A S
Google
Stijl is a staple in avant-garde fashion in Brussels. It showcases the Antwerp Six and new designers that they support, as they have been known for in the past. But for some reason as we came there with friends, dressed quite casually during a very warm day, we were met with an odd and rude gesture. A cold greeting and somehow seemingly signaling me to not touch the clothing at all. The whole situation was quite conflicting because I was prospecting to potentially purchase an Ann Demeulemeester sweater. Going through the racks, she then said « Welcome. This is a new designer ok? » and left to tend to her other client. We were then followed around the store as if were doing something wrong. Which is a shame because we were all avant-garde fashion enthusiasts, especially me. And I specifically made the choice to go there for the historical aspect of the shop and to potential gift myself a piece that would’ve caught my eye.
Am I surprised by this? Not completely but it does feel disappointing knowing the infamous founder of Stijl is iconic. I suggest maybe working on the welcome and how people are perceived in the store. If it’s an exclusive club where the common folk shouldn’t come, just say that on the entrance. Because that’s how it felt, like we were dust being dusted off. I was so put off by this experience I left empty handed and my friends genuinely didn’t feel welcome in a space that could’ve been educational. I’ve seen the Google reviews and read them, experiences like this shouldn’t be the norm. Simply saying hello to your costumers, letting them be and making sure they are tended to ONLY if asked is more than enough.
