Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam (MBFWA) took place from 8^th until 18^th January – ten whole days filled with shows, buzz and glamour. Giving an international stage to designers, commercial labels, well-established brands and upcoming talents. Now that MBFWA ‘16 is behind us, it’s time to take a look back and revisit the highlights.

Jef Montes

Jef Montes’ show can be categorized as performance art, rather than a traditional catwalk. The collection called RESOLVER was reminiscent of a futuristic, almost dystopian world mixed with the vibes of Rick Owens. As the models walked down the runway with a balloon filled with water in their hands, nobody knew what to expect. But then, halfway down the stage, the balloons popped and water spilled all over the garments, revealing a distressed design. You see, Jef Montes made use of water-soluble fabric. In collaboration with the Textile Museum Tilburg, an innovative new material was developed that had center stage at Montes’ show.

As the designer said, the collection was his personal statement against the fashion industry of today, dictated by hype. After water symbolically cleaned away the superficial, we were left with “a clean sleeve, the naked truth, pureness and love”.

Water, nudity and silver – the show was definitely a spectacle imprinted on our minds.

Duran Lantink & Jan Hoek

‘Sistaaz of the Castle’ was a show by talented designer and fashion wild child Durank Lantink in collaboration with photographer Jan Hoek. Inspired by the colorful style of S.W.E.A.T., a group of transgender sex workers from the streets of Capetown, the collection is a celebration of freedom and advocates acceptance towards transgender people.

The catwalk featured people of all ages, shapes, sizes and identities. The collection drew direct inspiration from the dreams of the individuals at S.W.E.A.T. The dreams, varying from becoming Miss Africa to working at a luxurious Victorian brothel, were materialized by presenting specific outfits on a moving backdrop, a moving stage.

The show served as a platform for tolerance and acceptance, thus also earning a standing ovation form the audience.

Mick Keus

Mick Keus has been making headlines on the fashion scene of Amsterdam for quite some time now. As he customizes vintage Levi’s 501 jeans, the catwalk featured his satisfied clients walking down the runway. A celebration of denim customization and staying true to you, the models went as they were. Styled in their everyday clothing, the line-up of models included some well-known names and faces such as Dorith Mous, for instance.

Comfort and a relatable atmosphere are what describe this show best.

BLEND\BUREAUX has collaborated with Mick Keus before for ‘Do it right’, a campaign for Warsteiner Benelux. If you’re interested in Mick’s process and behind-the-scenes of his way of working, you can check out the feature video here.

SIS by Spijkers & Spijkers 

Spijkers & Spijkers, the brand lead by two sisters presented its playful yet sophisticated collection ‘Moon Tan’ at MBFWA ’16. Pairing graphic prints with chic and elegant cuts painted a feminine yet strong silhouette. Reminiscent power women from the 80’s, the collection was a modern statement of strong femininity.

A quirky element throughout the collection was a cartoon-like cheetah print that tones down the seriousness. To still keep it classy, reflective accessories like shoes, brooches and earrings added visual interest and played with the light as the models came walking down the runway.

The collection was inspired by Ching Shih, a pirate and princess of the Chinese sea. As a leader of a fleet in the 18th century, she is a true embodiment of feminine power.

MAISON the FAUX

The show is in no way what you can call a ‘traditional’ catwalk. It is a conceptual runway experience, a social commentary. The audience becomes a part of the installation, mimicking the hysteria at the entries and exits of Paris fashion week. As the audience is standing in line between crush barriers, models parade around them wearing the latest trends, disguised as bloggers, it-girls and –boys. Ultimately, the line leads up to a mirrored MAISON the FAUX house, where another performance takes place. Namely, it’s a spectacle of Narcissus drowning in his own image.

The clothing itself plays with nude tones, which is surprisingly uncharacteristic to MAISON the FUX’s usually highly saturated colours. The use of silvery glistening materials makes up for the lack of strong hues, though.

What a memorable way to finish fashion week!

Want to see more from MAISON the FAUX? The Way of Living 24 (TWOL24) is a platform for independent labels, founded by the owner of BLEND\BUREAUX. As MAISON the FAUX is a part of the TWOL24 designer family, check out their shop corner here!

These were our highights of the Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek Amsterdam 2016. Now that our minds are filled with a dose of fresh fashion, we are already looking forward to the next season!

(All images by Team Peter Stigter)