The best of Klavers Van Engelen

The fashion world has become a tough world, where most of the times figures and money count above design and craftsmanship. Klavers van Engelen were not able to survive in this world, despite their work for theater-companies like Mug met de Gouden Tand and concert pianist Tomoko Mukaiyama.

The label was founded in 1998 by Niels Klavers, who studied at the Rietveld-academy of arts in Amsterdam. Astrid van Engelen was his right hand from the beginning. The first years were relatively succesful, because Dutch conceptual fashion suddely became en vogue. Those days Niels Klavers and Astrid van Engelen presented their work in Paris together with Saskia van Drimmelen and Viktor & Rolf.

After 9/11 they decided for the first time to withdraw themselves temporarely from the fashionstage, also because one of their important buyers went bankrupt. The duo made their come-back in 2007 during the finale of the Dutch Fashion Awards. Their first collection after six years seemed less experimental and more wearable/commercial. They even got more buyers, important ones, like Luisa via Roma and Margreeth Olsthoorn. Still, it was difficult to survive and earn money with their work. It’s what happens to a lot of designers right now, worldwide. Without support they are lost and it ruins the landscape of fashion.

Hereby a selection of collections of past seasons from Klavers van Engelen:

 

Klavers Van Engelen. The End

After thirteen years the Dutch fashionduo Niels Klavers and Astrid van Engelen close their fashionhouse. Due to the economic situation it’s impossible for them to continue as an independent fashionlabel. It’s really sad that such talented and original designers  like Klavers van Engelen have to quit the fashionstage. Two designers whose hearts are totally dedicated to fashion and craftsmanschip. The Netherlands is not an easy market to survive as a fashionlabel, and Klavers van Engelen really tried to land in other countries. Without any satisfying results. It seemed only people who are connoisseurs were interested in their designs, people who can enjoy the way Niels Klavers and Astrid van Engelen play with fabric, construction and movement. With every collection it seemed they let the fabric and movement do the job in  dresses, tunics and pants that moved like water.

In an official press release Niels Klavers and Astrid van Engelen stated that they feel really sad about their decision and they realize it’s a disappointment for all their fans. They truly appreciate all the support they’ve got over the years.

This week they presented their last spring summer 2012 collection in Amsterdam, which will not be sold in stores. As always Team Peter Stigter shot their lookbook, although not knowing it would be the last time. It’s with sadness we present you these pictures, but we were really proud we could work with Niels and Astrid.

 

 

Jan Boelo Backstage Video Show SS2012

The show of Jan Boelo set the stage on fire. His rock’n roll punk-inspired-collection seemed perfect for a summer festival. Backstage the atmosphere was rockin’ too, with models getting their dark make-up and chain-decorations.

Edith & Ella Catwalk Fashion Show Video Impression AIFW SS2012

It was quite hectic backstage at the Edith & Ella-show sponsored by Volvo. Designer Line Markvardsen wanted to show a large collection and that required quite some hands to dress the models, mix the outfits and get hair & make-up done. The result was a happy, lighthearted show with a finale of dancing models.

This was AIFW SS2012

Fashion is vaporized. All cameras are packed. Make up dissolved. The stage disappeared. This 15th edition of Amsterdam International Fashion Week attracted more than 18.500 people, less than last edition due to the bad weather.

But all in all visitors enjoyed the vibe and nice shows, to name some highlights: the Lichting 2011 award, Frans Molenaar Awar, Lab-shows, Sage & Ivy-show in the Spartelvijver, SIS by Spijkers & Spijkers, the pr-stunt of Zeeman by FRANK, Jan Boelo and the Hunkemöller-show. A special thanks to the Fashion-week wo made it all work out smoothly. See you all next year.

 

 

 

 

Streetfashion AIFW SS2012 Day 5

The final day of the Amsterdam International Fashion Week brought a lot of fashionable people to the venue. Although an umbrella was still the best accessory to take with you.

Jan Boelo backstage at AIFW SS2012

The collection of Jan Boelo really rocked, as did the backstage. Take a look at one of the last shows at the AIFW SS2012.

Backstage 2 Love Tony Cohen Catwalk Fashion Show AIFWSS2012

When you’re presenting a fashion line for the first time, you wanna do it right. So Tony Cohen was on top of his game checking all the looks from his 2LOVETONYCOHEN collection before they went on the runway. Check out some of the backstage impressions of his show below.

Front Row Club Brillant Catwalk Fashion Show AIFWSS2012

The last show of the week was the fashion show of Club Brillant. Lots of VIP’s attended the show and joined in on the after party.

Check out the front row of Club Brillant.

BEST GOODIEBAG OF THE AMSTERDAM FASHION WEEK SS2012

Ladies and gentlemen; we’ve got ourselves a goodiebag winner!

The goodiebag of the opening night (shows of SIS by Spijkers en Spijkers and Tony Cohen) was the best one out of the bunch.

So kudos to the girl who put all bags together: Goodiebaggirl Karlijn Visser. She knows what a good goodiebag is!

There was even’t even much competition; all other goodiebags mostly contained only a few Redken beauty items.

The winning goodiebag contained:

Useful

Legwear – Oroblu
Lavazza Qualita Oro – coffee sample – 50 gr
She – energy drink
Beauty Tea – Yagua – 500 ml
Voucher 10,- euro (+2 samples) – Cosmania
Voucher 7,50 euro discount – Frederique’s Choice flowers (bouquets start at 29,95 euro)
Ilovebeautynews / Ilovefashionnews- newspaper
Ilovebeautynews – pen
Numi Tea – Sample
Vodafone – Water Spray
Vodafone – pocket mirror
Yves Rocher – Shower Gel – So Elixir
Yves Rocher – Eau de Parfum – Vanille Noire
Yves Rocher – Eau de Parfum – So Elixir
Maybelline New York – Lipstick
Redken – Shampoo
Redken – Conditioner
Redken – Rough Paste
A fuchsia orchid

Spam

Leaflet Yagua drink

Estimated value: 80 euro

Rating: 8,5

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