To mark the plunge into the new year, we’re diving headfirst into the Amsterdam Fashion Week website archive of 2024. This year’s recap is a romp through the hottest, wildest, and most groundbreaking events that made 2024 unforgettable. So, grab your virtual front-row seat and let’s dish on the dazzling highlights of last year, with throwbacks to the best shows, notable awards, and new talent featured on our website.
RVDK Fashion Spectacle
First up, we have the ultimate fashion maverick, Ronald van der Kemp. His AFW 2024 show was nothing short of a couture carnival. Think deconstructed glamour meets eco-chic extravaganza. Van der Kemp took the trash out for this occasion and turned it into treasure. The open-air fashion show turned the city of Amsterdam into a dynamic, interactive stage, breaking down the barriers between high fashion and the public.
Check out the full show report here.
Denzel Veerkamp’s AFW Debut
2024 was the year of fashion week newcomers, with Johnny Blood and Yousra Razine Mahrah embellishing the AFW 2024 schedule for the first time. Among the highly anticipated debuts was that of Denzel Veerkamp, who presented a vibrant homage to Afro-Surinamese culture. ‘Abrasei’ wove fashion, music, and storytelling into a powerful tribute to his bi-cultural heritage. Inspired by his visit to Suriname, Veerkamp’s collection featured thirty looks that blended Caribbean couture with upcycled materials, emphasising themes of protection and dignity. The performance, enhanced by a Surinamese flute and brass band, celebrated resilience and joy, positioning Veerkamp as a significant new voice in fashion.
Dive into Denzel Veerkamp’s moving debut show here.
Tess van Zalinge: ‘momentum’
Tess van Zalinge, the reigning queen of modern Dutch chic, whisked us away on a nostalgic journey with a contemporary edge. Her 2024 collection ‘momentum’ seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with modern design, featuring delicate lace and meticulous embroidery in soft, muted tones. Set against a backdrop that highlighted themes of movement and transformation, van Zalinge invited attendees backstage to witness the final touch-ups. This unconventional entrance showcased the meticulous craftsmanship and complexity of her work, offering a rare glimpse into the dedication behind each piece. Building on her Copenhagen Fashion Week collection, she added new layers of colour, material, and detail for her Amsterdam Fashion Week show.
Get all the details on Tess van Zalinge’s show here.
Camiel Fortgens Wins the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium
And let’s not forget the man of the hour, Camiel Fortgens, who bagged the illustrious 13th Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium. Often dubbed the Oscar of Dutch fashion, this accolade is a testament to Fortgens’ innovative, form-defying creations that are truly deserving of such high honours. His conceptual approach to design challenges the norms and keeps us on our toes, eagerly anticipating his next move.
Find out more about the 13th Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium winner here.
ELLE x Botter x Four: A Collaborative Issue
During AFW 2024, the already popular Four Amsterdam became the place to be for all lovers of Dutch design. Botter, the Dutch designer duo that arguably has one of the biggest presences on the international fashion scene, launched a collaborative issue with ELLE. Packed with exclusive interviews, stunning visuals, and behind-the-scenes scoops, this collector’s item was the talk of the town and an absolute must-have, specifically for its exclusive qualities.
Get the inside scoop on this collab here.
Dutch talent to watch: Sophia Mulder
Rounding off our deep dive, we have a spotlight on rising star Sophia Mulder. In her candid interview, Mulder shared her insights on the art of fashion photography. Her knack for capturing the raw qualities of her subjects and the stunning aspects of 80’s and 90’s photography sets her apart as a talent to watch.
Catch the full interview with Sophia Mulder here.
So there you have it—2024 in all its glory. Whether you’re reminiscing about the biggest events in the Dutch fashion scene or discovering them for the first time, we suggest you dive in and relive the magic of what was an exciting year for Dutch creative talent.
