A Dream Fueled by Science and Passion: Lieven and Marianne's Journey to Creating an Eco-Luxury Skincare Brand.

Likami, meaning 'body' in Icelandic, embodies everything Lieven and Marianne stand for: a seamless fusion of nature and science. As both scientists and life partners, they combined their passion for skincare with their academic roots.

"Our goal was to create simple, effective products that work equally well for men and women," Marianne explains. "We were inspired by our time in London, where sustainable skincare was thriving. At the time, this concept was almost nonexistent in Belgium."

Where science meets nature

Likami is committed to a select range of high-quality, multifunctional, and gender-neutral products—perfect for today’s conscious consumer. Their philosophy of “skinimalism” sends a powerful message: less, but better.

Using their self-developed Quadri Complex® technology, they’ve crafted a blend of natural ingredients that takes skincare to the next level. “Our products are designed to be mix-and-match and work for all skin types,” Lieven explains. Paired with sustainable packaging made from materials like sugarcane, Likami stands as a trailblazer in the world of eco-luxury skincare.

Challenges and Triumphs

For Likami, as for Baleno, sustainability is a core value—but the journey hasn’t always been easy. “Greenwashing is a major issue in our industry,” says Lieven. Even so, there have been milestones that continue to inspire them.

One standout moment was their collaboration with a wellness center in Gothenburg, which fully embraces Likami’s products and philosophy. Another pivotal achievement was their presence in Printemps Paris, a renowned department store. “It’s a validation of the strength of our story,” Marianne adds.

Marianne is wearing the Chelsea ladies coat, whilst Lieven is wearing our bestseller Goodwood jacket

A Connection with Baleno

Lieven and Marianne were introduced to Baleno through mutual acquaintances and immediately felt a connection. “Like Likami, Baleno shares a sustainable and socially responsible vision,” says Marianne. “And that touch of English flair? It perfectly matches our love for the city of London.”

During the photoshoot in Lille, one thing became clear: Lieven and Marianne are true ambassadors of #Better in Baleno. Their style? Functional, minimalist, and refined—just like their brand. The stunning backdrop of Lille brought their story and the clothing to life.

#Better in Baleno

The heart of #Better in Baleno lies with the people who wear our clothes and their unique stories. With Lieven and Marianne, we wanted to highlight the power of simplicity and sustainability—not just in skincare but in fashion as well. Together, we’re creating a story that inspires.

In the coming weeks, we’ll share more from this campaign: a blog about the charm of Lille, the perfect backdrop for our shoot, and a Gift Guide curated by Lieven and Marianne themselves, filled with sustainable and stylish gift ideas.

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