In Amsterdam, we have a bad habit of always looking outward: hopping on trains to Paris, chasing moments abroad, and treating our own city as a peaceful sanctuary of canals and high quality of life rather than a fashion capital. We rarely gather here; instead, we grab coffees in Paris.
This week, that narrative shifted completely. Amsterdam Fashion Week is changing. The travel situation is not.
Stylish guests biked in to the shows and late-night activations scattered across every corner of town. And it all kicked off with Highsnobiety’s collaborative dinner alongside AFW. Everyone who lives and breathes fashion, culture, and art converged under one roof in a magnificent setting designed by Sabine Marcelis and SolidNature. We sipped vodka distilled from tulips and ate food that defied logic, including a vegetable cake disguised as a brownie that was so unreal I had to ask twice if it was actually not a dessert.
The next day, I biked over to a warehouse on the outskirts of the city for Tess van Zalinge’s 10th anniversary archival show. (This was Amsterdam, after all, and a bike was by far the best way to get around.) Rather than a traditional retrospective, she handed her archives over to three stylists and gave them creative freedom. The move mirrored her character: unpretentious and instantly familiar. When you meet Tess, it feels like bumping into a high-school friend you haven’t seen in years. She gave out hugs while simultaneously sprinting around to ensure every detail was locked in before lights up. “Don’t get confused,” she told me, “these aren't new creations.” I wouldn't have known the difference; her level of craftsmanship was as sharp and current ten years ago as it is today.
Back on the bike, I rode straight to a Greek restaurant tucked in the middle of a park for Love Stories. Waiting for us was a badminton court strung with a lace net, a kiosk showcasing the new collection, an ice-cream station, live music, and a subtle branding touch I genuinely appreciated: When it was time to leave, every bicycle seat had been fitted with a custom lace cover.
Another ride, another show, this time with a deeper historical thread. The Lichting Foundation has spent 20 years nurturing emerging talent straight out of design school, serving as an incubator for modern powerhouses like one half of Botter. Every year, hundreds of fashion students across the Netherlands apply, but only one secures the funding and the platform. The venue choice was 10/10. If you’ve never been to Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum passage is a non-negotiable cultural stop. Walking beneath the towering archway, you’re often met by a classical ensemble whose music echoes so vividly it feels like stepping into a private concert hall. That exact spot served as this year’s runway. All 10 finalists, along with last year’s winner, presented their work to a packed crowd. In the end, Arthur Wagenaar took home top honors; his exceptional craftsmanship and technical mastery made him a standout.
Plenty of these events pushed well past my bedtime, but the raw energy in every space kept me wide awake. That was especially true for Camiel Fortgens. His show didn't kick off until 10:15 p.m. for a very specific reason: it was hosted inside a supermarket, meaning we had to wait for the last local shoppers to exit before transforming the grocery aisles into a runway. Watching clothes that are actively defining contemporary fashion glide past displays of Gouda was peak Amsterdam. The team was kind enough to give us behind-the-scenes access. (You can catch those interviews over on our Instagram and TikTok channels.)
I'll leave you with my wish: that Amsterdam Fashion Week keeps expanding while protecting the distinct, unpretentious character that sets it apart from every other fashion capital on the map.
