Several stores located on rue Dansaert in Brussels received an unpleasant surprise this week. Komono, Linders, Essentiel, and Stijns were among the targeted brands. The shop windows were defaced with messages written in red or blue paint, including “Nik les Riches” for Komono and “Too expensive get out” for Essentiel. Other messages such as “Gentrifier, get out” and “Get away” were also found. This was the first time that such an incident occurred, as stated by a Komono store clerk who also reported the same incident occurring at their Paris store. The situation led to the filing of a complaint with the police by the managers of the stores. Some had already cleaned their windows, while others were awaiting teams of cleaners. David Weytsman, an opposition municipal councilor, denounced the behavior of these extremists and emphasized that everyone has a right to the city, especially a high fashion destination like rue Antoine Dansaert.
Bad surprise this morning for the managers of four or five stores on rue Dansaert this morning. Among others, the brands Komono, Linders, Essentiel, Stijns were targeted. On their windows, messages written in red or blue paint.
Komono was entitled to a “Nik les Riches”, Essential “Too expensive get out”. Others “Gentrifier, get out” or even a simple but just as aggressive “Get away”. “This is the first time this has happened to us,” comments the Komono store clerk. “Our sign located in Paris suffered the same graffiti with the same message last night. Which makes us think of the action of a well-organized collective.”
Store managers obviously filed a complaint with the police. Some have already cleaned their windows, others are waiting for teams of cleaners to be sent.
Arrested, the municipal councilor of the opposition David Weytsman (MR) denounces the attitude of “these extremists”. “The City is for everyone! Rue Antoine Dansaert is a high place for fashion and unlike these extremists, I hope it will be even more so tomorrow.”
In conclusion, the violent and destructive behavior exhibited by the unknown individuals who vandalized the storefronts on rue Dansaert is unacceptable. Such acts of extremism not only damage property but also threaten the safety and security of people. It is essential for the authorities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the affected store managers must continue to focus on their business and customers, undeterred by this unfortunate incident. As for the city of Brussels, it must remain a welcoming and inclusive place for all, where differences are respected and diversity celebrated.
