A new Quebec outfit for a Belgian icon

The emblematic Manneken-Pis bronze statue of Brussels adds a costume to its wardrobe: a courier des bois outfit revisited by a Quebec designer to mark 50 years of diplomatic presence there.

» It’s amazing ! It’s every fashion designer’s dream to create a costume for the Manneken-Pis », exclaims Jean-Claude Poitras, chosen by the General Delegation of Quebec in Brussels to design the 1103^e costume of this emblem of the joie de vivre and humor of the people of Brussels.

The fashion designer and artist was inspired by the figure of the trapper, which he revisited by bringing it into modernity, with trapper’s felt hat, wool cardigan from the country, leather boots and ascot tie inspired by the traditional arrowhead sash.

Blue, the color of the Quebec flag, but also of the “sea, of the Atlantic”, dominates overall.

“I have been inspired by the Coureur des Bois since childhood. I find that it represents us so well: he is an explorer, a pioneer, the one who went towards new furrows and other peoples, in particular the Aboriginal peoples, ”explains the one who celebrated this year 50 years of career.

The tradition of costume

The bronze statuette, which also functions as a fountain, has long attracted crowds – most often in Adam’s costume. The tradition of dressing it dates back to the 17th century, but only for certain events and commemorations.

The City of Brussels is therefore receiving new outfits at a steady pace, so that its imposing wardrobe contains clothes from all over the world.

The General Delegation of Quebec in Brussels wanted to add a costume to underline the links woven in the Belgian capital since 1972.

On October 19, the Manneken-Pis put on his new outfit for the first time, which he will wear every year on the National Day of Quebec, June 24. In the meantime, the habit is exhibited at the Museum of the City of Brussels, to the great pleasure of its creator.

« It’s extraordinary to see my costume, that of Quebec, in the same window as that offered by Louis XV and right next to that of the French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier », he says.