the romance reader

A bag that celebrates the connection and friendship between lies mertens and JANUE

About five years ago, an abrupt friendship arose between Lies Mertens and Céline Van den Bossche, the founder of JANUE.

One of their first encounters took place in the Wiertz Museum in Brussels, a place dedicated to the oeuvre of one artist: the painter, sculptor, and writer Antoine Wiertz. The colossal paintings, inspired by great masters such as Rubens, Michelangelo, and Raphaël, captured the imagination of Lies and Céline. 

And so, The Romance Reader saw the light of day — a bag where leather and canvas blend together — materials that are intrinsically part of the world of Lies and Céline. On one hand, the materials unite in their softness and pliability; on the other, they portray a framed fragment like a painting: the representation of an embrace, a symbol of the connection and friendship between lies mertens and JANUE.

For one month, the windows of both stores in Brussel will merge into one enormous scene displaying the story and functionality of The Romance Reader.

Discover the collector's item in-store and online.
Only a limited amount available.