Ode to Frans Molenaar

When I checked my Instagram this morning without my lenses (a person has their addictions) I saw a red square and ‘something’ with Frans Molenaar. Even though I needed my glasses to be sure, I knew right away; Frans is no longer with us.

Some time ago, we already discussed at RTL Boulevard that he had become so forgetful. And now a fall from the stairs has become fatal for him. Since the family does not want to make any statements and you don't just die from a few broken ribs and a broken metatarsal, I immediately thought that Frans might have thought it was time to go. But Frans was still so eager to hold his show in March. And he was even more looking forward to the one in September. It would have been his hundredth. And next year he would have turned 75.

I understand Frans. But he had a royal distinction, a Max Heijmans ring as an award for his oeuvre, a prestigious prize named after him… Mart Visser remembers Frans as: “the man who gave color and form to haute couture in the Netherlands in his own unique way. His passion, craftsmanship, and very distinctive handwriting are as recognizable as the Frans Molenaar signature. A remarkable person, we will miss him.‘

Irene van de Laar was his muse. She says: “I worked for him for over 20 years. I attended all his couture shows, except for my two pregnancies. For all projects, he preferred me as a model, which I considered a great honor. I also often received beautiful clothing from him and wore his robes during premieres. Frans regularly invited me to have a bite to eat, or he took me to performances, theater, and musicals. He was a talented man, an artist. He enjoyed life and had a wide range of interests. It is sad that he is now gone. He was still so looking forward to it…”

A couturier simply does not retire. He dies.

In response to the passing, VROTROS will broadcast a repeat of the Opium Special with Frans Molenaar tonight at 24:00 on NPO 2.