Laura de Wit
Though traditional clothing has almost disappeared from the streets, I aimed to create a modern translation of colours, silhouettes and techniques used in traditional costumes.
Vergeet ze niet (Do not forget them)
By Laura de Wit, The Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam
Dark skirts that reach to the ground; folding and pleating in head covers and skirts; square cut fabrics that function as tops combined with broad shoulder pieces; all elements that characterize traditional Dutch clothing from various regions.
Though these costumes have been around for centuries, the level of craftsmanship and simplicity of the designs still have a modern feel.
This underlines the influence of traditional costumes on the current Dutch design mentality.
I don’t want this part of design history –techniques, silhouettes and purpose- to be forgotten. Though traditional clothing has almost disappeared from the streets, I aimed to create a modern translation of colours, silhouettes and techniques used in traditional costumes.
Wear them,
Remember them,
They must not be forgotten.
Photo: Kim Koster
Additional information
About Lichting
The concept of ‘Lichting’ is simple: the best academy graduates of one year in 1 central catwalk show. In the audience are the 700 most important people for the next step in their careers: fashion journalists and influential stylists, ready to spot the next big thing; CEO’s and design managers on the look-out for talent; and the all-important players-behind-the-scenes, all eager to see what the nation’s academies have brought forth this year.
