Isabelle Soetaerts of Isabo Chapo

Isabelle Soetaerts of Isabo Chapo works from across two locations in Belgium, Tienen and Hasselt providing an exclusive millinery and hat experience to her customers.

She completed her millinery training in Hasselt in 1998 and continued her education with several masterclasses abroad with renowned milliners such as Marianne Jongkind, Hannah Hnilikova, Bridget Bailey, Ian Bennett and Dillon Wallwork.

In 2007 she took the leap and opened her shop front in the Leuvensestraat in Tienen where she creates custom hats for all occasions.

Isabelle expanded her offering to include other brands such as Borsalino, Derby Sport, Panizza and Seeberger. These provide an extensive range of both classic and sporty hats and caps.

Following a teacher training course Isabellebe began Cursa Bree in 2018 and offers millinery classes in her workspace in Belgium.

In 2022 Isabelle won the NHV Hat Contest 2022 with her piece “Madame Paulette”.  The theme was ‘Vintage with a twist’! in which competition participants received a “surprise package” of vintage materials, provided by Plooij Hats & Materials.