THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Heading for Gala Nocturnas 2014 ball in the Zoo of Antwerp Its not every day I get to see a dark princess squeezing her giant black skirt through the lobby elevator! In a hurry for the taxi awaiting her at the hotel entrance, she makes her way to the exit in dainty moves, holding her frock with both hands. What seemed like the fairy tail scenario of Cinderalla, one almost expected the cab to turn into a golden carriage, the two poodles walking past into neighing horses and the driver into a horseman. Equally surprised by what they saw, a group of Frenchmen, enjoying their red wine across the lobby looked at each other grinning, then peering through the bars window from their perch to catch a glimpse. Registering what I just saw, another damsel was being chaperoned to the venue. Determined to unearth what was going on I hesitatingly mumbled ehm, excuse me miss. Doing a twirl in her amazing blue sparkly gown, the pretty lady in question was Jolien Klaassen. A young costume designer & stylist from the Netherlands, Ms. Klaassen was the founder of Fairytas. Wearing one of her own creations made of a tight-fitting beaded bodice and a ballgown shaped skirt. She and her partner Marijn van der Bree were heading to Gala Nocturna, a costumed ball taking place in The Belle Epoque Ballroom of the Antwerp Zoo (a 5. min walk from the hotel) where historical dance lessons were unfolding as we spoke. She is so talented. She makes wedding dresses and all sorts of stunning creations for special occasions he added. Not passing on this opportunity to take a pic, as I have impulse control issues I wasnt going to let that happen anyway, I grabbed my camera, asking for her permission. And as you can see, she complied gracefully. Moments later I was going through some pictures of Gala Nocturnas 2013 venue when I was taken aback by another couple popping up from behind my computer unexpectedly. This time I recognised the charismatic blonde pair. Going by the name of Eelco Peterzen, the tall Dutchman I spoke to earlier that afternoon about dinner had swapped his big blues for contact lenses. The now beady eyed beast and his adorable belle, Ms Putman, were donned for the evenings gala in matching outfits. They explained that this years theme was La Belle et la Bête (The Beauty & The Beast). We were here last year too he told me. Back then, the venue was held in a neo-gothic church here in Antwerp and weve had such a blast, we decided to come back to the Leopold Hotel. Upon coming home that day, as per usual, I was cross-questioned by my mum about my day at work. Usually replying along the lines of, great! Guess what happened today or my God, youll never believe who Ive seen today followed by a more detailed report with a forest fruit cuppa shoved into my hands. For this particular day the apt word was enchanting.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 00:30:10 +0000
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