source from 15/03/2022 “Knack Weekend” fashion black edition Press Barely three years ago, Jerry and Grace began collecting vintage Delvaux handbags. Today, their collection boasts nearly one hundred and fifty pieces. They proudly display their loved collection on Instagram. Jerry: "Although I am originally German, I have been living in Brussels for over twenty years. Despite this, I never delved into the house of Delvaux before. During a visit to the Pêle-Mêle bookshop in Brussels, my wife and I came across the book Delvaux, 180 years of Belgian luxury, about the rich history of the family business. We were immediately captivated by their story. Not much later we bought our first bag from a collector, a 1960 Delvaux Brillant Diamond Rose. We haven't stopped since." Grace: "My family and friends in Hong Kong didn't initially understand our interest. Delvaux however showcases the power of Belgian design and delivers the same quality as Hermès, whilst putting the “quiet” in quiet luxury. We found it fascinating to see the different designs evolve over decades whilst remaining completely timeless. When we discover a new vintage bag, we often know very little about it. We always research the story behind the design and the bag. At Delvaux we are helped to uncover the history of the bag.” Jerry: "We only started collecting Delvaux three years ago, but we now have almost one hundred and fifty pieces. In the brand's nearly two-hundred-year history, about three thousand bags have been made. So we only own a small percentage. (winks) As a collector, you want unique pieces with a story, and you want to make a good investment. The fact that most models are very hard to find due to low production volumes, makes it all the more appealing to collect the bags. We also sell when we're contacted by someone who loves the label just as much." Grace: "We take great care of our bags. We carefully store them with the necessary padding, ensure that the handles are upright, and that the leather doesn't dry out. Proper conservation is important." Some bags receive a spa at Delvaux to assure they can embark on a second life. Vintage is anything but old-fashioned. Most bags are just as fashionable today as they were forty or sixty years ago. Jerry: "To demonstrate this, we started the Instagram page @mydaydaybelgium. There we show our Delvaux bags in a contemporary setting. Their quality is amazing. Sixty-year-old bags are often still in near perfect condition. It is obvious why this discreet under-the-radar brand is so precious and respected in Belgium. The low volume production bags pass on with love from mother to daughter over decades, before even finding their way again to the secondary market, if ever." Grace: "Even our six-year-old daughter already knows Delvaux well. She often crafts paper handbags that she finishes with a “d-griffe” letter D. (laughs) So our love is definitely passed on already. We give our children the message that it's important to take care of things, so that they last for generations."
