Tag: elsien gringhuis

Green Fashion Competition finalists at MINT

Last time we shared some minty Dutch fashion brands with you. It’s not only us who think they design forward fashion: Elsien Gringhuis won the first edition of the Green Fashion Competition. This is a competition for entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, for individuals and teams with a vision of what the sustainable future of fashion should look like. studio JUX is one of the nominees for the finals in January 2012. We are really proud that in total 4 finalists  will showcase their collection at MINT. Besides studio JUX, they are STAT Division, L’Herbe Rouge and O My Bag.

STAT Divisions creates ethical fashion, combining chic minimalist cuts with luxury sustainable fabrics. The designs are characterized by feminine, nautical and sporty elements. The result is a collection of unique, yet timeless separates and accessories: a wardrobe essential for any independent fashion fanatic with a conscience.

French brand L’Herbe Rouge was nominated because of their clear understanding of the impacts of materials and processes on biodiversity. Their designs are both refreshing and poetic. The innovative materials used have an organic farming (no pesticides or herbicides) or recycling origin. They translate their sustainable vision into forward fashion decisions, for example a dye from organic grapes.

Last finalist that will be present at MINT is O My Bag. The bags are produced in India and made from eco-leather from local Indian cows. The Green Fashion Competition jury says: “This labels presents accessories that are classical with a slightly fashionable twist. The used materials are very well sourced, and give the designs the must-have factor.” Wow, quite a compliment if you are only on the market since 2010!

Dutch forward fashion brands at MINT

On January 22-23 2012 MINT accelerates at Modefabriek AW 12/13. We will present the best of forward fashion: brands selected on indicators such as forward fashion style, quality and ethical values/performance. This all sounds really international and exclusive, but did you know that MINT also showcases the finest forward brands from our home country as well?

Dutch designer Elsien Gringhuis for example. She aims to get the maximum out of  minimalism. Working with as few pattern pieces as possible, she saves work in cutting, pasting and stitching. In this way, she achieves a extraordinary state of sustainability. That Elsien Gringhuis is forward is illustrated by the fact that she won the first edition of the Green Fashion Competition. And psst…good news for all the fans: Elsien Gringhuis is currently working on a second, more affordable line called BASIC ONES.

JUX means fun in German and that might mislead you. studio JUX is based in the Netherlands ánd in Nepal. Designer Jitske lives in Kathmandu to manage her ‘Nepali Rockstars’, as they name their workers. According to studio JUX, fashion should be fun. Not just for the consumer and the designer, but also for the tailors and the environment. See, that’s what we call forward fashion.

Classy Lavinia and Edgy Abigail are the twin sisters behind Twin Couture. The brand is all about eco friendly and sustainable fabrics. They have had a pair of jeans for over seven years and wore it at least twice a week. When it ripped it was like saying goodbye to an old friend, because they had so much fun together. That’s why they choose denim as main ingredient. Twin Couture’s motto is: The When Is Now, The Way Is No Cruelty.

MODEFABRIEK’S EMERGING DESIGNERS

Next & Cutting Edge is a showcase and support programme for emerging national and international fashion designers. Every January and July, a group of 16 leading-edge designers travel from all over the world to Modefabriek Amsterdam for an introduction to the Dutch and Western European fashion markets. This avant-garde elite section of Modefabriek is increasingly receiving attention from exclusive high-end fashion boutiques and the national and international fashion press. We have presented already over 120 great talents to date. Amongst them, I would like to mention once more a diverse selection of brilliant designers we have had the pleasure of working with: couture menswear designers Jean // Phillip, Karlotalaspalas and Carolyn Massey, the avant-garde silhouette designer  Max.Tan, and the androgynous designs by intelligent designers David Andersen Denmark and Barbara I Gongini. Then there are the creative sculpture and print geniuses Ara Jo, Tour de Force, Martin Bergström and Belle Sauvage. And, last but not least, we should give a shout-out to our wonderful Dutch design talents and participants at Next & Cutting Edge: Conny Groenewegen, Elsien Gringhuis, Sjaak Hullekes and young Hyun Yeu’s Ado Les Scents.

Now it’s time to look ahead and present the next 16 designers that will be present at Modefabriek on 17^th and 18^th of July. To be revealed soon.