Liselore Frowijn Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam SS2017

What a nice tropical surprise on such lousy summerdays like these. Hearing the crickets sing while sitting between huge decorations of colourful flowers and plants. The show was called ‘Afropolitan’ and tells the story of tradition and development, identity and the power of the African woman. To get the most out of it, Liselore joined forces with Vlisco, a famous Dutch company that produces and distributes fashion fabrics for the West and Central African market. She was inspired by the many colourful fabrics she found in their archives. Her muze comes from the Igbo-pedigree, Nigeria. She calls her the typical ‘Afropolitan-woman’, a term that stands for the bridge between old traditions and habits and modern day life. And it showed in every form and fiber.

It was translated into a collection that keeps on developing itself. It all started in 2013, analyzing and renewing prints and colours by adding or skipping layers. Creating luxurious elements by using lacework, embroideries and subtle shimmers. Using the typical Igbo-colours like indigo (earth), yellow (sacred) and red (human) on new silhouettes. The models wearing plants and flowers in their hear and heavy red eye shadow. We also spotted some rich Indian fabrics, like hand painted silks and woven jacquards, giving it a ultra feminine feel. All the while keeping the lines and shapes very simpel and clean, with draping and folding to create some movement in the clothes. It was complimentary for the eyes, but it also makes you question what kind of woman this would wear. There’s a big group of modern urban men (we usually tend to call them ‘hipsters’ and especially living in Amsterdam) that have been embracing these kind of prints for several years now, but what about the ladies? There were definitely looks that fit perfectly in the streets nowadays, but is the Dutch woman brave enough to wear these extravagant clothes? We shall see. It would definitely not hurt on such grey and rainy days.

Tess van Zalinge Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam SS2017

Pretty sure there’s not one single woman on this planet who loves to see herself in white fluorescent lightening. Except for today, at the show of Tess van Zalinge. The venue, that was supposed to feel like a (modern) church, was lightened up by long sticks of white fluorescent light, and it didn’t do any harm. At all, on the contrary. It fitted the minimal ambiance of the collection called ‘Status quo ante’, which is Latin for “the way things were before”. What she means by that? It’s a reaction to the overflow of stimulus, choices and possibilities we have these days. Which makes her longing for the way things were before. Go back to basic, there where it all started. Anna Wintour once said: “Fashion’s not about looking back, it’s always about looking forward.” But is it? Something that’s seriously questioned today by Tess. She thinks we’re too focused on the future, which makes us numb for what is right now. We should embrace the moments as they’re happening. And so we did, completely taken by her beautiful collection based on support, structure and Dutch craftsmanship. Building a bridge between lingerie and upper wear, and innovative twists to Dutch folklore. Which was obvious in pieces like a black semi-transparent bodice accompanied by an black apron (so cool!) or a bright green pleated shirt-dress. Rebuilding the foundations doesn’t mean it will be boring or predictable. Although her signature style that’s highly appreciated, Tess perfectly knows how to leave enough room for your own imagination.

Dennis Diem Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam SS2017

A fully packed Gashouder is waiting for designer Dennis Diem to start his show. Also the big fashion journalists are present, gathering in the front row. All iPhones held in line to capture the perfect opening shot as soon as the lights switch off. The excitement for the ‘Sweet Rebel’ show is tangible. And who doesn’t want to be part of a romantic fifties movie scene, but in real life? A show that takes you back to the set of cult-film Cry Baby (1990, John Waters). Don’t we all dig the famous love stories about the good girl falling for the bad guy? And good she was, oh la la. The collection was sugarcoated with pastel colours, ruffles, petticoats, silk, organza, tulle, jacquards, lace and cashmere. Not to mention his hand-made bodices. It felt like we were attending high school prom, waiting (and shivering) for our big crush to come pick us up on his motorcycle.

“I’ve never seen such a proper show from Dennis”, someone in the audience recalls. Probably not knowing what was about to come. Because our high school crush a.k.a. The Ladykiller arrived on an actual (!) motor vehicle, and it immediately changed everything into a good girl gone bad vibe (where’s RiRi when you need her). Dennis Diem collaborated with designer Jos Jacob, who’s work is known for leather, bondage and beauty in the imperfection. Leather bathing suits, platform shoes as high as the Eiffel Tower and fishnet pantyhose with a skull hiding your most precious parts. It felt like 50 shades meets 50s romance, talking of a extreme clash. “I met him in the candy store”, the music plays along. Wouldn’t that make love so much easier than it is today? Let’s forget about online dating, delete Tinder or Happn, and channel your inner sweet rebel. Because this is the real deal, and we would die for a ride on that motor vehicle.

Front Row Lichting 2016 AFW

Curious to see who came to support the upcoming design talents participating in Thursday night’s Lichting 2016 award show? Here are some of the Amsterdam Fashion Week opening night’s front row guests.

Streetfashion at Gerrit Rietveld Graduationshow 2016

What are they wearing during international fashion events? That vintage Levi’s or their latest Diesel jeans? During the year we refresh our streetwear posts irregularly. We don’t judge, we’re not the fashion-police, we just enjoy fashion and your own personal style. Next stop: Gerrit Rietveld Academie Graduationshow 2016.

Gerrit Rietveld Academie: The Fashion Show 2016

The section Fashion of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam presented their graduation-collections in The Fashion Show 2016 in the big commercial venue RAI. Personal. Experimental. Crossing borders.

HKU Graduation show 2016

The Fashion Graduation Show of Hogeschool vd Kunsten Utrecht is one of the annual highlights during the Graduation period of presentations at HKU. The edition of 2016 took place in an industrial setting under the building of Hoog Catharijne. The collections were varied and very outspoken. Most collections had one thing in common: the layered silhouettes.And they were also very wearable. Laure Meyers and Suzanne Barten presented a refined and feminine image. The outspoken and striped coats of Yasmina Ajbilou covered neat, long shirts and told the story of where rebellion and limitations meet.
Malu Versteeg and Marleen van Egmond developed their own knitwear. In the womenswear collection of Malu big, finely knit turtlenecks with transparent parts were the centerpieces. The men in Marleens ‘Modification of Time’ were wearing cable knit sweaters and pants.
Wendy Cornelis transferred her research in material and sustainability into a womenswear-collection with big silhouettes. Laura Meijering made her sustainable collection in quiet colors and simple, long silhouettes, the excitement though came by fraying all materials to the thread as a comment to holding on to your stuff.

INDIVIDUALS SS2017

Yesterday iNDiViDUALS presented its latest S/S 2017 collection. It’s already the 21st collection of this Dutch womenswear brand. The brand is a platform for fashion creativity, managed by third and fourth year students of Amfi, allowing them to experience the demand of the fashion industry. It provides them with an unmatched experience for future endeavours post-graduation.

The brand is a collective of 27 creative minds changing every season. This creates a continuing narrative, responding to the evolving Zeitgeist. All tasks and responsibilities are covered by the design, management and branding departments. Fusing these three departments makes for the successful formula that is iNDiViDUALS.

iNDiViDUALS is an initiative of AMFI – Amsterdam Fashion Institute and the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.

 

 

Amsterdam Denim Days 2016: Kingpins and Blueprint

For one week Amsterdam was the centre of attention for all those with an indigo heart. Amsterdam Denim days 2016 offered a program with something for denim lovers of every kind, from brands and makers to wearers and speakers. From style-setting devotees on the street to the greatest innovators in the industry, together they create the ultimate blue wear.

Denim Streetwear Blueprint Amsterdam April 2016

What are they wearing during the international fashion weeks? A bespoke Denham, that vintage Levi’s or their latest Diesel jeans? During the year we refresh our streetwear posts irregularly. We don’t judge, we’re not the fashion-police, we just enjoy fashion and your own personal style. Next stop: Blueprint Amsterdam.

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