Bijzonder is an online shop and collection of second-hand objects, founded and curated by creative freelancer Nadia Kara. The concept stems from a personal passion for beautiful things and snooping around. Bijzonder took its current shape in the summer of 2019, taking over from its predecessor Everything is Nice (2016-2019).
“All my life, I’ve loved surrounding myself with beautiful things. I don’t really care for trends and brands; I am drawn to uniqueness. To me, there is more value in objects that have a story, and collecting forgotten items to give them a new life has become like a second nature to me. I like scratches and dents, I like things that have lived“.
Nadia Kara, the founder and main force behind Bijzonder, has a passion for second hand. In her apartment, Nadia collects and stocks quirky objects and lowkey design furniture. Even her wardrobe consists mainly of vintage items – it’s a a true lifestyle for the thirty-something, who used to be a project manager in (digital) communication.
Bijzonder [biˈzɔn.dər] is a Dutch word. Translated to English, it would approximate to “special, unusual, peculiar“.
“It’s a word that I’ve learned to appreciate and that applies to me very well, I think. While many people tend to hear a negative connotation, I do believe in the beauty of quirkiness”.
Bijzonder’s ever-changing collection of carefully curated second hand objects promotes the uniqueness behind thrifting and recuperating.
Bijzonder shop is currently operating from Antwerp, Belgium.