For over six centuries, Belgian tapestry has been a highly prized luxury craft. Tapestry designs involve weaver and artists working closely together. Painters including Rubens, produced drawings for a series of weavings of six or more on grand themes. Prized by the nobility, tapestries were portable and could be moved with the court as rulers traveled their estates. As trade grew, techniques were refined; real gold and silver were threaded into the fine wool, again increasing the value. Classical myths were popular themes for tapestry series.

Belgian fashion and design naturally belong on the international stage, so it is no surprise that Brussels has become somewhat of a paradise for the serious power shopper. There are plenty of shopping streets and galleries, both in the upper and lower town. In any case the words to look for are soldes or solden – it means sales! (Officially 1st month of the year and in July). Design studios and boutiques proliferate in the center of the capital, arousing the surprise and excitement of an ever larger circle of customers.

Take a walk along Rue Antoine Dansaert Straat and the surrounding area to discover the hub and heart of Brussels’ fashion and design world with the best concentration of avant guard designers and fashion boutiques.

The Avenue Louise is one long catwalk of famous fashion brands, including big international names like Chanel, Vuitton, Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and Christian Dior. The first section is one of the most attractive shopping districts in the city, with prestigious as well as more affordable shops clustered around the large department store Innovation.

If you are looking for bargains, then go shopping in the lower city around Rue Neuve in the city center. It is one of the most bustling of Brussels’ shopping areas that stretches all the way up to Rue des Fripiers.

Built in 1847, Gallerie St Hubert is a gorgeous, glass roofed arcade in the center of town, lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores and has the distinction of being the first shopping arcade in Europe. It houses a number of well known shops with wonderful window displays.

Shop In Brussels: your guide to Brussels shopping.