Inspiring women - Margriet, Ingrid and Elisabeth
MARGRIET, INGRID & ELISABETH
WELLENS WOMEN
Inspiring Women is an ode to women who write their own stories every day; women brimming with personality, passion and style. We put a few of these strong women in the spotlight every season, sharing their inspiring stories, what drives them and their favourite Xandres pieces. This time on the theme of 'Motherhood', and all the aspects that come with it.
Three generations of the ultimate Xandres woman on the evolution of their family business, being a mum and their must-have looks for every moment – read the Wellens Women’s story below.
#xandreswomen
XANDRES PARTNERS SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING
Margriet, her daughter Ingrid and granddaughter Elisabeth have a special place in Xandres' heart. With their family business ‘Wellens Women’ in Herentals, they have been representing our brand for 40 years, making them one of our very first partners in Belgium.
As a trio, they form a rock-solid team; embodying the ultimate Xandres woman in three different generations. So we fondly invited them to share their unique story as Inspiring Women.
COUCH TALK WITH THE WELLENS WOMEN
MARGRIET, HOW DID YOU START THE WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE WELLENS?
‘I started in my mother’s clothing shop, where she was a seamstress. Back then, it was mostly tailoring. We were also one of the first partners of Xandres 40 years ago. That has always been a lovely partnership.’
TIMES CHANGE, SO HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE BUSINESS TODAY?
‘I have been focusing on Wellens Women's social media to help us grow even further that way. But it's also a pleasure just to see our three different age categories represented in the shop and to pass this on to our customers. We really want to bring generations together, give them a good time and let them each shine in their style. Because we represent three different generations, we can assist them with this perfectly.’
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS, INGRID?
‘It had always been very clear to me that that was what I wanted, and I started helping with sales at the age of 12. Then I studied fashion management before I fully joined the business.’
HOW DO YOU SEE THE BUSINESS EVOLVING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS?
Ingrid – ‘Despite the shift to a digital world, it is remarkable that our customers still attach great importance to the shopping experience. Being dressed and attended to, a coffee and a chat; I personally like that a lot.’
Elisabeth – ‘Placing an order and having your parcel delivered is very easy and fast, but that real moment of me-time is still experienced mainly in the shop itself.’
ELISABETH, DID YOU ALSO GROW UP IN THE SHOP?
‘I was about three years old when I started coming to help turn coat hangers in the shop (laughs). It has always been in my blood too. I ended up getting the same education as my mum, and I don't know what I could have done differently.’
ALL THREE OF YOU ARE MUMS, WHAT CHARACTERISES YOU IN THIS RESPECT?
Elisabeth – ‘We persevere. Not giving up, kindness and warmth are values that mum and grandma have always passed on to me and, in turn, I want to pass on to my child.’
Margriet – ‘I’m very grateful to my husband for giving me the opportunity to be a business owner and a mum. In those days, that was not a given.’
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO OUR #XANDRESWOMEN?
Elisabeth – ‘I was always brought up with the idea that you should dress in what you feel good in. Whatever the trends or magazines say, you do it for yourself, so you decide what you like.’
Ingrid – ‘Exactly, if you feel good in your clothes, you radiate that too. That only makes you even more beautiful.’
Margriet – ‘You have to stand up for yourself, and clothes with a good fit and quality like those from Xandres help you with that self-confidence.’
WATCH THE VIDEO
ELISABETH’S SELECTION
3 MOMENTS, 3 XANDRES LOOKS
BUSINESS LOOK
‘I am very much a fan of the Iconic collection at Xandres and love its simplicity. The mix of the feminine and an edgier, oversized blazer is something I really enjoy wearing every day.’
SHOP TOP | SHOP ROBE | SHOP BLAZER
DAY-TO-DAY
‘There is no age to Xandres' clothes. I often borrow my mum’s clothes and vice versa, but we style them in our own way. Me a bit more casual and bolder, like with these colourful loafers, and mom more refined and understated.’
INGRID’S SELECTION
3 MOMENTS, 3 XANDRES LOOKS
BUSINESS LOOK
‘Blazers are unmissable in my wardrobe. They add an instant boost to every outfit, and I really love their fit and bouclé fabric.’
DAY-TO-DAY
‘I can’t sit still. When I’m not working at the store, I like to be active with my grandchild, which is why I like to wear a stylish look that is still comfortable.’
EVENING WEAR
‘Personally, I am very much in favour of an understated, tonal look in a classy, solid hue. Accessories in an accent colour give this outfit that extra touch, perfect for a night out.’
MARGRIET’S SELECTION
3 MOMENTS, 3 XANDRES LOOKS
BUSINESS LOOK
‘I love suits, and this one is so timeless that even my daughter and granddaughter would wear it. The quality and simplicity of it is wonderful.’
DAY-TO-DAY
‘Even for a day-to-day look, I still like a feminine, sophisticated silhouette with a good fit and, preferably, elegant heels.
EVENING WEAR
This linen ensemble in sunny orange is a summer variation of the trouser suit. Ideal for a garden party!’
SHOP THEIR FAVOURITES
MARGRIET, INGRID & ELISABETH
WELLENS WOMEN
Inspiring Women is an ode to women who write their own stories every day. This time on the theme of 'Motherhood', and all the aspects that come with it. Three generations of the ultimate Xandres woman on the evolution of their family business, being a mum and their must-have looks for every moment – read the Wellens Women’s story below.
#xandreswomen
XANDRES PARTNERS SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING
Margriet, her daughter Ingrid and granddaughter Elisabeth have a special place in Xandres' heart. With their family business ‘Wellens Women’ in Herentals, they have been representing our brand for 40 years, making them one of our very first partners in Belgium.
As a trio, they form a rock-solid team; embodying the ultimate Xandres woman in three different generations. So we fondly invited them to share their unique story as Inspiring Women.
COUCH TALK WITH THE WELLENS WOMEN
MARGRIET, HOW DID YOU START THE WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE WELLENS?
‘I started in my mother’s clothing shop, where she was a seamstress. Back then, it was mostly tailoring. We were also one of the first partners of Xandres 40 years ago. That has always been a lovely partnership.’
TIMES CHANGE, SO HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE BUSINESS TODAY, ELISABETH?
‘I have been focusing on Wellens Women's social media to help us grow even further that way. But it's also a pleasure just to see our three different age categories represented in the shop and to pass this on to our customers. We really want to bring generations together, give them a good time and let them each shine in their style. Because we represent three different generations, we can assist them with this perfectly.’
HOW DO YOU SEE THE BUSINESS EVOLVING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS?
Ingrid – ‘Despite the shift to a digital world, it is remarkable that our customers still attach great importance to the shopping experience. Being dressed and attended to, a coffee and a chat; I personally like that a lot.’
Elisabeth – ‘Placing an order and having your parcel delivered is very easy and fast, but that real moment of me-time is still experienced mainly in the shop itself.’
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO OUR #XANDRESWOMEN?
Elisabeth – ‘I was always brought up with the idea that you should dress in what you feel good in. Whatever the trends or magazines say, you do it for yourself, so you decide what you like.’ Ingrid – ‘Exactly, if you feel good in your clothes, you radiate that too. That only makes you even more beautiful.’
Margriet – ‘You have to stand up for yourself, and clothes with a good fit and quality like those from Xandres help you with that self-confidence.’
Read more about Wellens Women on wellenswomen.be or Instagram @wellenswomen.
SHOP THEIR FAVOURITE ITEMS