Highlights from Amsterdam Fashion Week 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Style

The first week of September marked the conclusion of Amsterdam Fashion Week 2024, which showcased numerous presentations focused on upcycling, alongside a variety of public events. Some of these moments stood out particularly, and we've summarized the key highlights for you.

 

Martan's Opening Show Amidst Stormy Weather

The Amsterdam-based label Martan kicked off the fashion week with their "Tempest Tides" show, featuring a masterfully executed SS25 ready-to-wear collection. This collection included jackets, tops, trousers, and accessories made from recycled materials, with a notable incorporation of spinnaker sails in both the set design and accessories. Martan's presentation emphasized innovative design without the need for new resources. Designers Douwe Boer, Diek Pothoven, and Eugénie Mulier highlighted their upcycling expertise, sharing a powerful message about sustainability: "Why produce new material when we can dress another six generations with what already exists? Sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity," stated De Boer in an interview with FashionUnited after the show.

 

 

Celebrating its upcoming tenth anniversary, Studio Hagel welcomed the public for the first time during the fashion week. The studio was transformed, featuring various blue-wrapped blocks that created an exhibition space for innovative creations. Among the highlights were Nike sneakers made from old swimming caps and shoes redesigned with the outline of a vacuum cleaner hose, alongside the popular Adidas Sambas wrapped in recycled cotton. Studio Hagel has consistently used its studio as a creative playground to develop unparalleled shoe designs, often incorporating techniques that challenge traditional methods. Their collaborations with brands like Off-White, Valentino, and Asics have garnered significant attention, with a focus on increasing their visibility in the Netherlands.

 

 

For more details on these highlights and the overall event, you can visit FashionUnited.

 

 

Tess van Zalinge unveiled her couture collection in the industrial ambiance of Studio 3000 in Amsterdam-Noord. This special collection was developed in collaboration with Dutch luggage brand Nortvi, featuring garments crafted from recycled materials sourced from Nortvi suitcases. The result was a striking array of two-piece ensembles.

 

 

The audience experienced a unique entry into the show through the backstage area, offering an intimate glimpse into Van Zalinge's creative process. Models, including Jazz Ben Khalifa, Eloise van Oranje, and Stijn de Vries, prepared for the show amidst their racks of clothing, showcasing each look as they walked in zigzag patterns through the white space.

 

 

Designer Max Zara Sterck's passion for dance shone through in her Thursday evening show, held at the costume studio of the National Opera & State Ballet. The venue added a sense of mystery and functionality to the performance.

 

 

The show unfolded in distinct sections, beginning with a unique musical piece accompanied by a poem recited by the designer. Soloists from the National Opera and State Ballet performed a hypnotic dance around the cutting tables, setting the stage for the designs that followed. As the dance intensified, so did the complexity of the showcased garments.

 

 

Sterck's signature style was evident throughout the collection, with draped pieces, cut-outs, and woven ribbons featured prominently. While not every design was technically strong, the second half of the show captivated audiences, particularly with its modern, commercially viable denim suits that boasted asymmetrical silhouettes. The show concluded with a live lecture from Sterck, leaving a profound emotional impact on many attendees.

 

 

These showcases at Amsterdam Fashion Week demonstrated the innovative spirit and artistic vision of both designers, reflecting the event's commitment to creativity and sustainability. For more details, check out the full coverage at FashionUnited and Dutch Fashion Foundation.

 

 

 

Friday evening commenced with a captivating show by Yousra Razine Mahrah, the 2023 Lichting Award winner. Hosted at De Hallen Studios, the event's intimate atmosphere was enhanced by red lighting and a warm ambiance, drawing spectators to the catwalk.

 

 

Mahrah's collection, titled "Kabouda - for the culture," showcased the rich facets of Moroccan culture. As the show began, the lighting shifted to white, allowing the audience to appreciate the intricate details of the garments. Notable pieces included a stunning sand-colored dress adorned with pearls and a dramatic wing-like silhouette, as well as a model balancing a replica of a Moroccan vase on her head. The audience's enthusiastic cheers and applause reflected Mahrah's ability to enchant.

 

 

 

On the final day of Amsterdam Fashion Week, Denzel Veerkamp presented a collection that seamlessly blended sustainability with thought-provoking themes. Inspired by his recent trip to Suriname, Veerkamp's collection "Abrasei" combined Afro-Surinamese fashion with Western influences, using exclusively upcycled materials like the iconic "Ghana Must Go" bag. His work tells the story of the Afro-Surinamese diaspora, celebrating resilience amid adversity.

 

 

Held at Studio Weiman in Amsterdam-Noord, Veerkamp's debut show attracted a large audience despite a scheduling clash with the popular Lichting show. Using fashion as a storytelling medium, he highlighted pertinent political issues through a Dutch radio recording discussing the arrival of Surinamese immigrants in the Netherlands.

 

The show, however, was also filled with energy and joy. Live music accompanied a finale where models danced down the runway, creating a festive atmosphere. Veerkamp showcased his creative prowess by transforming various materials, including fabrics labeled "Gucci," into vibrant, upcycled designs that reflected Afro-Surinamese influences. The evening concluded with music, dancing, and Surinamese cuisine, celebrating the spirit of community and resilience.

 

 

Johnny Blood's Debut at the Nightclub De School

Closing Amsterdam Fashion Week was debutant Johnny Blood, who held his show in the former nightclub De School, emphasizing a night of celebration for himself and the audience. With photography and filming prohibited, attendees arrived in bold outfits that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

 

 

Taking place in the venue's basement, the show featured an intimate setting illuminated by white light. Known for his upcycled vintage clothing and embroidery, Johnny Blood's "Ephemeral" collection drew inspiration from the underground club scene, capturing the essence of nightlife diversity.

 

The collection presented an edgy yet elegant aesthetic, with long fabric panels and bondage-inspired designs complemented by latex, piercings, rivets, and chains. Models navigated through the audience, exuding intensity as they moved to pulsating music. The show concluded with thunderous applause for the final model, dubbed the "White Horse," as she made her exit behind the curtain, allowing Johnny Blood to celebrate one last time with his fans.

 

For further insights into these highlights from Amsterdam Fashion Week, check out detailed coverage from sources like FashionUnited and Dutch Fashion Foundation.