Dutch fashion label Hul le Kes, founded by designers Sjaak Hullekes and Sebastiaan Kramer, has been named the recipient of the 15th Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium. The award was presented during a celebratory event held at Felix Meritis in Amsterdam, marking not only a new chapter for the Arnhem-based label but also the 15th anniversary of the prestigious stipendium itself.
For Hul le Kes, the award recognises far more than distinctive design. The label has built a reputation for combining fashion, craftsmanship, social responsibility and circularity into a holistic business model that challenges conventional industry structures. Since launching the brand, Hullekes and Kramer have steadily expanded their vision, creating a practice that encompasses design, education, textile restoration and social care initiatives under one roof in Arnhem.
The stipendium also coincides with the introduction of two new chapters within the Hul le Kes universe: Hul le Kes Collectable and Hul le Kes Monumental. During the evening, guests were given a first look at designs from the Monumental line, which explores a more artistic and spatial expression of the brand through sculptural garments, textile works and pieces created for special occasions and performative presentations.
“The past few years have been entirely dedicated to building a social and circular foundation that truly works,” said Hullekes and Kramer. “We wanted to prove that a local, social and circular model is genuinely possible within the fashion industry. Receiving the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium feels like confirmation that this vision has a place. At the same time, it marks a turning point for us to further open up our creative universe. It offers the freedom to work more autonomously and artistically, while remaining true to our values.”
Cathelijne Broers, Director of the Cultuurfonds, praised the label for demonstrating how fashion can be a force for positive change. Rather than contributing to fast consumption, she noted, Hul le Kes uses fashion as a tool to create connection, sustainability and opportunities for people to rediscover craft and creativity.
Angélique Westerhof, Director of the Dutch Fashion Foundation, described Hul le Kes as “so much more than a fashion label”, highlighting the designers’ pioneering approach to sustainable entrepreneurship.
Hul le Kes may already be familiar to Amsterdam Fashion Week audiences. During AFW 2024, the label celebrated its fifth anniversary with the presentation of Collector, an Autumn/Winter 2024 collection inspired by coastal landscapes, beachcombing and a slower, more intentional rhythm of life. Presented at De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, the collection reflected the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship and alternative approaches to fashion production.
Virtual Gallery & Hul le Kes Pop-Up at Jones Arnhem
Work by Hul le Kes is now featured in the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium Virtual Gallery. The specially designed digital platform offers recipients of the stipendium a space to showcase recent work and special projects in an innovative format. For this anniversary edition, the gallery has evolved into an immersive fashion experience, allowing visitors to explore the best of Dutch fashion through interactive storytelling.
To celebrate receiving the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium, Hul le Kes will host an exclusive pop-up shop-in-shop at fashion retailer Jones in Arnhem from 4 to 20 June 2026. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover special pieces, collectables and a curated selection from the label’s latest collections.
About the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium
Established in 2011 by the Cultuurfonds and Dutch Fashion Foundation, the Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium is regarded as one of the highest honours in Dutch fashion. The award consists of a €50,000 financial contribution, made possible by an anonymous donor, alongside a travelling trophy designed by Atelier Ted Noten. Over the past fifteen years, the initiative has invested more than three-quarters of a million euros in exceptional Dutch fashion talent.
Previous recipients include Duran Lantink (2025), Camiel Fortgens (2024), Mohamed Benchellal (2023), MAISON the FAUX (2022), Claes Iversen (2021), Ronald van der Kemp (2017) and Iris van Herpen (2016).