Fabulous article
Véronique Branquinho has been a driving force of forward fashion since the launch of her women's line in 1997. Now the Belgian—and proud new owner of a vintage Porsche racecar—turns her sights to menswear.
Informed by a Formula One racing motif, Branquinho's spring '04 sophomore collection features narrow leather and nylon jackets, reinforced sleeves and zippered pockets. But the familiar logo-laden badges associated with a driver's uniform have been left empty because, she says with typical Belgian humility, "I prefer a more subtle style for people who don't need logos to be attractive or interesting."
Other stand-outs include terrycloth-lined jackets bearing a cryptic "Lonely 1" insignia on the sleeves, a biker jacket made entirely of chunky knit, assorted blazers and sweats. And then there are the totes, Italian-made boots and trainers with ankle straps.
"I don't have fashion victims in mind when I design," Branquinho says. "My collection is for men who want to dress in an elegant way and who pay attention to fabrics of high quality and perfect finishing."
At a time when designers are increasingly influenced by celebrity, Branquinho steers clear of the whims of pop culture. "I don't want to limit myself by getting focused on recent phenomena such as French singers and movies, although I enjoy the aesthetics of them. I project my ideas on real men in Antwerp who surround me—friends, people I go out with. I make realistic fashion."