I was led to believe that Antwerp was the chicest city in Europe – somewhat like Stockholm, but with the commercial tang of Acne replaced by severe Margiela austerity. I expected directional hair cuts, open minds and understated peplums. Strangely, Antwerp didn't quite live up to my expectations. There are some incredible shops (RA, Dries, Renaissance, Labels Inc.) and some of the best fashion labels stem from here (Ann, Dries, Raf), yet most people look decidedly ordinary. I guess I shouldn't expect so much – in many respects it's just a normal town – but I felt the streetstyle and attitudes in London are probably more progressive. The moral of this tale: beware of walking the streets of Antwerp as a man-in-kilt (/skirt), even if it is one you just bought from the A.F. Vandevorst sample sale.

read more: Skirtin'