Just before 8, a message arrives: "Sorry, I'll be a bit late, traffic jam." Fifteen minutes later, Bieke Ilegems cheerfully enters the Marie Méro showroom. "I like to be on time," she says. Clearly a woman I could learn a thing or two from...
Makeup artist Frieda has known Bieke for years ( she even did her makeup at her wedding ) and knows exactly how to enhance her natural beauty. An hour later, I'm sitting across from a radiant fifty-something for a friendly chat about positive energy, tons of sparkle, and a love of fashion.
"I've discovered I'm a smoothie," she says, straight out when I ask about her busy schedule. When I look at her questioningly, she happily continues chatting. "I'm a mix of everything, but I always try to be myself and leave a spark in everything I do. To always bring out the best energy in myself. I'm very curious, but in everything I do, there's always one common thread: a connection with beauty. Beauty inside and out. Actually, my motto is hidden in my name. To be Bieke, or simply dare to be who you are. The older I get, the more I try to do just that." 
I've been doing yoga for 20 years. It's more than just drawing energy from the poses. It's become a way of life. I try to live a very mindful, very conscious life. To seize each day and be content with the moment. I want to see myself more and more. My new book ( editor's note: "Fuck(ing) Perfect" ) just came out, and I'm giving lectures almost weekly now. I teach people to reach their full potential. Everyone is unique. No one needs to feel worse than anyone else. That gives me so much energy! A bit vague?
My two daughters sometimes think I'm on cloud nine. But photoshoots and fashion, and suddenly they're fans of their mom (laughs). As a young girl, I dreamed of doing something with fashion. My daughters are the same size as me. But literally for everything. Shoes, dresses... And so things regularly disappear from my closet. As a mom, I think that's fantastic, of course. It's wonderful that my daughters have become two fashion-conscious young ladies!
My favorite shopping city? Of course I love Antwerp. But I'm so spoiled that my work often brings me into contact with brands and allows me to shop in showrooms. It's so fantastic. Like today, browsing through the collection with your stylist Nancy. Trying on combinations. Seeing what looks good. It's such a joy when you emerge and someone says, "Wow, that blouse looks amazing on you."
When you asked me to do this shoot, I thought Marie Méro might be a bit too classic for me. But I'm incredibly surprised today. I already knew Marie Méro, but the evolution you've gone through. Wow, you should be proud of that. The collection is truly a pure match with what I like to wear and see. Clothes are such a personal thing. But with good pieces, you always get a top result. Your collection sparkles. My daughters would undoubtedly find something to their liking here too. They would definitely pick out completely different pieces. I'm sure they'll surprise me. I think they'd absolutely love my absolute favorite piece (a rust-colored crocheted top) too!
We already agree that she'll bring the two young ladies next time, and we chat some more about our love of fashion. The fact that Bieke Marie describes Méro as versatile, classy, and full of sparkle is already giving us tons of energy!
Bieke Ilegems' favorites are available online, in our concept stores, and at the better multi-brand store near you.
