Kiki sees it: fashion and architecture in the Stokstraat Quarter
Fashion and architecture often go hand in hand, especially in Maastricht. Kiki Niesten, owner of several fashion boutiques, is living proof. The fashion queen with an unvarnished opinion and an eye for special things, whether they are fashion, architecture or art, Kiki also has guts. The proof is now there for everyone (yes, everyone!) to admire in her newest shop, again located in the Stokstraat district. We spoke to Kiki just before the shop opened in March 2024.
Architecture and fashion - The basis of a new chapter
That fashion and architecture go hand in hand, many may have already known. Especially in a city like Maastricht, the two go together beautifully. The living proof of this is Kiki Niesten. Queen of fashion, empress of unvarnished opinion. Whether you agree with her or not, Kiki sees what you don't. She simply has an eye for extraordinary things, be it fashion, architecture or art. Besides, Kiki is bold, she's a Maastricht local with guts. The proof is now there for everyone (yes, everyone!) to admire in her newest shop, again located in the Stokstraat district.
Kiki's legacy
When we meet Kiki in her fashion shop Kiki Niesten on Stokstraat (where people from all over the world have been flying in for 45 years, literally), she is just saying goodbye to Maurice Mentjens. Designer from products to interiors. Fun fact, he is responsible for the entire new interior of the Maastricht Store! Kiki jokes that she actually finds him a nuisance. In reality, she puts the entire responsibility of her new shop in his hands. He laughs it off cheerfully; the two know what they have in common. With the drawings under his arm, he leaves the beautiful shop on Stokstraat. You can't even call it a sweet shop, the pieces from Dries van Noten to Céline and from Alaïa to Prada are affordable for only the happy few. With the outlet shop across the street, Kiki's Stocksale, last-season pieces are already more accessible. But a really low threshold, that promises her next project: Kiki for everyone.
Beating heart
Back to that architecture for a moment. Because opening a new shop was not on her agenda at all. Reason for curiosity came from her fascination with the late interior designer Herman Zeekaf, responsible interior of her business to private home in Knokke. In a 2009 condolence message from Kiki's team, we read that his taste, aesthetic and his spirit were invaluable and contributed to the success of the business. The building we are talking about, at Stokstraat 29, where Herman's studio could be found and where he also lived, suddenly became vacant. Out of curiosity and out of appreciation, Kiki took a look with the estate agent in question. With many typical features of Herman's hand, the property kept haunting her mind.
Treasures from the basement
It was a colleague of Kiki's that gave her an idea. Many clothes are kept in stock until they turn out to be a perfect match for one of Kiki's customers. The shop is simply too small to display all the items. Think, for example, of the perfect white T-shirt, Kiki and her team know exactly when to conjure it up. Zeekaf's premises would not only be the perfect solution to finally showcase these pearls from the basement, but it could also become a place of encounters. A low threshold, where, for example, a free coffee hour is also organised. In this way, the Stokstraat Quarter would become another totally new concept.
Do you already know the Stokstraat Quarter?
The Stokstraat Quarter is a collective name for the little streets between the city centre and the Jeker Quarter. For that historic corner of the city between 'De Mestreechter Geis' and 'Slevrouwe'. Of which actually all streets lead to the beautiful intimate and romantic Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein. Characteristic of this quarter is its chic character. Special boutiques you won't find anywhere else. Connected by the typical Maastricht kinderköpkes and the beautiful historical architecture. It is a part of Maastricht that seems very characteristic and traditional, but there is a crazy story behind it. Stories full of innovations, enlargements and therefore quite a few metamorphoses.
Discover this district
Opened!
Maurice Mentjens, who not entirely coincidentally followed in Herman Zeekaf's footsteps, promised to turn this special building into an insane new place where everyone (yes, again: everyone) is welcome. Whether the wallet is adequate or not, this will be a place where anyone curious about beauty, fashion, art or architecture may come and admire. Kiki voor iedereens newest shop Kiki voor iedereen, is open!
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Kiki Niesten
Kiki Niesten
Kiki Niesten offers a carefully selected range of high-end fashion, accessories and artistic items, perfect for the lover of unique and exclusive styles. More info on Kiki Niesten
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Kiki voor iedereen
Kiki voor iedereen
Stylish, affordable pieces for everyone, without compromising on quality or design. More about Kiki voor iedereen
