The bizarre week of Ronald van der Kemp

Celebrities like Katy Perry and Justin Bieber shine in his clothing. In our country, 52-year-old Ronald van der Kemp is not yet that well known to the general public, but after this week, no one can ignore him. On Monday, the designer received the biggest fashion award from the Culture Fund. So it was time for a little chat. He from New York (because Fashion Week), I from Amsterdam.

I can imagine that you have had quite a few special days behind you. What have you been up to?

“It was one big madhouse of a week, it was certainly special. At the beginning of this week was of course the award ceremony of the Culture Fund at the Bijenkorf, and since then I have mainly done a lot of interviews. It feels so nice that there is now recognition for my work coming from the Netherlands.”

By the way, is it true that you knew for about two months that you were going to win the award?

“Yes, I was called and was totally overwhelmed. The hardest part is keeping your mouth shut all that time… Luckily, it has now been announced!”

What does the Fashion Stipendium mean to you?

“It is a huge recognition from the Netherlands. It gives me the opportunity to tell my story here and show what I do. The culture fund and the Dutch Fashion Foundation are the only serious parties that really provide great support for bringing out Dutch fashion. The award is really a huge boost. Because of this publicity and recognition, many people have been able to get to know my label RVDK.”

“For the price of a cappuccino, you can, if you look carefully, already find a dress.” A quote from you?

“Yes. As far as I'm concerned, fashion is in such a sad state nowadays. Clothing items are becoming disposable products. That is of course terrible. Why don't we save for something we really want? Such items then hang in the closet for years. Nowadays, you quickly buy a dress for a party that you don't look at again after wearing it three times. I find that really strange.”

What does this weekend look like for you in New York?

“Yesterday I saw some friends and today I have a party, because a good friend of mine is turning fifty. On Monday, I will go to Bergdorf Goodman to give a clinic to the staff, since we are now selling there as well. We also have a window display at Bergdorf, which is amazing, especially during New York Fashion Week. Furthermore, a dinner is planned with Edward Enninful from W Magazine and I will see some stylists here. I will also do some research, maybe buy some fabrics, and just enjoy the city. I have lived here for almost ten years, so that will be fine.”

What does it do to you, now that more and more international stars are wearing your clothing?

“That is of course amazing. I think it's cool to see that so many different personalities look good in my clothing and still seem to be themselves. And I would be lying if I said it doesn't give you a kind of nice credibility right away.”

Where do you see yourself in two years?

“I never look too far ahead and just hope that in two years I will have as much fun in my life and with the people I work with as I do now. Okay, okay, and of course I will be world-famous…”