The Netherlands is developing one of the most exciting, innovative, and unique fashion scenes in the world.

Fuelled by a distinctive combination of traditional culture and groundbreaking modern ideas, the Netherlands is quickly establishing itself as a fashion powerhouse. A generation of young immigrants and ex-pats are putting their own twists on Dutch heritage, leading to a style revolution in cities across the country.

But this thriving fashion scene has been in the making for a long time.

From the sophisticated (yet unconventional) designs of Frans Molenaar in the ‘60s/’70s to the innovations of the ‘Dutch Design’ era, the Netherlands has consistently been pushing the boundaries of fashion.

However, it feels like this modern era of Dutch style may be one of the most exciting yet.

Let’s explore how the Dutch fashion scene is evolving, shine a light on some of the most pioneering designers, and peer into the future of fashion in the Netherlands.

What are some of the biggest fashion hubs in the Netherlands?

While the Dutch fashion scene is flourishing as a whole, there are actually various movements emerging across the country. Multiple cities are bringing unique ideas and design principles to the table, setting their own trends and establishing their own identities.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam has retained its position as the epicentre of Dutch fashion, offering a vibrant mix of high-end boutiques and experimental concept stores. The city effortlessly blends old and new, and is nurturing a young generation of non-conformist, up-and-coming designers.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam has carved out a unique space in the Dutch fashion scene, revolving around avant-garde designs and experimental principles. The inaugural Rotterdam Fashion Week launched earlier this year, placing a heavy emphasis on creativity & sustainability.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven is known as a bustling tech hub, and the city’s love for technology and innovation has fused seamlessly with its fashion scene. Already known for hosting Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven has established a reputation for experimentation and multi-cultural ideas.

Although each city has defined a distinctive fashion identity, each is also contributing to the overarching growth of Dutch style on the international stage.

The Dutch designers taking the world by storm

Now that we’ve explored some of the major cities driving fashion trends in the Netherlands, it’s time to look at a few of the individual designers producing exceptional work.

Viktor&Rolf

Viktor&Rolf was founded in 1993 by designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. The fashion house is known for combining luxury with avant-garde concepts, blurring the lines between fashion and high art.

As designers, Viktor&Rolf have constantly pushed the boundaries of fashion, from projecting moving images onto catwalk models to using tap dancers in theatrical live performances. The fashion house is one of the most iconic in the world and embodies Dutch fashion ideas around innovation and modernism.

Ronald van der Kemp

Ronald van der Kemp is the founder of the ‘RVDK Ronald van der Kemp’ fashion house.

As a designer, van der Kemp is hugely passionate about combining bold statements with sustainability. The RVDK fashion house focuses on creating ‘ethically made’ pieces using ‘high-end existing materials and leftovers’ - this idea of ethical fashion has paved the way for many younger designers, and has successfully made sustainability feel glamorous and desirable.

Iris van Herpen

Iris van Herpen has built a reputation for blending modern technology with traditional fashion artisanship. A truly forward-thinking designer, van Herpen takes inspiration from various sources during the creative process, from classical ballet to natural sciences.

Most notably, she has pioneered many innovative techniques as a designer, such as combining 3-D printing with painstaking hand-stitching to create truly stunning garments.

Sustainability & ethical fashion in the Netherlands

One of the most important pillars of the Dutch fashion scene is a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion.

Established designers like RVDK have made circular fashion a central theme of their work, and these ideas are being upheld by younger creatives looking for new ways to reduce waste and reimagine materials.

Smaller studios across the Netherlands are rejecting fast fashion and concentrating on reinventing recycled fabrics, and the challenge of transforming waste materials into luxury pieces has been widely embraced.

Sustainability has become a pressing issue for industries around the globe, and Dutch designers are leading the charge when it comes to the fashion world. As the next wave of young designers continue to adopt eco-friendly practices and promote sustainable clothing, the Netherlands is likely to remain at the forefront of the sustainable fashion revolution.

The future of Dutch fashion

It’s an incredibly optimistic time for the fashion industry in the Netherlands - but what does the future hold for this burgeoning market?

One thing for certain is that innovation will remain a staple of Dutch design. Designers have consistently searched for inspiration in new and exciting places, and the lines between various creative industries (i.e. art, music, design) will continue to blur as studios look for their next big idea.

The Netherlands has also actively sought out international talent to boost the fashion scene, and as new generations of multicultural designers emerge, Dutch design will continue to benefit from fresh ideas and diverse perspectives.

Dutch designers, brands, and fashion enthusiasts alike can look forward to an extremely exciting journey in the coming years. Fashion in the Netherlands is continuing to evolve and expand, as cultural traditions are combined with international influences and modern twists.

Which trends do you foresee emerging for Dutch fashion in the next few years? And what are you most excited about when it comes to style, design, and creativity in the Netherlands?

If you would like to discuss potential hires for your team within the Fashion & Retail space in the Netherlands, please get in touch with Cherise at [email protected]