From two Italian craftsmen on the Kammenstraat to a new generation on the Lombardenvest.
Italian soul, heart of Antwerp
At the very beginning of what would later become Ganterie Boon stood two Italian craftsmen with a dream and an extraordinary love for their craft.
At the end of the 19th century, they settled in the heart of Antwerp, where they opened their workshop and boutique in a charming little house at Kammenstraat 21: Maison T. Ghianda.
What began as a small glove shop soon grew into the region’s leading reference for gloves. The founders, Ghianda-Boon, instinctively understood what their era demanded: quality, style and a touch of luxury, handcrafted for those who knew how to appreciate beauty.
Patron Boon
In the 1920s, Arthur Boon took up the torch and wrote a new chapter in our story.
He first purchased the property at Lombardenvest 2, followed by number 4. In 1929, he went big: both buildings were demolished to make way for a brand-new residential and retail house, built for the future.
Arthur believed in the power of the glove. And he was right. In a neighbourhood where fashion and elegance set the tone, Boon’s boutique stood out. Amidst the Belle Époque splendour of the Kammenstraat and the Lombardenvest, Ganterie Boon flourished into a true house of style, allure and pure craftsmanship.
A family business
In 1976, Patsy Sarteel, goddaughter of Arthur Boon, took over her 'uncle's' shop.
And she did so with lots of passion. Love for the craft, for quality, for tradition. For years, she preserved everything that made Ganterie Boon so special: the elegant boutique, the personal approach and the art of selling gloves.
In 2010, Patsy gently passed the torch to her daughter, Sofie Possemiers.
For Sofie, Boon was more than a shop, it was her home. She grew up there, helped during the busy months, knew every corner and every pair of gloves. The transition? As natural as a leather glove that fits perfectly. The trusted saleswomen remained, knowledge flowed quietly on, just as it had always been at Boon.
Until in 2023, once again, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Sofie dreamed of focusing more on her art, and casually shared this with her cousin Erik. He listened, thought it over... and suddenly saw it clearly: his daughter Roxanne was looking for a new challenge, and his partner Hanna had years of experience in sales. Together they formed the perfect duo to carry on the shop.
Erik himself took on the business side, behind the scenes. And so, a new generation stepped forward, one that, just like the previous ones, understands: Boon is not just a shop. Boon is a story. Made by hands, carried by hearts, and passed on with love.
Stepping inside is a step back in time
As if time has stood still, and that is entirely the point.
Our shop interior remains exactly as architect François Bollekens once designed it: an art deco jewel down to the smallest detail.
Even today, the glove shop breathes the very same atmosphere as in 1929: understated grandeur, warm materials and a total concept that literally carries our story of craftsmanship, style and tradition.
Come and see for yourself
The boutiqueThe history
From two Italian craftsmen on the Kammenstraat to a new generation on the Lombardenvest.
Italian soul, heart of Antwerp
At the very beginning of what would later become Ganterie Boon stood two Italian craftsmen with a dream and an extraordinary love for their craft.
At the end of the 19th century, they settled in the heart of Antwerp, where they opened their workshop and boutique in a charming little house at Kammenstraat 21: Maison T. Ghianda.
What began as a small glove shop soon grew into the region’s leading reference for gloves. The founders, Ghianda-Boon, instinctively understood what their era demanded: quality, style and a touch of luxury, handcrafted for those who knew how to appreciate beauty.
Patron Boon
In the 1920s, Arthur Boon took up the torch and wrote a new chapter in our story.
He first purchased the property at Lombardenvest 2, followed by number 4. In 1929, he went big: both buildings were demolished to make way for a brand-new residential and retail house, built for the future.
Arthur believed in the power of the glove. And he was right. In a neighbourhood where fashion and elegance set the tone, Boon’s boutique stood out. Amidst the Belle Époque splendour of the Kammenstraat and the Lombardenvest, Ganterie Boon flourished into a true house of style, allure and pure craftsmanship.
A family business
In 1976, Patsy Sarteel, goddaughter of Arthur Boon, took over her 'uncle's' shop.
And she did so with lots of passion. Love for the craft, for quality, for tradition. For years, she preserved everything that made Ganterie Boon so special: the elegant boutique, the personal approach and the art of selling gloves.
In 2010, Patsy gently passed the torch to her daughter, Sofie Possemiers.
For Sofie, Boon was more than a shop, it was her home. She grew up there, helped during the busy months, knew every corner and every pair of gloves. The transition? As natural as a leather glove that fits perfectly. The trusted saleswomen remained, knowledge flowed quietly on, just as it had always been at Boon.
Until in 2023, once again, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Sofie dreamed of focusing more on her art, and casually shared this with her cousin Erik. He listened, thought it over... and suddenly saw it clearly: his daughter Roxanne was looking for a new challenge, and his partner Hanna had years of experience in sales. Together they formed the perfect duo to carry on the shop.
Erik himself took on the business side, behind the scenes. And so, a new generation stepped forward, one that, just like the previous ones, understands: Boon is not just a shop. Boon is a story. Made by hands, carried by hearts, and passed on with love.
Stepping inside is a step back in time
As if time has stood still, and that is entirely the point.
Our shop interior remains exactly as architect François Bollekens once designed it: an art deco jewel down to the smallest detail.
Even today, the glove shop breathes the very same atmosphere as in 1929: understated grandeur, warm materials and a total concept that literally carries our story of craftsmanship, style and tradition.