Q&A with
ESTHER DOORHOUT MEES
Fashion week is in full swing and one of the talents who will showcase her work to the world is Esther Doorhout Mees. She studied at ArtEZ University of the Arts in Arnhem and in 2010 her own label saw the light of day. Before that, she worked as a designer for Bruuns Bazaar and Tommy Hilfiger, so with plenty of experience and qualities under her belt, she is now paving the way with her own label. I get to email Esther a few questions amidst the hustle and bustle leading up to a show, so Esther, take it away.
First of all, how are you? Are you very stressed for the show?
“Yes, a little bit, I always run out of time. No matter how you plan, I always want more time because I am a huge perfectionist.”
Can you briefly describe what the months and weeks leading up to a show look like?
“The weeks leading up to the show are a combination of a lot of hand and sewing work and a lot of organization. From castings to shoots, film recordings, editing, directing, music, and production of the show. In addition, I have also been very busy with the preparations for my presentation at the Rijksmuseum last Wednesday.”
And then the collection, if I were to give you 5 words, how would you describe this collection?
“Molecular, water, memory, cell transformation, emotion, geometry.”
When you look back at previous collections, like many other designers, do you ever think, “oh heaven, what was I thinking!” Or are all your old collections still beloved by you?
“I used to feel that way, but now I stand so firmly behind the signature of my work that I no longer experience that. What you do have is that immediately after a collection you need a little breathing space, because you have been focused on that for more than half a year and then you want to let go and move on. So, when some time has passed, I actually have more love for it again.”
Your designs are often quite outspoken, do you also go through life like that or are you more the type of jeans and All Stars?
“I am not at all the type of jeans and sneakers. I love being outspoken. My collections are a very good reflection of who I am. Although at the end of the development of my collections, I am usually very neutral and wear a lot of black. That gives me less distraction at that moment.”
Do you have someone who always inspires you? A style icon?
“Not really actually. There are plenty of people I would still like to dress, but that’s something different.. My inspiration doesn’t come from there.”
What is indispensable in your own wardrobe?
“Special heels, a straight slim long trouser, a good winter coat, and a large leather weekend bag.”
If you could give our readers one tip on what they should buy for the upcoming season, what would it be?
“This isn’t about the season, more something for always: invest in good basic pieces of beautiful quality, spend more on them, and enjoy them longer. That, combined with the knowledge that you are also dealing with the induction more consciously, where you as a buyer also have a responsibility.”
Finally, when the show is over, how do you celebrate that?
“I have my birthday the next day and I want to thank everyone who has supported me for all their help and support, hopefully we can combine something. After that, I’m going on a well-deserved vacation, because that was already 2 collections ago ;-).”
