Article in collaboration with Michael & Giso
Photo (above): Wedding suit: Michael & Giso - Photographer: Jeroen Noordzij Photography
New boutique in Antwerp
Dutchmen Michaël Oei and Rolf-Giso Heijkoop opened their first Michael & Giso shop in Breda in 2008. It didn't take long for their made-to-measure suits, wedding suits and shirts to become so popular that they opened a second shop in Amsterdam. In October 2022, they crossed the Belgian border with their vision of tailoring. In the fashionable city of Antwerp, they found the ideal location for their new boutique: they moved into the same premises as the famous bridal shop Le Chapeau.
Michael & Giso Antwerp is therefore located in a characteristic mansion on Frankrijklei, which was renovated in 2019. The timeless decor offers a real wow factor and a unique experience.
Personalised advice for your wedding
Michaël explains why their new location is so ideal: "We like to take advantage of our location next to Le Chapeau bridal shop to help you as a couple even better. When the bride comes to Le Chapeau, we're already showing her what we can do for her partner. By using Le Chapeau's advice and keeping the bride's dress in mind, we can also help each groom choose a suit that suits him. We start by looking at who you are as a person. We also take into account the style of the wedding dress and the overall setting of your wedding: the season, the venue, the theme, etc. Are you getting married on the beach or in a castle, in summer or winter? Is the style of your wedding and your outfit more classic, modern or bohemian-chic?"
"When we have this information in advance, we can prepare our appointment with you as well as possible. So, before your appointment, we'll show you a number of models to make your choice easier. We'll be happy toadvise you on fabrics, colours, cuts and possible styles, to help you find the perfect match between you, your big day and your wedding dress," adds Michaël.
Choosing your wedding suit: a real experience
Michaël and Giso believe that choosing a wedding suit is just as fun and important as choosing a wedding dress. It's common knowledge that brides often choose their wedding dress ten months to a year in advance. Michael& Giso also want to encourage brides and grooms to come to the shop earlier and make their visit a real experience for them.
Michael says: "At Michael & Giso, we want to make every appointment a celebration. Bring friends or family and make it a fun day! For example, have a nicelunch afterwards or go to a beer tasting. The fitting sessions after the first appointment are also great times to share with friends and family. Do you have a little boy? Then ask Michael & Giso to create a matching children's suit for him, and shine with your son in the same suit on your wedding day. It's a winning combination!
Michael & Giso's top tips for choosing your wedding suit
Michael Oei gives his top tips for choosing your wedding suit.
1. Get inspired
Michael shares, "It's important to get inspired beforehand. Look in physical shops or online, and create a mood board using Pinterest or Instagram. About four photos of suits you like allows us to filter out the good stuff and factor your style into our advice as much as possible. Do you want a three-piece suit, one or more colours, a bow tie or a tie...? ? Feel free to take a look at our wedding magazine or our free webinars, where we give you tips on how to get ready."
2. Bring someone with you
"Bring a few friends or family members who know you well to your date. However, limit your company, as the more opinions there are, the more difficult your choice will be. It's a plus if the other participants also know something about fashion," laughs Michael.
3. Stay close to yourself
"Perhaps the most important tip is to be yourself when choosing your suit. When you wear a wedding suit that suits you, you shine. That way, you'll look confident in your wedding photos".
Don't hesitate to make an appointment with Michael & Giso at the Frankrijklei in Antwerp, or take a spontaneous look around the shop. Letailleur Mike will show you around the shop over a good espresso and tell you more about their working methods.
