Elza Wandler’s latest presentation at Amsterdam Fashion Week was a testament to her ongoing mission to connect and celebrate creatives across various artistic disciplines. Her collaboration with Ward Strootman was a full immersion into a space where art, design, and mindfulness converge. For this presentation, Wandler brought together a diverse group of collaborators, each pushing the boundaries of their craft to transform the venue into a multi-sensory journey. This event was not just about showcasing a collection, but about inviting attendees to explore the profound beauty that emerges when different forms of creativity come together.
As you step into the industrial venue for Wandler’s latest presentation at Amsterdam Fashion Week, you’re immediately struck by the atmosphere—an intricate blend of raw, urban architecture softened by the natural world. The first thing that catches your eye is the imposing presence of Ward Strootman’s sculptures. Towering stone forms, each weighing over 500 kilos, stand resolutely in the space, their rough-hewn surfaces glinting with accents of brass and gold, honed through Strootman’s work as a master goldsmith for luxury houses. The contrast between these heavy, natural elements and the sleek Wandler FW24 bags placed nearby is impressive. The bags, typically associated with fashion, now appear as small, delicate sculptures themselves, inviting you to see them through a different lens.
Your attention is soon captured by the expansive moss landscapes created by the talented floral artist Rae Blooms. The lush, green textures are a stark yet soothing contrast to the industrial setting, bringing a sense of calm and grounding to the space. These moss sculptures, shaped in the recognisable form of the Wandler bag, seem to merge seamlessly with the natural landscape, serving as a powerful metaphor for the intrinsic connection between humanity, nature, and art.
As you continue through the space, you encounter a golden sun, its light radiating softly through the installation. This piece, crafted by Heleen Blanken, adds a celestial element to the experience. The warm glow that it casts over the room feels almost spiritual, as if you’ve stepped into another world where light and shadow play together in perfect harmony.
Conclusively, you notice how each element is designed to heighten your senses. The seating is unlike anything you’ve encountered before—custom benches and stools created by Pepijn Clovis, a designer known for his innovative approach to interior and product design. The pieces blend seamlessly into the environment, inviting you to sit, pause, and take in the surroundings. Their simplicity contrasts beautifully with the complexity of the space, offering a moment of rest amidst the visual feast.
In a corner of the room, you find a space dedicated to mindfulness, inspired by the work of Elza’s favourite mindfulness app, Open, developed by Manoj Dias. Here, you are invited to take a moment to breathe, to listen, and to truly be present. A soundscape, influenced by Manoj’s teachings, fills the air, serving as a reminder to slow down and fully experience the art around you. This moment of mindfulness is not an interruption but an integral part of the journey, allowing you to engage with the work on a deeper level.
Wandler’s presentation at The Gem was a carefully crafted journey through different forms of art, a celebration of beauty in all its forms. As the crowd walked away, they carried a renewed perspective, having been encouraged to dress up, not just in clothing, but in their approach to the world around them. Elza’s ingenious way to, as a fashion brand, craft experiences that go beyond fashion, yet again opened a world of utmost creativity.
Cover image by Katerina Bezede via YOUNG / The Agency
