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 dance, the crown, and the curls 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, casting an enchanting spell. 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. I was astonished by the refinement of the craft from the 8th and 9th centuries. I didn’t expect this at all! 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 merino 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.

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 organise 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 names of the pieces in this collection are derived from friends and family members, with my daughter being the greatest joy and inspiration of my life. One can say that meaningful connections are woven into this collection.

The collection culminated 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 my clothing 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.

I imagine you waking up on a sunny (or rainy) morning, whistling and smiling. As you open your closet, these clothes smile back at you. While you think about the meetings you will have that day, you enjoy dressing yourself up, and I am giggling with you too.