Just a short walk from Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, in the heart of Antwerp’s Fashion District, stands a BOUTIQUE where time seems to move more gracefully. Ganterie Boon has specialised in handmade gloves since 1884, offering visitors not merely an accessory, but a refined ritual rooted in craftsmanship.
A touch of history
Glove styles have evolved remarkably over time. Delicate cotton and lace designs for spring and summer, children’s ceremonial gloves and coordinated wedding sets have largely faded from daily life. Today, gloves are worn mainly for warmth and protection, whereas during the Belle Époque they shielded skin from the sun and signaled refinement. Length, material and etiquette once conveyed social status, evoking the glamour of opera evenings and Hollywood icons – a reminder that gloves have long embodied both elegance and practicality.
Few places preserve this tradition as faithfully as Ganterie Boon. Established in 1884, the boutique has passed through devoted hands for generations. Around 1922, the Italian Ghianda brothers transferred ownership to Arthur Boon, who in 1970 entrusted the shop to Maria ‘Maroushka’ Peeters. Patsy Sarteel succeeded her in 1976, followed in 2010 by her daughter Sofie Possemiers. Since 2023, Sofie’s cousin Erik Van Heuven, together with his daughters Roxanne, Olivia, Alice and Laura, has continued the stewardship of this remarkable house. Welcome to this family boutique. •
TRENDS AND STRATEGIES
Behind the preserved Art Deco façade on Lombardenvest, elegant wooden cabinets and rows of archival boxes hold a quiet treasure: gloves crafted in small European family ateliers where skills are passed down through generations. Leather remains the signature, yet the collection also includes wool, silk and satin – each pair shaped by meticulous handwork and an uncompromising eye for QUALITY.
GUARDIAN OF LEGACY
Entering Ganterie Boon feels like stepping into a SLOWER rhythm of RETAIL. Gloves are opened with a traditional baguette tool, gently fitted, and adjusted with precision. Customers rest their arm on a cushion while the perfect fit is found. Repairs are offered to extend a glove’s life, reinforcing a philosophy of durability over disposability. The goal, Erik explains, is simple: “One exceptional pair can last a lifetime.”
This dedication to authenticity resonates strongly with travellers seeking meaningful LUXURY. Erik sees the boutique as a guardian of legacy, committed to preserving its DNA while ensuring future relevance. Sustainability plays an increasing role in that vision, including the development of vegan models created with innovative cactus leather. Limited additions, such as handmade caps, complement the offering without diluting its identity.
STATEMENT OF SLOW LUXURY
Despite its Harry Potter-esque interior, the brand embraces a modern outlook. An online boutique connects Antwerp artisanal excellence with clients worldwide, while partnerships with leading luxury hotels introduce discerning travellers to this unique destination. Yet growth remains intentional and organic. “We do not modernise for the sake of speed”, Erik notes. “We evolve while staying true to who we are. Ganterie Boon offers a refined counterpoint to mass production and stands as a statement of slow luxury: artisanal, PERSONAL and enduring.”
For guests of Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a visit offers more than shopping. It is an encounter with Antwerp’s living heritage, where elegance is measured not by trends, but by timeless refinement.
Ganterie Boon
Lombardenvest 2
2000 Antwerpen
www.ganterieboon.com
Photos: Piet Albert Boon
