Brussels once again affirmed its position as a global hub of creativity and craftsmanship during the fourth edition of the BEL Prizes, held on Thursday 13 November at Autoworld Brussels. More than 450 guests gathered in the iconic setting of the museum to honour two remarkable women whose work continues to shape the cultural and creative landscape of the capital: Sonja Noël, visionary founder of STIJL, and Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, one of the most promising designers of her generation. You can still visit the exhibition When Expertise Meets Art II till 16 November 2025
During the fourth edition of the BEL Prizes Sonja Noël was awarded the prestigious Ambassador Prize, a distinction reserved for individuals who significantly contribute to Brussels’ reputation on the regional, national, and international stage. As the driving force behind the multibrand luxury boutique STIJL, with two carefully curated stores in the heart of Brussels, Noël has been a pioneer since the early 1980s. Her vision has always combined impeccable selection, an unmistakable aesthetic, and a deeply personalised approach to each client. Beyond retail, Noël has long been an indispensable supporter of emerging designers and independent creators—among them Marie Adam-Leenaerdt herself, whose earliest steps in fashion were embraced by Noël’s discerning eye.
The Brussels Transmission Prize was awarded to Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, a striking representative of a new wave of Brussels talent. A graduate of La Cambre Mode(s) with professional experience at Balenciaga and Givenchy, Adam-Leenaerdt has already made an international mark as a finalist for both the LVMH Prize 2024 and the ANDAM Prize 2024. Her brand stands out for its conceptual, engaged, and contemporary approach, placing multifunctionality at the heart of its design ethos. Each piece can be worn in multiple ways, shifting according to context, mood, or moment—an inventive fusion of craftsmanship and social awareness that positions Brussels fashion firmly on the world map.
The jury of the BEL Prizes selected their laureates based on rigorous criteria. Both winners embody the core values of BEL: creativity, diversity, responsible impact, and a forward-thinking capacity to innovate for society. The nominees for the Transmission Prize—Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, MWO Design, Studio Heymans, and Swet—each represent the vibrant talent taking root in the Brussels Capital Region, a region rightfully proud of its cultural dynamism. The laureates received a bespoke sculpture by Romain Zacchi, symbolising the value of artisanal mastery, and will be invited to join the BEL programming in 2026.
To mark this year’s awards, the BEL Prizes also open the door to a new edition of the temporary exhibition “When Expertise Meets Art II”, presented in Autoworld Brussels from 14 to 16 November 2025. This exhibition redefines contemporary expertise by bringing together nearly 40 collaborative duos. Each pair, consisting of a BEL member and an artist, designer, school, or creative studio, has created an immersive experience along the museum’s iconic Blue Boulevard. These collaborations highlight innovation, dialogue, and the power of cross-disciplinary creation.
Participating duos include Autoworld and Manok, Delvaux and Kasper Bosmans, Maison De Greef and Olivier Gangi & Cédric Sansen, Natan and Lola Cruz, Neuhaus and Smurf, and many more—each offering a unique interpretation of excellence and artistic synergy.
The 2025 edition of When Expertise Meets Art, displayed alongside the exhibition “German Tuners from the ’80s and ’90s”, is accessible with a single ticket and promises a rich, multilayered cultural experience celebrating the essence of Brussels creativity.
Practical Information
Dates: 14–16 November 2025
Opening hours: Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00–18:00
Location: Autoworld – Jubelpark, 1000 Brussels
Admission: €16 (includes access to When Expertise Meets Art, Autoworld’s permanent exhibition, and German Tuners from the ’80s and ’90s)
