COUTURE X TECHNOLOGY
Maartje Dijkstra graduated in fashion design at the ARTEZ Art Academy in Arnhem, the Netherlands in 2006. During her study, she did an internship at Alexander McQueen in London, where her interest in couture developed more. After her graduation she decided not to work for a big fashion house where she had to create another designer’s story and dream. She chose to start her own label, to be free to perform the art of designing, to create her own story. Within her label she designs sculptural, totally hand executed fashion collections and accessories, interactive Couture designs and innovative hand (3D) printed textiles, that became an essential part of her label’s signature.
Dijkstra: ‘In fashion, I believe innovation starts by imagination. The use of sculptural shapes originated from the fascination and freedom to alienate the body in a strange way, using fashion as a tool. Other important sources of inspiration crucial for her design process are imagination, electronic music, melancholy and complexity in nature. In her work as a fashion designer, there is less focus on practicality and therefore, she has the freedom to create and show possibilities. She is curious about what lies ahead, and so designs with the future in mind. This way of designing is reflected by integrating technology and craftsmanship into an inseparable whole, creating a unique style.’
