When you think of Dutch luxury fashion, shoe brand Alzúarr and fashion brand Frenken might come to mind, but the fashion landscape has much more to offer. That’s why we would like to introduce you to three relatively new Dutch luxury brands.
Monique Singh
Designer Monique Singh draws inspiration from her Indian and Dutch heritage. It’s no surprise that Singh calls her brand a “fusion fashion brand.”
style
“Monique Singh’s typical fusion of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary European facets results in timeless silhouettes. The Indian art of embroidery and draping is at the forefront of our designs, supported by a lush color palette.”
“Each ensemble is handmade in our studio in Amsterdam. Additionally, only high-quality, sustainable European fabrics certified to ISO 9001 are used, including vegan leather.” The brand is a big supporter of slow fashion.
target group
“With my label I want to reach the working ‘self-made woman’ who works hard to achieve her dreams in her own way. One of Monique Singh’s items of clothing is her ‘armor’, her power suit with the added challenge of persevering but at the same time enjoying where she is now in her life. Each item underlines her own personality and becomes one with herself, so to speak.”
retail trade
The Monique Singh brand is already sold at Wolf & Badger, Selfridges, Hurr, Project Cece and The Collectives.
bestseller
“Our cape jacket is definitely one of our bestsellers! The silhouette is distinctive and makes a statement,” says Singh. “The Duchess of York recently bought our cape jacket, which is a huge compliment!”
Future
“I always push my own limits. I hope to be a successful player who can compete with the established players in the industry. I also think it would be very interesting to expand my portfolio to include accessories and expand our distribution model to the Middle East and Asia. Through this journey, I hope to continue to contribute to women’s empowerment through partnerships and campaigns.”
Zones of Thor
This men’s fashion brand may ring a bell for some. The label, founded in 1993, took a break between 2006 and 2020. In 2020, the brand underwent a relaunch and its unique designs deserve attention.
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Zonen van Thor makes sweaters and cardigans. The brand does this locally and by hand. She doesn’t focus on seasons, but is always adding more items to her collection.
“We are a brand that specializes in knitwear for men, but also worn by women. From simple cashmere sweaters to eye-catching knitwear,” founder Annet Schukkink tells FashionUnited. The sweaters are very wearable, but have special details that you only see if you look closer.
target group
“People who are looking for sweaters made from high-quality natural materials that are processed down to the last detail. Those who prefer sustainable production (local), who see added value in made-to-measure (no remaining stock and no sales) and who are not looking for a new trend every season. Who sometimes take a risk and dare to wear statement knitwear.”
retail trade
Zonen van Thor does not currently have any partnerships with retailers, but is open to them. “In the future, we want to work with retailers who see made-to-measure as a good way to avoid overproduction and unnecessary sales. Making a sweater specifically to order has many benefits; Customers find this an extra luxury, but this method is not suitable for everyone.”
bestseller
Best-selling items include cashmere wool basics and fringed jacquard sweaters.
Future
“We are growing slowly and are constantly expanding our collection. We think there will be many more unconventional and sustainable ways to make and sell clothing in the future.”
Max Zara Sterck
Dutch designer Max Zara Sterck made her debut at Amsterdam Fashion Week last August. There she presented her SS24 collection, which featured her signature ‘edgy’ silhouette.
style
In a previous interview with FashionUnited, Sterck said her signature style is her diagonal silhouettes. “I studied for four or five years to find a silhouette that would allow me to enhance female forms,” she told us at the time.
target group
“I always find this a difficult question because I don’t start from the demand of a target group, but rather create from my own desire, and the people who share part of this desire then, in my opinion, form the target group. My desire is to create clothing that makes you feel free and strong as a woman. Above all, I want to contribute to an awareness of our female body and how it is displayed in clothing, through sensuality and comfort.”
retail trade
The brand currently has four stores in Milan, New York and Los Angeles.
bestseller
“At the moment the bondage top is still the best-selling item. This is a top that I first made during my graduate collection in 2015 and then refined to sell last year. I can’t see the top itself anymore, haha. This is followed by the Fontana cuts (bodysuits and dresses) and the characteristic diagonal trousers, which sell best.”
Future
“I want the brand to be known not only for the quality of its own products, but also for its innovative corporate structure in the fashion industry. One where female entrepreneurship and energy are part of the fabric. I don’t need to get big, but I need to be stable so that the work can be done in a loving way with attention and time for each other and the product.”
This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translated and edited by Simone Preuss.