Brussels Philharmonic Debuts Custom Performance Jackets for Queen Elisabeth Competition

The Brussels Philharmonic is stepping into the finals of the Queen Elisabeth Competition with a newly designed wardrobe: custom-made jackets tailored specifically to enhance musicians’ comfort and freedom of movement on stage.

Created in collaboration with Belgian tailoring house Café Costume, the updated design blends the elegance of a classic tuxedo with the flexibility of modern athletic wear. Crafted from a high-performance fabric that is breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and highly stretchable, the jacket combines black and midnight blue tones for a timeless look with contemporary function.

This partnership began in 2010, when the orchestra first worked with Café Costume to modernise traditional concert attire. The result was a sleek, individualised look for each musician. In 2016, the ensemble introduced the “Symphonic Sporting Jacket,” a lightweight, elegant option designed for physical ease during high-level performances.

The latest version continues this evolution—a performance jacket engineered to meet the physical demands of professional musicians while reflecting a refined, forward-thinking aesthetic. Designed with both form and function in mind, it represents a new chapter in performance wear, where freedom of expression extends to what musicians wear on stage.