What are you wearing and why? The background story of the collection

This collection is very personal. It’s an ode to that instant love for Indonesian court dancing and admiration for all women I have and haven’t met yet from all walks of life, blending eastern refinement and western practicality.

How it all started – The Inspiration: Mystery and Music

The starting point of the collection were the mystery and royalty of the Indonesian dances for the Sultan of Java and the crown with the curls or divine energy centers of Buddha.

It was then and there. I was 11 years old, enveloped by warmth in the darkness, the gentle melody of the Indonesian gamelan orchestra softly playing in the background.

And then, as if in a dream, they appeared before the audience—the dancers, gracious and mysterious. The music and dance originated from the Sultan, the King of the Kraton, on the island of Java in Indonesia. I was captivated, this was magical! In that instant, I knew that I had to give this magic to my audience.

Three years passed until the day finally arrived when I could join the stage, dancing with the dancers to the gamelan music. From there on I performed many times, every time aiming to mesmerize my audience. 

 Many years later, a private collection of the Sultan of Java’s jewelry was showcased in the Rotterdam based World Museum. I was astonished by the refinement of the craft from the 7th until 12th centuries, and all the pieces were dedicated to the divine. It's not a coincidence this exhibition was called: The Gold of the Gods.  The main piece was the crown of the Sultan, adorned with curls symbolizing energy points in the head, like mini chakras. It is said that these connect you to divinity.

This was the main inspiration for the Ko Shawls with my own take on the curls by using triangles, also a holy symbol and the strongest shape. Made from alpaca and a tiny bit of gold woven through it. The triangles are raised a bit with a repeating rhythm smaller to bigger and smaller. This shape is also seen in the Rose Skirt as well as in the raised pattern of the woolen sweater.

In the collection one will find batik prints  from the island of Java (Indonesia), which is directly seen in the Marilo Top and as lining for the kimono's, the skirts and the trousers. Golden accents such as in the suit (the Maite Kimono and matching Maria Trousers), and textured designs (Elena Dress and Elisabeth Kimono).

I love details and quality fabrics and these you will find abundantly throughout my collection. Sustainability is a no-brainer and therefore I have also used deadstock fabrics—materials created by other designers they don’t use anymore. 

 

From inspiration to the fashion collection - The Creative Process

The creative process involved overcoming challenges such as learning about zippers, fabrics, threads, and tailoring techniques. Trusting someone with your creativity is difficult, but I found an artisan with haute couture experience. And then to organize a fashion show.. I don’t know if I could do all if this knowing beforehand what had to be done. And during the way help from unexpected ways came.

The pieces in this collection are named after close friends and family members. One can say that meaningful connections are woven into this collection.

The collection has been shown in a fashion show, opening with the Indonesian dance Gambyong. This dance is used to welcome guests and has been part of the Sultan’s court repertoire for over a century.

For who I design - Characters

Additional inspiration comes from my work as a communication consultant, where I have met many impressive women who excel in their craft. I have witnessed struggles and growth, comradeship, women supporting each other, heartbreak. Leadership from the heart and connection with the cause and people. All culminating in character. The fullness of someone. That’s beauty.

The fashion I create are for characters, and for that to show one needs time. For my fashion show I therefore explicitly wanted women over 35 years old. This resulted in the youngest being 40 and the oldest in her early 60’s. And each model wasn’t an official model but a professional with her own career.

What I’d like to give - The Joy of Dressing Up

Just like when I was eleven years old and desired to share this mystery of gamelan and the dances with my audience, now, as an adult, this feeling of giving is both fun and energizing. I want to offer the (future) wearers of these garments my attention and appreciation. I see you and your beauty from all perspectives, and I have created these garments from a place of joy and thankfulness.