CKS

gevity, designing garments meant to last and be enjoyed across seasons. CKS operates six brand stores in Belgium and is present in sixty multi-brand boutiques, with a growing international presence. In recent years, CKS has expanded into men’s wear, shoes, sunglasses, and swimwear, collaborating with specialized ateliers and designers. The brand is committed to sustainability, ethical production, and community engagement, regularly supporting charities and launching special collections for social causes.

Philosophy

CKS aims to boost women’s confidence and inspire individuality through bold, colorful fashion. The brand believes in creating durable, versatile clothing that customers can enjoy for years, with a strong focus on sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and community support. CKS encourages customers to care for their garments responsibly and promotes circular fashion through repair, recycling, and thrift initiatives.

Sustainability

Materials: CKS uses organic cotton, recycled polyester, FSC/PEFC-certified viscose (from bamboo or eucalyptus), lyocell, and mulesing-free (often recycled) wool. The brand is increasing the share of sustainable materials with each collection, aiming for a Basics line made entirely of organic cotton. Production: Garments are mainly produced in Turkey, China, Italy, Portugal, Tunisia, and India, with fabrics sourced near production sites to minimize transportation emissions. CKS enforces a strict Code of Conduct for suppliers, banning forced labor, child labor, excessive hours, and discrimination, and requiring fair wages and employment contracts. The brand conducts third-party factory audits and maintains a Restricted Substances List based on European standards. Certifications: Member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2017, with regular inspections of production sites to ensure compliance with labor rights and safety standards. Packaging: Shopping and shipping bags are made from 100% post-consumer waste plastic. Circularity: CKS promotes garment care through ‘Clevercare’ labels and online tips. The brand repairs or recycles unsold stock and organizes clothing collections for thrift and reuse.

Founders

Ann Claes (founding sister and co-owner of Claes Retail Group, which owns CKS, JBC, and Mayerline), together with her brother Bart Claes[5].

CKS is a Belgian fashion brand specializing in high-quality, colorful, and wearable clothing for women and children. The brand is recognized for its energetic, eye-catching prints—each season’s collection features unique, on-trend designs by Sophie Espitalié, who experiments with various techniques to create vibrant, handmade, and vivacious prints[2]. CKS’s mission is to boost self-confidence and bring happy vibes by inspiring customers to express their individuality through unique, colorful looks for every occasion[2]. The brand’s head office and showroom are located in Brussels, where collections are created from styling and purchasing to wholesale and marketing[2]. CKS is committed to animal-friendly fabrics, avoiding fur and angora, and opting for mulesing-free merino wool from responsible suppliers[2]. The brand’s clothes are designed for longevity, seasonless wear, and easy mixing and matching, with a focus on quality materials that remain beautiful over time.

Philosophy

CKS believes in empowering women and children through colorful, confident, and comfortable fashion. The brand’s philosophy centers on self-expression, joy, and inclusivity, encouraging customers to ‘be yourself’ in every situation. CKS is dedicated to ethical production, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility, striving to make a positive impact both socially and ecologically[1][2].

Sustainability

Materials: CKS uses organic cotton, recycled polyester, FSC/PEFC-certified viscose (from bamboo or eucalyptus), lyocell, and mulesing-free (often recycled) wool. The brand is increasing the percentage of sustainable materials with each collection and aims for its Basics line to be entirely organic cotton. Production: Clothes are made in Turkey, China, Italy, Portugal, Tunisia, and India, with fabrics sourced near production to reduce emissions. CKS enforces a strict Code of Conduct for suppliers, banning forced labor, child labor, excessive hours, and discrimination, and requiring fair wages and employment contracts. Third-party audits are conducted at all factories. Certifications: Member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2017, ensuring ethical labor practices. Uses Modint’s Restricted Substances List to comply with European chemical regulations. Packaging: Shopping and shipping bags are made from 100% post-consumer waste plastic. Circularity: CKS promotes garment longevity through ‘Clevercare’ labels and care tips. Unsold stock is repaired or recycled, and the brand organizes clothing collections for thrift stores. Animal welfare: No fur or angora; only mulesing-free wool from certified suppliers. Community: Active in charity collaborations, supporting mental health and animal rights causes.

Founders

Ann Claes, Background: Co-founder and co-owner of Claes Retail Group (CRG), which includes CKS, JBC, and Mayerline. Ann Claes is a founding sister of CRG and, together with her brother Bart Claes, has been instrumental in the group’s growth and sustainability initiatives[4][7].. Bart Claes, Background: Co-founder and co-owner of Claes Retail Group (CRG), alongside his sister Ann Claes. Bart Claes is the CEO of CRG and has been a driving force in the group’s commitment to Belgian fashion and sustainability[4][7].

Background

CKS was originally part of the Benelux fashion group FNG (Fashion Netherlands Group), which also included brands like Brantano and Miss Etam[1][6]. In 2018, CKS participated in sustainability initiatives such as the Close The Loop trajectory while still under FNG[1]. The brand has since become part of Claes Retail Group (CRG), joining JBC and Mayerline under this umbrella[1][7]. CKS’s collections are designed in Belgium, with production primarily in Turkey, China, Italy, Portugal, Tunisia, and India, always aiming to minimize transportation emissions by sourcing fabrics near production facilities.

History

CKS has a history of innovation in both design and sustainability. The brand joined the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) in 2017, subjecting its production locations to rigorous inspections for compliance with ethical labor standards[1]. CKS has also been active in charitable initiatives, such as collaborations with Rode Neuzen Dag (Red Nose Day) to support youth mental health and with Amelie Lens for Animal Rights Belgium and the Netherlands[1]. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its material choices, production processes, and efforts to educate customers on garment care and recycling.