As Amsterdam is teeming with creative personalities, we asked them about their all-time favourites. Instead of reinventing the wheel ourselves, we pick their brain on everything they swear by. Where do they prefer to eat, what’s their favourite holiday destination, the best book, their most recent clothing purchase – the works. This time around, we’ve asked stylist and PR manager Josephine Herfst to do us the honour.
Name: Josephine Herfst
Occupation: Stylist & PR
Instagram: @j.herfst
What styling job has defined you most as a stylist?
That’s such a hard question! Every job holds a different meaning for me. Some of the most enjoyable ones have been those I’ve done with friends, like the two short dance films and press shots for my dear friend Robeathy Corea.
I also recently styled the Zalando x Pretty Girls Like Trap Music campaign, which focused on female creatives. I love working with people who are passionate about what they do—because so am I. This job meant a lot to me because of the energy and vibe on set. I think it’s important not to take things too seriously. At the end of the day, we’re in this industry because we love this stuff, but we have to remember we’re not saving lives. Keeping the fun alive, both on and off set, is essential.
Which client was the most fun to work with?
That’s a tough one! I really loved working with Zalando because I was able to experiment a lot. Even though there are always some guidelines, they really gave me the freedom to do my thing, which I appreciated. I also really enjoy working with musicians. It’s a completely different dynamic from working with models because artists have a strong opinion on what they want to wear. I love researching their branding and aligning that with the styling for their project. Aside from styling, I have been working as PR manager for La Fam for 3,5 years and I consider them family so they’re definitely up there 🙂
Shameless self-promotion: what are you up to these days? Any exciting projects coming up?
Well, after living in London for the past year, I’m moving back to Amsterdam so I’m excited to be there again and focus on some personal projects I’ve got coming. I definitely have some fun things on the way so keep an eye out on my IG 😉
1. Last item you bought?
I mostly shop for work and sometimes end up keeping things (oops!). The last thing I actually bought for myself was a while ago… I think it was a Margiela tote
2. Must see?
Conclave!!! Oh my days, what a beautiful film. The direction, the cinematography, the suspense, the costumes!!! I nearly cried at the white umbrellas scene, just because it’s so gorgeous.
My favourite movie back in the day was “Nine”, not a lot of people know it I feel. It’s a musical film, which I’m actually not a fan of anymore, but this one is just so nostalgic for me. With actors like Daniel Day Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Dame Judy Dench and many many more. Also, the costume department did their thing.
Honourable mention: the documentary that made me wanna get into fashion is “The September Issue”. I am a sucker for Grace Coddington. Because of this documentary, I learnt what a stylist actually is and really wanted to learn more about this.
3. Must read?
I love Dolly Alderton. As a 20 something, sometimes life can get weird and I feel like she describes this experience perfectly.
I also loved Andre Leon Talley’s memoir “The Chiffon Trenches”. This one really gives a great insight on what the fashion scene was like back in the day. With anecdotes about Diana Vreeland, Andy Warhol, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour and many more.
Honourable mention: there’s a few podcasts I live by. As I’m also a big music fan, I never miss an episode of Rory & Mal—I’ve been listening since their Joe Budden days. They’re hilarious! I also love Huberman Lab for science-based insights into health, nutrition, and mental well-being.
4. Brands/designers we should keep an eye on?
Willy Chavarria – I am obsessed!!! I love the fact he’s really true to his roots and brings light to the Latino American experience and breathes that aesthetic.
Leo Rothmann – A London-based designer with incredible silhouettes. His work gives off a Rick Owens vibe, but he’s carving his own lane.
The Gang is Beautiful – An amazing Amsterdam-based collective that brings the “Vintage Western” aesthetic and combines it with modern elements. Next to their design practice, they also organise fun events and markets where their creative community comes together.
La Fam – I can’t forget to mention La Fam of course! To look at what we’ve been able to accomplish in the past years is crazy and amazing.
Honourable mention: I love Prada and Miu Miu and I am very happy to see such amazing brands still being in the power of an amazing woman. I absolutely love how she has been able to hold these two legacy brands up and go along with the times even within staying true to her classical touch.
I really want to add that, although I think it’s great to see that there is a lot of traffic going on in the fashion industry (maybe a little too much tbh… I’m getting dizzy!), it’s so sad to see there’s all this puzzling going on and it’s just white men being appointed to the big houses. Fashion is definitely political and to see that there’s very little change amongst the creative directors is crazy. Not to mention all the CEO’s being straight white men.
5. Product/service that you like so much, you’d make a free advertisement for?
Cargo.site – The best platform for building a website (even though I still need to update mine).
The WhatsApp Group “StyleItOut” – It’s a group with stylists from all over (mostly based in UK though). We share tips, contacts and experiences and help each other out. As a freelancer this is very important.
BECTU – With that said, for the UK besties, BECTU is a fashion union that will protect you as a freelancer. These are so important honestly. Please research how to protect yourself as a freelancer and always make sure you have a contract ready.
EEagency – I’ve been lucky with my agency, because lord knows you can go through a lot of people (and especially bigger organisations) taking advantage of the fact you’re on your own so make sure you’re protected with a binding contract.
6. Favourite artwork/artist?
I have two friends that make beautiful art. My girls Sisters Janssen make gorgeous art mostly based around women. I love the way their art is always very organic and colourful. They even made a hotel room in L’Europe which just looks like an absolute colour coordinated DREAM.
My friend Donna also makes beautiful art where she recreates her experiences with friends and family. I love how her work makes me feel like I was there with her during these moments. Her art is also very colourful and vibrant.
7. Style icon?
I have to say Kendrick Lamar, or maybe more his stylist. Taylor McNeill is really doing her thing with both Kendrick and Timothy Chalamet. I love all the references to early 2000’s red carpet looks.
I also love Matthew Mazur, stylist for Lil Nas X & Coi Leray, based in NY. Apart from the fact he is hilarious, I also love his personal style. It’s very him and gives of the vibe that he’s having fun with it. I think this is most important.
I have to mention Sierra Rena! She is just the IT girl. I really love her combinations and the way you can see that, again, she’s having fun! She’s playing with colours, patterns, silhouettes and big & smaller designers.
8. Favourite Instagram account?
sainthoax – so funny and interesting. Perfect to keep up with actualities and simultaneously keeping it as light as we can with all the horror going on in the world right now.
ideservecouture – Basically everything fashion world but make it funny. This is how I can (barely) keep up with the musical chairs game that’s happening with all the CD’s at big fashion houses.
stressedstylist & dankartdirectormemes – Speaks for itself, sometimes I look at these just to remember I’m not alone in this
upnextdesigner – To keep up with the newest designers and brands! I really love working with upcoming designers, just cause they’ve got BALLS! They experiment and I love implementing that into my work.
9. Wishlist item?
Every time I try to get the New Balance loafers they’re sold out so lowkey those! The ones in collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto.
I’ve been loving Gia Borghini as well. Nothing too specific but definitely love what they’re doing right now.
Then also anything Y/Project -sadly, they’re closing down (I cried) so I definitely need to dive into the archives because there’s this one jacket that’s just too good.
10. Favourite restaurant?
I been out the loop since I’ve been living in London the past year. honestly my go to will for ever be Kapitein Zeppos because of the beautiful ambiance, decor and the amazing owners Bob & Claire – a TRUE Amsterdam staple.
Il Cavallino is an amazing Italian restaurant in the Maasstraat with authentic dishes and the best Antipasto. Next to this they also organise very fun nights with their singer Julia performing classics.
I also really love Zomerbar in Noord. They organise a lot of fun nights and events with beautiful natural wines by Sebonsa.
