Thank God It’s Friday Lonneke Nooteboom
You blink your eyes and Lonneke Nooteboom has once again conjured up a collection in collaboration with Shoeby Of course, a lot of work went into that, because Lonneke knows exactly how she wants it and is familiar with both fashion and our bodies through her years of experience as a stylist and designer. For this autumn collection, she has created the perfect black jeans, the ideal white T-shirt, and, which I think is brilliant, a blazer made with a “built-in” sleeve holder. There is an elastic band on the inside of the sleeve, so when you roll up the sleeve, it stays in place.
Dear Lonneke, congratulations. Another here-I-want-everything-from-this-collection from your hand. Of course, inspiration is an organic process that has no fixed starting and ending point, but there must have been something that predominated that inspired you for this collection.
What does an average Lonneke weekend look like?
They are very varied, because sometimes I have to present an event or give a masterclass, so I work then too, but I try to plan them as free as possible to spend time with Luc, my family, and friends. Long walks with Guusje, our Beagle, cooking extensively, eating and drinking wine, sleeping in, and just being in slow motion.
Suppose earthly matters like time difference, flight shame, money, and travel time do not exist for a moment. What does your ideal weekend look like? Starting in your house in Spain and then going south via Paris?
Then I fly Friday afternoon to our little house in Spain where we eat at our favorite restaurant and in the evening have drinks with friends. Saturday morning we drive to Barcelona, where our son Jip studies. There we have an extensive lunch because I want to see him as long as possible. Then I fly with Luc to Amsterdam and we go out to dinner with our other two sons, who live in Amsterdam, we all stay at the Amstel, my favorite hotel, and we stroll through the city on Sunday morning. After that, I really want to go home to pick up Guusje, we drive to Oisterwijk to take a long walk around the forests and fens. So relaxing and beautiful! Also quite necessary, because it was busy this weekend, haha. Oh yes, and in the evening I don't want to eat out anymore but in joggers with my legs up, so we get Indonesian food from Rasa Senang, my favorite takeout restaurant in Oisterwijk, and we sleep as a finale in our forest cabin. What a dream this is!
What do you like to read and listen to on the weekend?
I read little, but I listen to a lot of podcasts and audiobooks. I do that more during the week, for example in the car and on the treadmill. I prefer to play piano music (like Einaudi) on the weekend, that really helps me relax.
Does Sunday feel different than Saturday?
Yes, on Saturday I always have a lot to do. Grocery shopping, filling up the car, getting flowers, sometimes working, dining out with friends or family... Sunday is our relaxation day. Then we often walk for hours with the dog, have lunch somewhere, and do nothing more afterwards. I often take a bath, do my nails, tidy up my office (that makes me calm, because peace in your office is peace in your head), and we usually have food delivered.
What’s on your list of restaurants you must and want to go to?
We are extreme Bon Vivants, so we drive all over the Netherlands and Belgium to visit the nicest and best restaurants. Our biggest hobby! Vinkeles in Amsterdam is very high on our wishlist.
And what we all want to know from you: is there shopping and if so, where?
Antwerp is the city where I live nearby and where I love to shop. I know the city like the back of my hand and know which brands are where, so here are my favorites. Princess Antwerp, Renaissance Antwerp, Verso, SN3, Houben Antwerp, Graanmarkt 13, La Collection, Enes, and Step By Step. And always take a peek at Chanel. I could go on, but I ALWAYS visit these stores!
And then Monday. What time does it start again and what are you going to do?
Oh, that Monday, huh. Not my favorite day. It starts early with my personal trainer who completely exhausts me twice a week. I still don't enjoy it after six years, but I know it's good for me. What must be done, must be done. I am always happy afterwards, though! Then I take a shower and get ready for a campaign recording day. That evening we have dinner with friends who live in Cambridge and are briefly in Oisterwijk. Actually, we never do that on a Monday, but of course, we make an exception here because we haven't seen them for too long!
The collection Lonneke by Shoeby is now available for purchase (online and in stores).
