Tessa Koops is celebrating a special milestone this season: her label has existed for 12.5 years. What once started as a dream at a young age has developed into a successful fashion brand that is known for their idiosyncrasy, eclectic, yet harmonious prints and feminine silhouettes. With a clear vision of fashion and entrepreneurship as well as a loyal customer base, the designer looks back on her previous career – and looks ahead.
From dream to reality
At the age of nine, Tessa knew that she wanted to design her own fashion collection. “I dreamed of fashion shows and had the entire picture in my head – styling, hair, the atmosphere,” she recalls. Nevertheless, it should still take a while for it to take the step into self -employment. After studying and years of experience at brands such as superstar and Coolcat, in 2012, like the right time, felt to found their own label. “I now knew exactly how the world of assembly, retail and production worked. This knowledge gave me self -confidence to go my own way.”
The development of a design style
Tessa’s unmistakable style – expressive prints and feminine, flattering fit – has developed and deepened over the years. “I started as a jacket brand, but today the focus is on clothes, tops and other fashion-Pieces.” While their early designs were heavily inspired by pop icons like George Michael and Madonna, their creative spectrum has now expanded significantly. Music and festivals remain important sources of inspiration, but retro mode and interior design also play a major role in their creative process today. “Inspiration can come from the most unexpected corners – especially if it stands out from the mainstream. Fashion must be surprised and unconventional.”
At the same time, she realizes that the industry sometimes thinks in drawers. “Some say: ‘I wouldn’t have expected that from your brand.’ But that’s exactly what I think is great.
The challenges of a fashion contractor
Leading a brand also brings challenges. The production page remains particularly complex. “With every collection, ensuring that everything is produced in time and high quality is not easy. Fortunately, I have been working with the same producer for 12.5 years – this relationship of trust is priceless.” In addition, she has learned how important it is to remain true to your own vision in a rapidly changing industry. “Fashion is constantly changing, but that does not mean that you have to lose yourself. A clear, independent identity is a strength, especially then you remain recognizable and are valued by people who are looking for exactly that.”
Customer: Interior appreciate color and positivity
Tessa’s collections radiate energy and joie de vivre – and that is exactly what your customers appreciate: inside. “People feel comfortable in my designs and often get compliments. That makes me proud.” She is also happy to look back on special milestones: “It was fantastic to see my designs in ‘Gooic Vrouwen’ – both in the series and in the film. And the opening of my brand store in the Herenstraat in 2020 was a very special moment.”
Another highlight was the cooperation with Mimaki, in which her paintings were presented as prints at international trade fairs. “This experiment became a commercial success. This year Mimaki is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and I am in Berlin at the Festa Global Print Expo with a special collection.”
The look ahead: expansion in Europe
What does the future look like for Tessa Koops? “We are working on the expansion in Europe – with a focus on Germany and Spain. This happens step by step because I rely on sustainable growth.” A long -cherished dream is and remains America: “A brand store in New York or Los Angeles – that would be great.” In addition to international ambitions, a social and sustainable attitude also plays an increasingly important role in your brand: “Not so much in the designs, but in the way we deal with clothing.”
“If you lead a company, you sometimes forget what you have already achieved. My announcements: inside remind me of it – the beauty of my brand and how special what we have created.” After 12.5 years in the fashion industry, her self -image has also changed: “Today I see myself more as a creative entrepreneur and businesswoman than as a pure designer. In the past, I wanted to prove everything – today the label is. And I really enjoy that.”
Celebrate Tessa Koops for 12.5 years
In order to celebrate this special milestone, Tessa Koops Fashion Expert invites you: Interior, business partner: Inside and fashion lovers: Inside for an exclusive event on March 29, 2025, entering your Brandstore in the Herenstraat in Amsterdam.
This article was translated using a AI tool.