Antwerp fashion students design new uniforms for Neuhaus
Two Belgian icons join forces to design a new wardrobe for Neuhaus’s boutique staff and chocolatiers in the run-up to its 170th anniversary
Vlezenbeek, 4 June 2026 – Neuhaus, the inventor of the Belgian praline, is revamping the uniforms of its boutique staff and chocolatiers. To this end, Neuhaus has called upon another Belgian icon: the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. Two promising fashion students were selected to translate the heritage of the Belgian praline maker into a contemporary wardrobe that unites tradition and innovation.
Providing impeccable customer service has been one of Neuhaus’s core values for almost 170 years. The hundreds of staff in boutiques worldwide are therefore a natural extension of that customer-focused vision of quality. Every day, they bring the Neuhaus experience to life, in which every detail contributes to an exceptional experience. The upcoming 170th anniversary was therefore the ideal opportunity for Neuhaus to fit its boutique staff and chocolatiers with a new wardrobe.
Emerging talent
The importance Neuhaus attaches to Belgian craftsmanship is also reflected in its choice of the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. The institution enjoys worldwide renown and has, over the years, produced numerous renowned fashion designers who have made a name for themselves internationally. Through this collaboration, Neuhaus aims not only to draw on that wealth of technical and creative experience, but also to provide a platform for the next generation of Belgian fashion talent.
Following a design competition in which some twenty enthusiastic third-year students took part, Neuhaus selected the proposals by Kamilla Szemere for the boutique staff uniforms and Karl Luis Gebhardt for the chocolatiers’ vests. Their designs were the most successful in combining Neuhaus’ heritage with an innovative vision. Both drew inspiration from, among other things, various iconic Neuhaus pralines, which they incorporated into their designs. The distinctive ribbon and bow, a subtle reference to the importance of gifting within the brand, also feature in the collection. Today, 70 per cent of Neuhaus products are purchased as gifts.
A tribute to the people behind the praline
To ensure that the new uniforms are not only elegant but also practical and comfortable, staff from various countries were actively consulted. Their input formed an important basis for the design. The collection was developed for everyday use and designed to last for years, fully in keeping with the brand’s timeless appeal.
The chocolatiers are also getting a new outfit. Alongside the boutique staff, they are the brand’s most important ambassadors and the embodiment of the craftsmanship for which Neuhaus is renowned worldwide. Every day, the chocolatiers in the workshop in Vlezenbeek are responsible for producing more than 500 million pralines a year.
Fashion weekend
The winning designs are currently being further developed and will be presented to the general public in early 2027.
The announcement of this collaboration comes on the eve of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp’s annual fashion show this weekend, where 140 fashion students will showcase more than 800 outfits to an international audience.
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"As the inventor of the Belgian praline, Neuhaus has always embraced innovation," says Barbara Billiet, Marketing Director at Neuhaus. "In the run-up to our 170th anniversary, we wanted to honour our heritage whilst continuing to evolve our brand experience. With this new collection, we bring together the craftsmanship, elegance and innovation that have characterised Neuhaus for almost 170 years. We are also proud that, through this collaboration, we can provide Belgian fashion talent with an international platform."
"My ambition was to design a collection that feels timeless and elegant, yet at the same time subtly or otherwise showcases a number of unmistakable elements that reflect Neuhaus’ history and icons," says Kamilla Szemere. "Comfort and inclusivity were central to the design."
"For the chocolatiers’ uniforms, it was important to highlight the craftsmanship behind every praline," says Karl Luis Gebhardt. "Functionality was key: the chocolatiers need freedom and comfort to practise their craft to the highest standard every day. But I also wanted to incorporate a few iconic elements here, as well as pay homage to the brand’s Belgian identity."
For images, visit the Neuhaus Newsroom.
Sarah Heuninck
