Boutyq Catwalk Fashion Show Amsterdam AW 2011

The Boutyq-event has developed itself into a serious fashion-event, where Dutch talents get to present themselves two times a year plus an international renowned brand or fashion-house. Last Tuesday Dutchies Francisco van Benthum, Jeroen van Tuyl, Jan Boelo and the British label Unconditional presented their fall winter 2011 collections. And after a full week of mainly womenwear it was refreshing to see some good menswear-collections.

Francisco van Benthum started his career in 1996 with colleague Michiel Keuper, but began his own line in 2001. It’s been difficult for the talented designer to maintain his own label over the years, but it seems his Francisco van Benthum/whitelabel is succesful. It was this line he presented at Boutyq. His clothes still have that constructed  look but less edgy, finishing and proportions still play an important role.

Jeroen van Tuyl celebrates his 10th anniversary this year and he proved himself a serious mensweardesigner. Elegant, sharp, tough are keywords that explain his signature style, his graphics are always strong. This time prints were inspired by pieces of broken glass and they appeared at suits, coats and scarves.

Jan Boelo has just begun, but got his education at several sources: Jan Taminiau, Marloes Blaas, Paul Schulten and Balmain. At the last fashionhouse he discovered his signature style: strict, sharp and with a touch of rock ‘n roll. He presented his first collection in 2010.

Philip Stephens is the man behind the British label Unconditional, contemporary, luxury basics for men and women are mixed with more fashionable and seasonable specials. Remarkable fact is that the collections are produced in an ethical way, with organic fabrics and environment friendly dyes.