Sjaak Hullekes Amsterdam Fashion Week Preview FW2013

We’ve seen the sensitive side of Sjaak Hullekes so many times, but for fall/winter 2013 it’s time for something different. The talented menswear designer will present a collection of edgy and tough work wear, simply because he felt like it. We spoke to Sjaak about his inspiration for upcoming winter and more…

Why is it important for you to present your designs during Amsterdam Fashion Week?
“I feel AFW is becoming a more realistic platform to present my work to press and buyers every year. After last season’s show I had five new selling points for Sjaak Hullekes. That is great immediate result. Since the show area has changed (around 1250 people can fit into the new location) the prices have gone up. It is thanks to the sponsors I can present my collection.”

What can you tell us about ‘the new Sjaak Hullekes’?
“The new Sjaak Hullekes is tougher, less colorful and more balanced. His style is a mix of sporty, casual and formal clothing. I opted for this new, slightly more edgy collection, because I personally had the need for it. I felt like I was missing that part of menswear.”

What did you use as your source of inspiration?
“I have been looking at the working class of the eighties. I thought of factories that closed, people together is small buses, some sort of group spirit. It made me play with work wear and it leaded to the collection being very dark, even though I always claimed I would never use black.”

This year you’ve launched your own perfume and underwear line. Are you planning on adding any other new line to the Sjaak Hullekes collection?
“I am not planning on showing new things like that during the show, yet I would love to add my own leather and knits. In this collection you will see knits, but they’re produced by a group of 20 Portuguese ladies. They are creating sweaters, scarfs and accessories for the show. The collection will have texture, it will have more body, but it will still be refined thanks to this kind of hand work. This upcoming season my man may look more tough, the sensitive Sjaak is still there.”

Sjaak Hullekes will present his new menswear collection for fall/winter 2013 on Friday 25 January on 03.00 P.M.