He is the man who brought a suit for men out of the dull corner. His suit became a statement for men with their own voice. Hans creates for people with a mission, a vision. He has an eye for the individual and tilts everything just enough so that it becomes different but never strange. From Ubbink headquarters (really, the coolest office in the country) he creates and reigns over the chapter of taste and style.

Let's start with the office. Where do you always find those cool workplaces?

I'm not afraid of adventure, so I also look in places where most people don't go or dare to look. And when you find a place with potential, you just have to shape it. Just like a sculptor chisels away the excess stone.

What should a creative space meet? And what could you never do without?

In this case, it's the same: space, height, light. An atelier, you need to be able to look (away) well and walk around. Just like that sculptor, you need to be able to walk around the block and look at it from a distance...

Do you create moments in a day where creation can arise? For example, hanging in a hammock for a bit, a morning walk before the world wakes up, always putting your mobile on airplane mode for two hours, that kind of thing?

I have two hours three times a week to reflect on things. That's when I'm in the gym. Actually too little real ‘rest’, but I also need a deadline. Fortunately, I can think, conceive, and rethink enough while doing other work. Sometimes I consciously start something physical so that I have time to think. At night, you don't need to put your phone on airplane mode. Most people are sleeping then, which creates enough space and peace.

There must be a place that always delivers when it comes to finding inspiration. Where do you go when you feel you need to be on the idea-infusion again?

The city, cinema, bookstore like Mendo but also De Slegte, the park, a concert, museum, or the library.

Are you a traveler who plays it safe and always goes to places you know are good, or do you choose adventure?

In general, I rarely go to vacation destinations we have visited before. They can be the same countries, we have visited Italy and Thailand more often, but then we go to different places or cities in the country.

Do you have a always-good restaurant?

Oops, caught... I don't often eat in the same restaurant, but when I do, Fa. Pekelharing or Wilde zwijnen (both in Amsterdam) are favorites.

Business lunches happen quite often. Where is it good to lunch and sit somewhat discreetly?

Dauphine. It may not be discreet, but it's a great place for a standard business meeting.

Have you ever been to a see-and-be-seen or do you avoid those as much as possible?

I wouldn't know where I should be. Do you have tips?

Let's talk about clothing, because that's what it's all about after all. How do you prefer to see a woman?

Independent, feminine. Sensually tough. And at a party, elegantly feminine.

So in the summer, many people struggle with the what-should-I-wear problem, because what is cool and decent at the same time? What do you recommend?

Don't worry, you can never be overdressed, so better something more elegant than a furry beach dress. Layers can help you adjust your ‘outfit’ to the situation. Furthermore, combining tough and elegant always works well. That way you can also adjust to the temperature. Thin dress with a cardigan, jacket, leather jacket. Also, besides heels, you should always have a pair of simple, nice flat sandals in your bag...

Which city should everyone see and where exactly should we stay, eat, shop, and have a drink?

You could start with Paris, le marais. Eat at Chez Marianne, visit l’Eclaireur and Merci. Furthermore, you have a good choice of second-hand shops. And you really must visit the Louvre! Florence, in spring or autumn (definitely not in high season) you don't eat and drink in the main streets, but in the suburbs or the villages around Florence. New York, do a bike tour, everything except fifth avenue and time square is good. The Greenwich Hotel (Tribeca) is nice, but there are plenty of options. However, New York is less adventurous than in the ‘80s, it sometimes feels like Disneyland now with all those coffee shops... Furthermore, I prefer Bangkok (many want to leave there immediately and fly on to the North or the islands, but I usually stay for at least 5 days) and Hong Kong over Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. They made a less special impression on me, but in recent years in Asia, it has been such that you seem to be in a completely different place six months later. China, Vietnam, and Taiwan seem to me extremely interesting.

Something in me says that you can cook great. Do you have an instant success recipe?

I also like to cook indeed and can do that best with what is in the fridge and on the shelf. Or I make a Thai curry with vegetables and small pieces of potato and tofu. Very simple are vegetables from the plate: all kinds of ‘solid’ vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato, tomato, bell pepper, carrot, no cabbage varieties by the way, they are too overpowering, fennel is nice and I always add garlic and onions. Beets you should first boil for a little while otherwise they remain too hard.

What inspires you the most?

People and women (they are also just people)

Finally, can you tell us about the new plans you are concocting?

No, because I don't know yet, besides I'm a bit superstitious and I don't think you should share something like that before it has taken shape. However, I can let you know that there are currently two projects running that I just started before the announcement. I will gladly tell you a bit more about the first one at the end of August. Until then!?

— Sure Hans, we'll keep an eye on you!