The fashion industry in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a bona fide fashion hub and the scene here goes far beyond well-dressed locals and hip boutiques. More than 100 fashion houses are shaping tastes, chic new brands and iconic designers exist side by side and the city prides itself on being the world's denim capital.
Welcoming the best fashion brands
Many leading international fashion brands have chosen Amsterdam for their European headquarters, including Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, and they employ around 5,000 people in the city. Like the Dutch brands that have set up shop here – such as Scotch and Soda and G-Star – they have access to everything needed to run a global business. There’s a skilled, English-speaking workforce, an excellent quality of life and easy access to other fashion hubs like London and Paris. The forward-thinking business culture helps, too.
Putting sustainability first
A strong career begins with a good education, and the Amsterdam Fashion Institute is training the professionals that will shape the future. The school is deeply committed to sustainability and believes the only ethical approach to fashion is a green one. Students are taught the importance of protecting the environment, whether they’re learning to sew a dress or preparing for a management role.
At Fashion
for Good, Amsterdam educates those outside the industry about their
clothing choices. The world’s first museum dedicated to sustainable style
innovation has interactive displays that teach visitors about non-toxic fabric
dye, textile recycling and other hot topics. There’s an on-site store where you
can shop for eco-friendly apparel, and the organisation also serves as an
accelerator for
fashion startups looking to grow.
A growing scene of second-hand
clothing stores offers an alternative to fast fashion. By inspiring
shoppers to buy ‘pre-loved’ apparel, they’re encouraging a circular approach to
style and helping shoppers reduce waste, save money and dress smart.
World’s denim capital
If you need a good pair of jeans, Amsterdam can provide. The city has the world’s highest concentration of denim brands; according to recent estimates, the industry is worth approximately €500 million a year. Iconic labels like Levi’s and Diesel have chosen Amsterdam as the location for their design studios, and native brands like Kuyichi are on the rise, too.
Various initiatives are boosting
Amsterdam’s reputation as a denim centre as well. Business leaders mingle at
events like Denim
Days and Kingpins,
while Denim
City has a store and workshop that welcomes shoppers and teaches
designers the latest techniques.
Source: https://www.iamsterdam.com/nl/
