SHOPPING TIPS. Hearts for mom, handmade treasures and a new hotspot for digital arts (Antwerp)

Ellen Bogaert, Photo: Dive

Cheerful crochet work from Loop ‘N Craft

Lèffi D’Anvers, a trendy store in Grand Bazar Antwerp, has a new brand with the Antwerp Loop ‘N Craft.

Mehtap Bagiran used to work as a nurse, but her true passion has always been knitting and crocheting. In 2020 she picked up the knitting needles again. It started with a colorful blanket, but the range has since grown to include cushion covers, fashion, accessories such as vintage-style handbags, and even toys. The cat-themed items are her bestsellers.

Having started with successful online sales, Mehtap and her team are now determined to have a greater presence in physical Belgian stores. So starting with Lèffi D’Anvers.

For sale at Lèffi D’Anvers in Grand Bazar Antwerp, Beddenstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, www.instagram.com/loopncraft

Delicious Mother’s Day with Philip’s Biscuits

Philip’s Biscuits continues its time-honored tradition with a delicious offering for Mother’s Day. The range consists of bags with a cookie mix, large hearts and even diplomas in gingerbread and marzipan. Everything was prepared with love in their studio in Hemiksem.

The Antwerp cookie baker is also master of visually attractive packaging. Hot off the press is the new store tin with a watercolor drawing showing manager Ann with her youngest daughter and her playful dog. You can also surprise your mom with these stylish tins.

Philip’s Biscuits, Hoogstraat 2-4 and Korte Gasthuisstraat 39, 2000 Antwerp, www.philipsbiscuits.online

DIVE delves into the digital arts

The building of the former Cinema Majestic has been around for about a hundred years. From June 21, the five-storey complex will transform into DIVE, an event location for digital technology.

The initiative arose from the collaboration between Congé, Exhibition Hub and Marc Dockx, the owner of the building. Forty Barco projectors will send a record number of pixels into space and allow visitors to enjoy interactive exhibitions, starting with Klimt, the immersive experience, dedicated to the oeuvre of the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Still planned for this year: WOOM, a versatile platform for digital arts.

DIVE, Carnotstraat 90, 2000 Antwerp, www.divenow.be