For the fourth time, Charlotte Brattinga will host the TALKS at Modefabriek. We speak to her digitally from Paris, where she has been living for seven months, right in the beating heart of fashion.
You’ve been living in Paris for a while now. How has the city influenced your view on fashion?
“Paris challenges me creatively in the best way. You're so close to the source here. Recently I visited Alaïa’s house during a collaboration with Mugler, stories about Naomi Campbell living there at sixteen still echo through the space. Earlier Demna collections for Balenciaga or the tribute to Virgil Abloh are practically around the corner. That constant stream of inspiration flows directly into how I prepare for the TALKS.”
You also visited Fashion Weeks in Paris and London. What stood out to you?
“London really surprised me. The energy of young designers and the quality of student shows remind me of that raw creativity you see in designers like Alexander McQueen. Paris, on the other hand, revolves around the rich heritage of the major fashion houses. Two completely different worlds, both hugely influential in shaping what’s next.”
Where do you find inspiration for the program?
“From my network. I love working with people who inspire me, Emma Vloeimans, now editor-in-chief of ELLE, and Stephany Goncalves with her great platform FÉ and Substack. Their perspectives on trends and the industry also fuel my own work. And of course, I’ve followed presentations by people like Jan Agelink and Lidewij Edelkoort for years. Their expertise is unmatched.”
What makes a great talk?
“When people take out a notebook, I love that. Two editions ago, someone asked highly specific questions about their buying process during Emma Vloeimans’ talk; moments like that show the content is truly landing. That’s why you come to Modefabriek!”
Which themes absolutely had to be on stage for you?
“Trends, of course but above all, experts who stand firmly in their strengths. Emma Vloeimans’ perspective as a journalist is completely different from Stephany Goncalves’, yet both provide sharp, relevant insights. That contrast really strengthens the program.”
What stands out to you most in today’s fashion world?
“Authenticity. People want stories rooted in real experience, not noise. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, genuine expertise is more valuable than ever.”
Moderating seems effortless for you. What don’t we see?
“The preparation, there’s a lot more involved than people might think. Even with recurring speakers like Jan Agelink and Lidewij Edelkoort, I always align closely. I’m also constantly in touch with the technical crew at the back of the room. Microphones, cues, everything must work flawlessly. If you ever see me give a little signal, it’s usually for them.”
Intuition vs. analysis, how do you balance the two?
“I started my career as a buyer at Hunkemöller, so analytical thinking is second nature to me, I’d say I’m 75% commercial and 25% creative. But you can’t work in fashion without intuition. Understanding trends, whether for buying or moderating, requires both sides.”
What can visitors look forward to?
“The level is incredibly high this edition. Visitors really shouldn’t miss the TALKS, there’s so much inspiration to take away. I’ll also be interviewing Caroline Krouwels, CEO of Modefabriek, which is personally meaningful because we once worked together at de Bijenkorf. I’m genuinely proud to be part of Modefabriek during a time of such significant change, both nationally and internationally, and to be able to use my network to help shape such a strong program.”
Follow Modefabriek to see the full TALKS program soon and secure your tickets here now!
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