ROTTERDAM // DUTCH FASHION @ MODE MARCHE

Although obviously a much higher profile event, the birth of a British princess wasn't the only thing happening today ;-) I actually spent this afternoon feasting my eyes on a LOT of Dutch fashion, all packed together in the Rotterdam Theater during the Mode Marché. 

The Mode Marché ("Fashion Market") is the stock sample sale, where more than 40 young and established Dutch designers come to sell their clothes, accessories, fabrics and sample collections to fashionistas at bargain prices. The event highlights the artistic skills of the designers and the uniqueness of their designs in an approachable environment.

Today's Mode Marché was already the 16th edition since it was first organised in 2006 and the concept has been such a successful one that when my friends Laura and Michelle and myself arrived at 11:30 with our VIP cards in hand, to shop an hour before the 'regular' Mode Marché would start at 1 pm, there was already quite a long line in front of the theater! Luckily it was a nice day, not a typically Dutch (read: rainy) one, so we were happy to wait. 

It was a first time visit for me though, but I suspect it won't be my last. Although there were quite a lot of visitors, all the stalls were distributed over three floors, so fortunately it did not feel crowded (major pet peeve of mine, online shopping is my rescue). This also gave the opportunity to really talk with the designers about their products, how they make it, what materials they use etc. You can really tell they love their brand and want to share their passion for it! 

My friend Laura trying on a pair of loafers from Bottines

Not only fashion: Dutch makeup brand Ellis Faas 
was also present

The lovely ladies of O My Bag (especially love the 'Posh Stacey' shopper!)

A happy shopper back home (and the first white jeans day of the year for me!) 

I liked a lot of the pieces on display, but since I am still on a student budget I wasn't able to go all 'crazy fashionista' over there (*sad face*). Nevertheless, I came home with three items I totally fell in love with: the 'Road' bag by Denise Roobol (a chic bag that also fits my 13" macbook is always a good idea, but even a better one at 60% off), the minimalist brass 'Sun' ring by Marlous van der Toorn, and the 'S202 Fair' concealer from Ellis Faas (gorgeous packaging!)

And apparently Vashti is an instant fan of Denise Roobol's bags as well ;-)