Degand
The Mecca of elegance and refinement for men
ELEGANCE
If a single word had to be whispered about the House of Degand, it would undoubtedly be "elegance". Since 1983, Pierre Degand has dedicated himself body and soul to making this haven of excellence a true barometer of authentic elegance. Located at 415 avenue Louise in Brussels, this address is dedicated to well-dressing and well-living, with the determination to offer the best at its true value. Pierre Degand has built a home of character, style and refinement in his own image. As soon as you cross the gentlemen's threshold from Avenue Louise to Rue Sainte George, you're overwhelmed by all the details that make the difference. A house built like an empire, but with a burning passion.
"A suit for every man! Made-to-measure suits and shirts, ties, silk pouches and refined accessories are crafted exclusively from the finest fabrics by the finest artisans. There are no compromises here. The address is forged by the love of couture and the enduring philosophy of Pierre Degand, for whom menswear is a source of intense pleasure and a reflection of personality. The House of Degand is his life's work, and it is through this prism that he continues to develop relationships with his customers, old and new, who come through his doors to benefit from a carefully curated bespoke offering, expertise and a very special sartorial sensibility. Because you can't dress everyone in the same suit. Pierre creates a silhouette to suit each individual, from head to toe.
THREE UNIVERSES
Each floor has a different feel, playing on light, materials and colors. An instant journey to the heart of elegance, authenticity and beauty. At every level, the beauty on display is a profession of faith: that of a man and his passionate team, fighting to restore quality and authenticity. Pierre devotes his time, energy and resources to this task. Sometimes, he loses his temper and storms off, aware that he is "the last of the Mohicans". But whatever the critics, Pierre Degand persists, with the conviction of a leader and the memories of the Parisian palaces where his mother, Yvonne Degand, used to take him as a child.
"She gave me a taste for the exceptional. I thank her to this day. I'd also like to express my gratitude to my wife and partner, Michèle."
While Casual Chic spans the ground and second floors, exception takes over the second floor: Bespoke or "grande mesure", exclusive gifts, formal and home wear. Everything is organized around the dome of the interior glass roof, infinitely better revealed to the eye. The atmosphere is hushed and intimate, yet full of character. The reception area, the "Tuxedo & Jacket" dressing room and the area devoted to noble fabrics are adorned with art pieces. The third floor is undoubtedly the most captivating, with its simple brick walls. Here, visitors can discover the serene atmosphere of the retouching and large-measurement workshops, and observe the work of a dozen artisans (retouching, measurement) and master tailors who have been working for many years with dedication and loyalty. In a cozy corner upstairs, a hairdresser and master barber are available by appointment.
SHOES
Because the House of Degand is not just about suits, it also offers ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, unique objects and... beautiful shoes! Pierre Degand has dedicated an entire boutique to these magnificent shoes, soberly named Degand Shoes, located at 4 rue Saint-Georges. This autumn, this universe celebrates its 25th anniversary. It's an opportunity to showcase a guest brand every month, during a convivial weekend with a drink. The brands rub shoulders, but they don't look alike: Edward Green, Santoni, John Lobb, Tod's, Heschung, Joseph Cheaney, Bowhill & Elliott, Alden... Alongside the "classics", a cutting-edge selection of sneakers includes Hogan, Andrea Ventura, Bobbies, Moncler... The icing on the cake: a beauty supervisor will pamper your favorite pairs with tailor-made care. He can even breathe new life into a pair you consider dull or tired.
Tradition and Transmission
Today, people no longer know what made-to-measure truly means," Pierre Degand asserts when we meet him at his boutique on Avenue Louise. The place, magnificent and sublime, an old mansion acquired in a public sale in 1983, reflects the product developed within it. Architecturally elegant, unique, and comfortable. Here, people come for the authenticity of the acquisition, the quality of the garments, and the essence of style. In a word, they come for made-to-measure, the ultimate luxury in men's wardrobe. A luxury whose authenticity has been diluted by the rise of semi-industrial processes, according to Pierre Degand. Because for him, it is imperative: made-to-measure is handcrafted from start to finish. Period.
Men choose this uncompromising approach for two major reasons. They seek beauty, uniqueness, and comfort. Or their body doesn't fit the standard sizes of ready-to-wear or even those of made-to-measure—something that Maison Degand also offers in its boutique, with Italian craftsmanship. Often, it's a protruding belly, a broad physique, or quite frequently, a well-rounded posterior. The tailor will then truly live up to his name, using his sharp understanding of cuts and designs to sculpt a new silhouette for the client.
What sets Maison Degand apart, above all, is its master tailor, Gennaro. Gennaro, with thirty years of experience in the house, recruited when he was a second cutter in another boutique. Gennaro, 80 years old, in good health and spirits. Good spirits, especially. Because it takes a keen eye to accurately assess the clients' measurements three days a week in the luxurious salons located on the first floor of the house. And then patiently adapt those measurements to patterns precisely calibrated to their individual morphologies—with the occasional specific requests, like from watch enthusiasts who prefer their sleeves to be tailored just right to showcase their timepieces. The pattern will then be cut from the chosen fabric and divided into pieces.
These steps are mostly handled by Hassan, Gennaro's apprentice. In the past, by tradition, all master tailors were Italian. Now, they all stay there. The next generation comes from elsewhere," emphasizes Mr. Degand. Following Hassan, coat makers and trouser makers toil away in the workshops. The former assemble the jackets, while the latter work on the trousers. Currently located in the basement, these workshops will soon move to brand-new spaces on the top floor of the building, where skilled hands will work with fabric, thread, ribbon, and sewing machines.
