Would you rather: run a business with your mother, or wear the same clothes as her? Charlotte De Geyter does both. She and her mother, Bernadette, are the duo behind Bernadette, a line of ethereal floral dresses based in Antwerp. They just launched the brand in November but have already been picked up by major retailers including Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, and Bergdorf Goodman. Charlotte hand paints all the prints, and the designs are informed by both Charlotte and Bernadette. The result is a collection of dresses that appeal to anyone with an eye for color and prints. We spoke with them about skinny jeans, kitten heels, and leather socks.
What would you never wear?
C: Those tiny denim shorts where half your bum hangs out.
B: Skinny denim trousers because they’re so uncomfortable.
What’s your dream vacation?
C: Fiji. Or go on a safari in South Africa. Or Japan. I want to see everything.
B: Good food, rest, and a nice view.
What’s a good book on your coffee table right now?
C: Dior by Dior.
B: The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley.
Last show you binge-watched?
C: Stranger Things. And Love Island, I won’t lie about it.
B: Casa del Papel.
Secret to hosting a good party?
C: My friends know I love lots of candles.
B: Relax and have fun.
What is a trend that you like right now?
C: Reducing plastic and taking your own water bottle everywhere! Also: color, color, color!
B: Kitten heels.
One you don’t understand?
C: Fashion trends themselves. I admire women who have developed their own personal style.
B: Platform men’s shoes.
Favorite museum/gallery?
C: Tim Van Laere Gallery in Antwerp, which my boyfriend Ben Sledsens works closely with.
B: Musée de l’Orangerie.
Shoes you wear most often?
C: Any kitten heel. I was able to walk around NY in 35 degrees Celsius for a whole day in my black Balenciaga knife mules, which is proof that they’re very comfy.
B: This summer my pink Prada flat sandals are my favorite.
What’s your favorite …
Pajamas?
C: Eberjey.
B: Celestine lingerie.
Scent?
C: Muschio Oro from Santa Maria Novella.
B: Hermès Eau des Merveilles.
Restaurant?
C: Sketch in London.
B: Le John in Antwerp.
Socks?
C: Leather Jil Sander socks my best friend once gave me for my birthday.
B: I never wear any.
T-shirt?
C: Prada simple white T-shirt.
B: Margiela oversize white T-shirt.
Can you share a photo of yourself that defines your style? And a brief explanation of why?
C: Layers of silk, kitten heel shoes, and hair up with a hair clip. Comfortable but glamorous at the same time.
B: Flat sandals, golden accessories, colorful dress.
Can you share a photo of your favorite space in your studio/office/home? Why is it your favorite?
C: My little drawing room at home— it’s very light and bright. It looks out at a beautiful garden and there’s no one that can bother me while I start sketching.
B: I also have a handmade knitwear brand and this is a photo of my mohair storage room. I always love walking past this because of the bright and fresh colors.
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Available in sizes XS-XL.
Available in sizes FR 36-FR 40.
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