Shopper's Diary: Sharing Beauty in Antwerp - Remodelista
Like a lot of good finds these days, I discovered Atelier Solarshop on Instagram via SF-based photographer Leslie Williamson. She first visited the Antwerp shop three years ago after photographing architect Renaat Braem’s house in Belgium for her book Modern Originals, and when she struck up a conversation with co-owner Pií«tro Celestina (his partner is clothing designer Jan-Jan Van Essche–the couple met as students at Antwerp Fashion Academy)... ...she immediately knew that, as she puts it, “they were my sort of people.” Thirty minutes later, over a cup of tea (it’s that sort of place), she spotted a copy of her first book, Handcrafted Modern, on a table. When she told Pií«tro it was her book, he told her that they always kept their copy out to inspire their clients. So naturally we ended up hunting and collecting pieces we liked. A rustic wooden clothes rack featuring Jan-Jan Van Essche’s line. Teakwood candleholders on display with other vintage finds. The pieces are sourced from a wide range of places, including markets, collectors, secret spots, and even from the street. Mirrors repurposed with macrame hangers. As for their vintage pursuits, Pií«tro and Jan-Jan confess to being “addicted, so we’re constantly searching. A jacket hangs on a wooden door used as a display prop. On the floor is an Armenian handwoven rug with a cushion from the designer At-Swim-Two-Birds. The desk/shelving is a vintage Poul Cadovius Royal System. Brass mixed with ceramics by Berlin-based designer Katharina Trudzinski. Scarves hang from a wood and brass rack. Pií«tro tells us, “We’ve been working with different clothing designers and craftsmen over the past few years, and the shop constantly evolves. Because of Atelier Solarshop’s space and energy, we have attracted many other creatives on the same frequency.