The Dutch Fashion Foundation is a non-profit Dutch fashion incubator for upcoming Dutch fashion designers. It focuses on strengthening the social, economic and cultural role of Dutch fashion on a national and international level.[1]
The Dutch Fashion Foundation is a non-profit fashion incubator for emerging Dutch fashion designers. It contributes to the development of the Dutch fashion market by promoting its own up-and-coming talents.
Central to the foundation's ethos is the belief in the transformative power of fashion as a cultural expression and economic driver. By offering a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work, access mentorship, and engage with industry experts, the Dutch Fashion Foundation actively contributes to the growth and sustainability of the Dutch fashion sector. Through a combination of strategic initiatives, educational programs, and collaborative partnerships, the foundation works tirelessly to elevate the visibility and impact of Dutch fashion, paving the way for emerging talents to thrive and make their mark on the international stage.
In a rapidly evolving fashion industry where innovation and creativity reign supreme, the Dutch Fashion Foundation serves as a catalyst for change and progress, championing diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity in Dutch fashion. By championing emerging designers who embody these values, the foundation not only nurtures individual talent but also fosters a collective ethos of responsible and forward-thinking fashion practices. Through its multifaceted approach to supporting and promoting Dutch fashion designers, the foundation plays a vital role in shaping a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Dutch fashion industry.
The Dutch Fashion Foundation originated out of a growing request for growth and development of a Dutch fashion climate. In 2000 Angelique Westerhof, co-founder and director of the fashion master course Fashion Institute Arnhem, observed that fashion designers who had graduated from the Fashion Institute Arnhem had difficulties presenting their collection to a wider audience, set up their own fashion labels and find a connection with the fashion industry on their own. She established the Dutch Fashion Foundation in 2001 to develop the status of a collective Dutch fashion discipline.[2] [3]
In May 2003, the Dutch Fashion Foundation was officially introduced after being a silent corporation for two years.[4] The Dutch Fashion Foundation is the initiator and organiser of the annual Dutch Fashion Awards and the international campaign Dutch Touch.[5] [6]