“We think fashion is more than just clothes. It’s the total package. How you choose to live your live.”

-Can you explain about latest 10-11 A/W Collection?

We create from a strong longing to reunite the human experience with that of nature, in essence exploring ‘human nature’.
At the A/W collection we have worked with the most earthly of ‘natural’ materials such as silk, wool and leather, the latter boiled into shape over molds, and each piece is hand dyed with similar intensity.

-How did you get into fashion in the first place? What made you want to become designer?

Malou always had a strong desire to became fashion designer, even as youngster.
Ferdinand wanted to be a designer in general, and considered to be a product designer for a while. The artist in Malou convinced Ferdinand that its possible in fashion to combine all sort of expressions.

-What are the most important factors when you approach your work?

The shape and material have to be in accord, and later the feeling and the color.

-What are the sources of inspiration in your fashion design?

We always seek our inspiration in the nature: clouds or animals or trees.

-Do you view fashion design as a means of expressing yourself?

In our eyes fashion is one of the biggest communicators there is because we think fashion is more than just clothes. It’s the total package. How you choose to live your live.

-What are the difficulties faced being a designer today?

The difficulties of today are the border within art vs commerce and your own vision within that of a group.

-What is your opinion on Dutch fashion scene?

We think the climate to grow as a designer in Holland are excellent but designing has to be looked through international eyes. The world nowadays is in contact and one of to task of designers is to connect.

-What do you think is the connection and difference between art and fashion?

In our work fashion is an explanation of the process. The process is the art, and the process never stops.

-What does ‘fashion’ and ‘fashion designer’ mean to you?

We consider ourselves very lucky that we can do what we love.
Doing this is a lifestyle and means everything for us.

-Do you find Dutch roots in your design?

Maybe is the liberal thought Dutch, but that’s present in every individual over the world. We are very lucky that we can develop it over here.

-Tell us about your concept store in Arnhem.

In our concept store we work as in a atelier and we can invite people who are interested in our work.

-How would you describe your customer?

Malousebastiaan! pulls very conscious customers.

-Is there any designers or persons that had a strong influence of your work?

We think the work of artist like: Thomas Saraceno and Zaha Hadid are great.

-What is your vision for the future?

We hope that we can keep making things we love, and share it with people all over the world who do.

Interview:Masaki Takida