inaugural boutique in Knokke five decades ago, when I was a mere 19 years old. The store was modest in size. I retailed jeans, floral-patterned shirts, and Shetland sweaters sourced from the streets of Paris. Back then, Zoute hadn't transformed into the upscale destination it is today; weekends in August and September saw a scattering of visitors. It resembled a small village, yet my early clientele comprised individuals of discerning taste, including select Antwerp diamond traders from notable Ghent and Courtrai families... It was these patrons who fueled the drive to define and refine my brand's identity. Through diligent effort, I was gradually drawn to embrace certain labels of quality. I don't refer to mere brands, but rather distinguished labels like Ballantyne sweaters, D'Avenza or Brioni suits: labors of love...

Fabrice Duchêne remarks, "It's actually a quite significant trend these days: there's a lot of talk about Quiet Luxury, which contrasts with the flashy extravagance of major luxury conglomerates that heavily emphasize a name or even just a logo, often fixated on celebrities endorsing their brands. Our focus is on a clientele that isn't drawn to this kind of luxury, instead seeking a different interpretation of excellence, one that revolves more around elegance and quality... We're witnessing a current shift away from overtly ostentatious fashion that dominates social media, and at Degand, we precisely embody this perspective on fashion and lifestyle."

Pierre Degand states, "Fundamentally, I'm not a mere salesperson; I provide advice! It's ingrained in my nature. Our approach is quite unconventional compared to the modern retail landscape. Other stores rely on salespeople who lack knowledge about their products or customers, which is distinct from our practice here. When I guide a customer, my focus extends beyond making a sale; I'm motivated by the concept of offering genuine service. When I sell a suit, I meticulously coordinate the entire outfit, right down to the socks. This is because I understand that often, when you put on a suit, you're faced with the dilemma of selecting the appropriate socks, and this seemingly minor detail can make a significant impact. This level of attentive care is our defining characteristic. Tailoring is an intricate art."

Pierre Degand shares, "Mimi became actively involved in the boutique right after our wedding. Initially, I entrusted her with cufflinks, and her incredible client memory and evident charisma led to a remarkable surge in sales in that department," he explains with a smile. "Then, during the early 90s, when we introduced a 'sport' section at the back of the building, she took the reins and curated brands and pieces with impeccable taste...

As for Emily, my daughter, she assumed responsibility for all things related to image, communication, and marketing for the business. She possesses a highly creative nature and refined sensibilities... While she may be less commercially oriented than her parents, her sensitivity and attention to detail are priceless assets. She's also the driving force behind bringing her passion for gastronomy into the Degand journey and is deeply involved in the upcoming restaurant launch. This new culinary venture bears her name primarily because it was her impetus that motivated me to establish this restaurant."

With the addition of Fabrice Duchêne and his expertise in management and the business aspects of the industry, the entrepreneur now feels fully supported to move ahead and tackle new challenges.

Looking beyond the existing offerings, there's a strong emphasis on embracing new trends, emerging technologies, and the evolving landscape of fashion consumption in 2023. Fabrice Duchêne recognizes this evolution, stating,

"Throughout its history, Maison Degand has welcomed people seeking exceptional and unique moments. Whether it's a wedding, ceremony, gala, or even a somber occasion, these are meaningful events, and our role is to be there every step of the way. However, beyond these ceremonial moments, we also have a lot to offer in other aspects of modern life.

This is particularly important in a changing society, where traditional suits are gradually making way for different styles in our daily lives. Silhouettes have been transforming notably in recent years. We're committed to offering the best options for these more relaxed occasions, whether it's a suit or contemporary attire.

We're also dedicated to demonstrating that our expertise goes beyond crafting exceptional pieces; we're attuned to market dynamics.

The distinction between bespoke creations and more business-oriented offerings is evolving to provide customers with greater flexibility and clarity. Even though the pieces and silhouettes may differ, we're still able to capture the same sense of elegance and distinction that clients associate with us."

Turning to the specific plans for this extraordinary anniversary, it's worth noting that there are exciting developments in store, including a dedicated pop-up focusing on the art of footwear, along with future plans for a daytime dining space. Additionally, there's the exciting prospect of acquiring a property around the corner on Abbey Street, with the goal of launching "the finest Italian restaurant in the city" by September. All of these endeavors instill a strong sense of confidence in what lies ahead...

Indulge in an exclusive experience by booking a personal appointment at our esteemed luxury fashion store. From the moment you step through our doors, you will be immersed in a world of opulence and sophistication.

Booking a personal appointment grants you access to our team of experienced and knowledgeable fashion experts, who will provide you with personalized attention and guidance throughout your visit. Our skilled stylists will work closely with you to understand your unique tastes, preferences, and style aspirations, ensuring that your visit is tailored to your individual needs.

During your appointment, you will have the opportunity to peruse our curated selection of exquisite garments, accessories, and couture pieces, meticulously crafted by renowned designers from around the world. Whether you're looking for a statement piece for a special occasion or seeking to elevate your everyday wardrobe, our team will be on hand to offer expert advice and recommendations.

Booking a personal appointment at Maison Degand store is an unrivaled experience, where you can indulge in the world of high-end fashion and receive unparalleled service. Elevate your shopping experience to new heights by reserving your personal appointment with us today.