Back in 1999, Bernard Gavilan opened his first vintage shop at Rue Blaes 162 in Brussels’ Marolles quarter.
It is filled with fun stuff from the past, including shoes, handbags and big sunglasses. You might fall for a dress last worn on a summer day 30 years ago, or a quirky 1960s lamp that until recently was gathering dust in a Belgian attic.
Gavilan’s parents were Spanish immigrants who moved to Brussels when he was a child. He grew up in the Marolles, not far from the flea market, and got to know the neighbourhood’s bars and clubs.
He’s now a DJ and fashion guru with three stores in the Marolles where you can hunt for vintage fashion.
Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day: Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.
