Untouchable by Mirte van Wijngaarden , Photo (c) by Peter Stigter
One of the things that I like about social media is that you get to meet all kinds of people with all sorts of goals and purposes in life. One of those persons in my network (Evana) prompted me to vote for a certain fashion contest. That’s how I accidentally bumped into the astonishing work of upcoming men’s clothes designer, Mirte van Wijngaarden. She is taking part in the designing contest of “Modefabriek x Prjct AMS“.
I have interviewed her about how she started designing clothes, her influences, how she got involved in the contest and what her goals are for the next 5 years. Check out the interview below + some pictures of her work. To vote for her go to this link where you can like the pic to vote!
Tell us about yourself and your origing?
My name is Mirte van Wijngaarden, I’m 26 years of age. I was born in a small village underneath Breda, named Bavel. Nowadays in live in the city of Breda.
Mirte van Wijngaarden
How did you start out designing clothes?
In my early days I was always busy redecorating my room; the colors, the arrangement, accessories. At a certain point this new trend arose ; alot of pillows for your bed in different shapes, colors and sizes. I started crafting these pillows myself with the help of my mother. That was my first experience with the sewing machine.
So were you practicing design from a young age?
I wasn’t really involved with the actual designing of clothes yet, but as soon as I got the knack of using the sewing machine, I took my first attempt into designing something for myself. Unfortunately this usually lead to nothing, subsequently I started attending vocational education for fashion, after finishing college.
Who inspires you in the realm of fashion ?
It’s primarily a certain aesthetic that some designers tend to create which inspires me. Think of designers like Rick Owens, Cedric Jacquemyn, Gareth Pugh, Boris Bidjan Saberi, and Christian Carol Poell to name a few. Next to that I get my inspiration from my surroundings and my own sentiment.
How did you get involved with “Modefabriek x Prjct AMS” contest?
Trough the Facebook page of the Modefabriek, designers were invited to send in a clothing piece for the contest. From all the entries they eventually chose 10 pieces to compete with each other for the top prize. This is how I sent in a jacket from my end collection, titled ‘UNTOUCHABLE ‘, this collection is inspired by motor jackets.
What could you win if you win this contest?
Might I win this contest, then my jacket will be produced and sold in stores, in co-operation with ‘PRJCT AMS’. And I think that’s a dream for every starting and aspiring designer.
What would you like to achieve in the coming 5 years?
Now that I’ve just graduated I’m trying to market myself from various angles. It’s hard nowadays to start up your own label but you know the saying ; ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’! I’d like to combine this with with an internship abroad, at a small fashion label. This way I can follow the whole process from up close. And within 5 years? I’m hoping to see lots of men parading the streets with my designs!
Check out MirteVanWijngaarden.com for more on Mirte and her work.
Filed under: #FashionableFridays, Artists, Contests, Design, Fashion, haute couture, motors Tagged: Boris Bidjan Saberi, Breda, Clothing, Contest, Design, Designer, Facebook, fashion, Fashion design, Gareth Pugh, Maar, Men's Clothing, Mirte van Wijngaarden, Modefabriek, Modefabriek x Prjct AMS, Prjct AMS, Rick Owens, Social media, Wat, Wijngaarden
