Jan Taminiau
Postbag dress with vintage pailettes
Spring 2005
Lent by Jan Taminiau
Photography by  Jossy@poe.nl

Why is Dutch design so good?

This is the question that was posed by Aaron Betsky and Adam Eeuwens in their book False Flat. One reason is that the Dutch government is incredibly active in the global promotion of its nation's talented. This year, New York City will host Orange Alert: Dutch Design in New York, and the city's most prestigious museums, retail stores and exhibition spaces will host an unprecedented roster of Dutch design projects.

As a component of this program, the first U.S. exhibition focusing on avant-garde Dutch fashion and textiles will be on view at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from September 8th through December 10th, 2005. DUTCH AT THE EDGE OF DESIGN: Fashion and Textiles from the Netherlands will present the work of accomplished designers including Marcel Wanders, Nicolette Brunklaus, Alexander van Slobbe, and Viktor & Rolf (Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren).  Featuring 75 innovative and unconventional examples of Dutch fashion and textiles, the exhibition will put into context the cultural roots of more than 30 designers.      

In the absence of an established fashion industry in the Netherlands, a fiercely independent fashion movement has flourished.  This movement has allowed designers to develop their individual voices

before they are faced with the realities of production.  Dutch fashion, therefore, is not concerned with the affairs of contemporary high fashion: costs, profits, luxury and mass branding.  It is about experimentation, craftsmanship and the wearer's special connection to the garment, as testified to by pieces from G+N, KEUPR/van Bentm, and Mada van Gaans.

It is no surprise that these Dutch designers create textiles that defy the decorative role imposed by tradition and market.  The items on exhibition at the Museum at FIT demand attention, evoke emotional responses or inspire dialogues with the viewer.  These items include table linens featuring unconventional motifs by Miriam van der Lubbe, a digitally printed curtain by Nicolette Brunklaus, a polyurethane rug by Eelko Moorer and a rapid-prototyped textile by the Freedom of Creation.

For more information go to

www.fitnyc.edu/aspx/Content.aspx?menu=FutureGlobal:Museum
or
www.dutchdesignevents.com

Niels van Eijk Bobbin lace lamp Glass fiber 2002 Lent by Niels van Eijk Photograph by Studio 4/A