Amayzine Questionnaire
Erik Frenken
A brand new label, but from the hand of the old acquaintance behind Avelon. Erik Frenken showcased his new brand FRENKEN in a small circle. But if it were up to us, everyone would get to know the pieces he created. A get-together with Erik Frenken.
Frenken, tell us all about it…
“In January, I chose not to hide anymore and to set up a brand under my own name: FRENKEN. It was time, with all the experience I gained over the past years, this felt like the perfect choice. A brand that carries my name and is close to me. It is a women's collection, where I seek the intersection between vulnerable and cool. Great, wearable classics that women want to have.”
What is your favorite piece?
“A cotton shirt, where I took the front from an XS and the back from a 5XL. Together it is an unexpected, yet flattering design. The silhouette is bold and pronounced, but very wearable.”
Frenken Fashion in three words?
“Vulnerable, cool, and surprising.”
Your nickname?
“FRENKEN.”
What was actually your first job?
“I was a dishwasher in a Thai restaurant.”
And the reason you decided to work as a designer?
“There wasn't one reason for it, it was more of a process. Nothing motivated me at school, until I decided to enroll in the art academy in The Hague. I had never been so focused and directed as during the making of my portfolio. It all fell into place and from that point on, I didn't have to search anymore, it came from within me.”
“Actually, I almost never buy clothes for myself.”
What are the first three hits when you Google yourself?
“An old photo from when I graduated from Central Saint Martins and won the Lancôme award, my LinkedIn and an article about my new adventure.”
If they were to make a movie about you, what would the title be?
“The edge of vulnerability.”
Do you have a quote, motto, or wisdom that you live by?
“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
No one knows this about you?
“Besides being a designer, I am also a father of three kids. So the hectic days at the office alternate with hectic days at home.”
Who is your great example?
“I don't really have one, but I do get inspired by people. Like Louise Wilson, the head of Central Saint Martins who unfortunately passed away in 2014. She played an important role in my development as a designer.”
What is your ultimate relaxation moment?
“When the collection is finished, the kids are in bed, and I watch Netflix on the couch with my wife with a big bar of chocolate. So that’s only about four times a year, haha.”
The last three things you bought?
“Actually, I almost never buy clothes for myself. Usually, they are things that inspire me, like a good book, artwork, or music. The last thing I bought was the album ‘Rouge’ by Thomas Azier on vinyl, the photography book (and actually it’s so much more) ‘New Horizons’ by Bruno van den Elshout, and a few markers for the studio.”
Never have I ever...
“So close to myself as a designer.”
With whom would you like to swap places for a day?
“With Einstein. It seems amazing to be that intelligent for a day. That you understand everything and can search for the unknown and unimaginable.”
Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner?
“Alber Elbaz, Freddie Mercury, Kate Moss, Lauren Faye, and artist Iris Schomaker.”
Favorite movie-book-series-music of all time?
“The Bridges of Madison County, one of Meryl Streep's best films.”
