Exclusive interview with Elsien Gringhuis who won Mittelmoda fashion award  in 2008.What does it mean for a new designer to win “Mittelmoda’?

That was in 2008 with my graduation collection. It was a huge honour and a great to show my work in Italy.

What does it mean for you the word “sustainability”?

Sustainability to me means, that you choose the best fabrics, who are produced under good circumstances and made with respect for the environment. The design has to be functional, wearable and from high quality. It does not depend on seasons, but is more like a wardrobe.

What are your further projects?

At this moment I do a collaboration with printdesigner Aliki van de kruijs. She make prints made by rain. And I make new clothes from that. And in july we are traveling again with the collection through Germany and Scandinavia.

What do you like designing most?

I like to design the total image like coats, jackets, shirts, skirts, dresses etc. But I think I am best in winter collections because I like to work with materials in which you can make constructions. I challenge myself to work with less patterns as possible. Sometimes only one or two. With this I try to save handlings in the production process. And you save waste. Some items are made of just a square. For example the silk skirt of FW13. It’s partly dyed with tea. And you can wear it on both sides. Also the beige/pink coat.

3 adjectives to describe your brand.

Clear, honest, high quality design with innovation in patterns.

Why should a woman purchase your creations?

My customer is extremely loyal. Ones they buy my clothes they come always back. I think because of the fit and how it’s made.  They feel comfortable and chique at the same time.

London, Milan, Paris, or…?

Berlin and Copenhagen…and Tokyo!

Credits:

photo: jasper rens van es

styling; ilanka verhoeven

hair and make up; charlotte niketic

model; Felice@skinmodels

campaign

photo: jasper rens van es

styling; ilanka verhoeven

hair and make up; charlotte niketic

model; aline schoonhoven

 For more info visit www.elsiengringhuis.com