Modefabriek puts up positive front

Lifestyle / Fashion design

Talent was on the tip of everyone's tongue at the Netherlands only fashion fair, Modefabriek which was presented for the 26th time during AIFW.

By Editor Design.nl /asdf 05-02-2009

On Sunday 25 and Monday 26th of January, the 26th edition of Modefabriek took place at Amsterdam RAI. Netherlands one and only fashion fair has replaced its three-fold segmentation into 8 complementary segments to offer a better reflection of the current national and international fashion scene.

In general, Winter 2009-10 had a positive atmosphere. Colour was abundant; both brights (Oililly) and naturals (Schiesser Revival, Whiite). Prints and layering are still a big thing (Bandolera, YXN). Plus, next year we probably should all be wearing coloured jeans (Circle of Trust). Whether the rolled up ‘Katie Holmes’ jeans will find solid ground is questionable, though it was represented. Furthermore purple is (still) ruling as the new black, but black itself will never leave the stage. Accessories worth mentioning are the nicely designed Fedaboa waist-belts: anti-metal detector, one-hand release clip and 100% recyclable! And for shoes, Birkenstock is going ‘street’ now with pink patent sandals.

Superstore06 and Cutting Edge are the icing on the Modefabriek-cake. Superstore06 covers the theme of global cultural heritage and offered a wonderous source of inspiration. So, will we see more Vlisco prints at next season’s Modefabriek or will it be felt clothing? The exhibition presented designs from Walter van Beirendonck, Mada van Gaans, Bibi van der Velden, Hans van Bentem, Loyal Loot Collective and many more.

In a special area called ‘Cutting Edge’, tomorrow’s ‘fashion darlings’ were present. Of course, by now, we know the G+N/Glue Jeans’. But what about women's wear label Molessa. One to watch out for, designer Olesia Makhonko masters the art of patterncutting and puts this into practice in a unique way. Cutting Edge also offered Adrian Sommerauereck, Conny Groenewegen, Gail Sorronda. Gregor Gonsior, Julie Coste and Miriam Schaaf exposure to the national and international press.

Organised by HTNK, 3RD BACHELOR made its debut at Modefabriek. 3RD BACHELOR is a platform for the students with the most promising third year collections from one class selected from the Dutch academies. This year, The Royal Academy of Arts The Hague took the spotlight presenting work by Layla Kühnen, Tineke van der Meer, Tessa Wagenvoort, Twan Meijerink and Ireneo Ciammella. In addition, the Red Light Fashion movie has its Dutch premier at Modefabriek.

In general, Modefabriek is in much bigger and better shape than previously. Looking at the current financial situation and the enormous amount of labels, it was very positive that so many had the opportunity to represent themselves at the fair. However if you’re looking for innovation, that part of Modefabriek could’ve done with more expansion.

Guest reporter: Kirsten Hartevelt
Photography: RVDA