My roots
1980
AMSTERDAM HERE WE COME !
In 1980 I left for turbulent Amsterdam, where I studied Couture at the Fashion Academy Charles Montaigne. These were turbulent years with squatters' riots and punk. Amsterdam was buzzing. I was introduced to a completely new world. I absorbed everything with eagerness, it was a big eye-opener.
I enjoyed exploring the to me unknown life of fashion and art, visiting impressive exhibitions in the
Stedelijk Museum and discovering the exciting gay nightlife and my blooming homosexuality, which was crushed by the emerging AIDS era.
1986
THE YEAR OF TWO LOVES
The year of my two greatest loves. First I met my husband, soulmate, support and anchor. And second, during the year working at the ArtEz in Arnhem It became clear that fashion would not be the only love and guide in my life. At the Academy of Art I experienced that fashion was seen very differently: more creative and openminded. This way of working was an eye opener for me and it inspired me to further develop my creativity. Plans changed, I registered at the HKU in Utrecht, department fashion and design. After five productive years, I graduated in 1991.
For my graduation project I designed/produced a women’s collection focused on Sustainability, I received a lot of appreciation and many good reviews.
I was ahead of my time!
1991
BIG CHANGES
During and after my studies I worked for a few years at a large styling agency.
But after a while my entrepreneurial heart started to beat again, and the call for independence and freedom became bigger.
With a fellow student I started R.E.L. Designers. We where young, inexperienced but full of energy, we set to work and transformed our creativity into commercial clothing.
During this time the computer entered fashion design adding an exciting dimension to the profession.
1997
INDEPENDENT
In this year we quit R.E.L. designers and we went our separate ways.
I started my design studio T.O.R.-Amsterdam, where I designed collections for well-known brands and chain stores.
A few days a week I also worked at Capsicum Natuurstoffen, the most beautiful fabric store in Amsterdam. The combination of working behind a screen and working hands on with beautiful fabrics gave me a lot of energy.
I travelled around the world and met fascinating and wonderful people, some are still my good friends. A busy but versatile and educational period that has been more than worthwhile.
2019
MY FINAL DESTINATION
In 2019 I decided to say goodbye to my company.
It had taken me several years to decide, but It was time to put myself first including my surroundings and the planet. It hurt me a lot, because I still feel fashion is a wonderful profession.
The fashion industry had changed too much, partly due to the economic crisis of 2009, knowledge and experience did not seem to matter anymore; the speed in which collections are presented no longer appealed to me; the raw materials are wasted, and the way fashion collections are made are not very imaginative and profit seem to come first. I could not agree any longer with this way of working.
On a personal level, these were emotional years with illness and loss that affected me. Business as usual was not an option.
I wondered what could make me happy and make the heartbeat of this 58-year-old man beat faster again.
In 2019 my path crossed again with Capsicum Natuurstoffen and I realised how important it was for me to be surrounded by beautiful fabrics, colours and designs. Hand-woven and natural materials, made with love by craftsmen. Fabrics you want to feel.
Pure craft and emotion.
This is what I wanted to go for, working while following my heart.
Using my passion and all the professional knowledge that I have gained over the years and use this, to design beautiful products that make others and myself happy.
It was the right time to slow down and say goodbye to the
fast-paced fashion world:
It is time for Tony's Heartware-The good goods trademark
