Celebration at Modefabriek! Dutchess and Penn&Ink N.Y have something to celebrate plus check out our full TALKS programme

Which Dutch fashion label hasn’t grown up on, and alongside, Modefabriek? And if you’re celebrating an anniversary, what better place than the summer edition of the Netherlands’ one and only fashion platform? This time, Dutchess and Penn&Ink N.Y will be popping the champagne for their 20th and 15th anniversaries respectively. And below, we’re also sharing our full TALKS programme, which is all about trends this year.

For Dutchess, their very first spot at Modefabriek led to multiple stockists in the Netherlands and Belgium, helping the Rotterdam-based designer label truly flourish. The brand, which started spontaneously 20 years ago with just a handful of experimental designs in a contemporary art gallery, has since steadily evolved into the clean, ‘laidback luxury’ label we know today. Beyond its stylish and distinctive signature, Dutchess has earned its solid reputation for consistent quality. “For 20 years I’ve deliberately chosen to create sustainable collections,” says owner and designer Gwen van den Assem. “That’s why I love working with small family-run businesses in Portugal, and our fabrics are sourced mainly from Italy. My designs are true investment pieces; both the concept and the craftsmanship ensure a long lifespan. That’s the foundation of beautiful, high-quality clothing. Looking back, I’m proud I stuck to my own path, even when it was challenging. It really is the most beautiful profession there is.”

What the Dutchess celebration at Modefabriek will look like is still being sketched out, but Gwen already has a festive incentive in mind for her retailers, her ‘sparring partners’. “I’ve designed a special anniversary sweater that retailers will receive as a gift, depending on the size of their order.”

Mark de Lorme of Penn&Ink N.Y already knows exactly what they’ll do: “It’s going to be a Penn&Ink Café. A place for everyone to come together, all those wonderful people who have supported us over these 15 years and to whom we’re so grateful, as well as all the new people we’d love to meet. Expect great food and drinks, just like you’d expect from us. We’ll have a beautiful wine from Mallorca, from one of our suppliers who’s started their own wine label, and of course a fantastic chef.”

Penn&Ink N.Y has been at Modefabriek since day one. “Modefabriek is partly responsible!” Mark jumps in when we talk about the strong relationships at the core of the brand’s success. “We’ve been working with the same people, the same manufacturers and fabric suppliers, for years. We’ve grown together. Sure, we’ve added a few over time, but we never switched or went shopping around when our quantities increased.”

The founders are equally loyal to their brand’s consistent identity and quality. “We are the brand. Everyone who joins us and grows with us becomes that brand too.”

Mark doesn’t shy away from challenges, and he’s passionate about supporting the next generation of retailers. Above all, he hopes that with all the changes happening, the ‘romance’ of the profession, “It’s the most beautiful job in the world”, doesn’t get lost. And that’s exactly why Modefabriek, one of the few fashion platforms in Europe still proudly standing, is an absolute must.

Alongside these milestone celebrations, we have plenty of other activities planned at Modefabriek. Below you’ll find our complete TALKS programme, you won’t want to miss it!

SUNDAY JULY 6          

11.30 – 12.30

NEWSTALGIA

JAN AGELINK – BURO JANTRENDMAN

Can looking back help us move forward? Jan Agelink explores “Newstalgia”—a dreamlike blend of memory and imagination shaping SS26. Through storytelling, layering, and playful distortion, he offers a visual, intuitive forecast that challenges how we remember the past and reimagine the future.

13.00 – 15.00

HOW FASHION MIRRORS THE MOMENT 

EMMA VLOEIMANS – FASHION EXPERT

What we wear reveals who we are—and the times we live in. From ’60s miniskirts to TikTok tailoring, this talk explores fashion as a mirror of rebellion, resilience, and rapid change, connecting iconic past moments to today’s social and style shifts.

14.30 – 15.30

FRONT ROW TO FRONT PAGE 

YELIZ ÇIÇEK – FASHION ENTREPENEUR & CONSULTANT

How do trends take shape—and who decides what matters? In this intimate interview, Yeliz Çiçek shares her journey from front-row observer to editorial voice, reflecting on identity, influence, and what it means to be a tastemaker in a world where everyone has a platform. Yeliz will be interviewed by our moderator Charlotte.

MONDAY JULY 7

11.00 – 13.00

INSTINCT 

LIDEWIJ EDELKOORT – TREND FORECASTER

How do we create, love, and thrive in a chaotic world? Lidewij Edelkoort invites us to reflect on survival, beauty, and hope through colour, texture, and intuition. A poetic glimpse into the future—fragmented, fast, and yet full of possibility.

*Only with premium ticket (price € 100, - ex. VAT)

13.30 – 14.30 

HOW FASHION MIRRORS THE MOMENT 

EMMA VLOEIMANS – FASHION EXPERT

What we wear reveals who we are—and the times we live in. From ’60s miniskirts to TikTok tailoring, this talk explores fashion as a mirror of rebellion, resilience, and rapid change, connecting iconic past moments to today’s social and style shifts.

15.00 – 16.00

NEWSTALGIA 

JAN AGELINK – BURO JANTRENDMAN

Can looking back help us move forward? Jan Agelink explores “Newstalgia”—a dreamlike blend of memory and imagination shaping SS26. Through storytelling, layering, and playful distortion, he offers a visual, intuitive forecast that challenges how we remember the past and reimagine the future.

MODERATOR

Charlotte Emily Brattinga will lead the TALKS stage as its official moderator, guiding the audience through each conversation and introducing speakers throughout the program. She is an accomplished retail professional and is also the founder of Brand News Productions, a fashion-focused production agency sharing news and behind-the-scenes stories from within the industry.

Get your tickets here.