Veronique Branquinho for Camper - Men’s derby shoes

Veronique Branquinho’s announcement that she was closing up shop because of the recession was one of the ones that had fashion insiders bemoaning the most. But the queen of Antwerp cool seems to be enjoying a new chapter of her career.

Since shuttering her label, Branquinho has taken on the artistic director post at Delvaux, releasing a collection of classic women’s bags, and she has also entered a long-term collaboration with the Spanish shoemaker Camper. “Of course it’s a new situation, but it’s not necessarily a bad one,” Branquinho said. “Working for other companies is actually quite liberating in the sense that you can focus 100 percent on creativity.”

In Camper’s case, this translated into very pure and modern lines. Her men’s derby shoes, which go from $390 to $425, play up subtle textures and color combinations while offering functional alternatives — wearers can sport one style with the heel up, or tamped down like a slide. As for fashion in general, the forward-thinking Belgian still has faith in the talented underdog. “Today it’s very hard for a young or independent designer to compete with the big groups,” she said. “But I believe that there will be always a place for creativity and quality.”