I&D: Welcome! I take pride in introducing the most famous and sought after Dutch Designer, Addy van den Krommenacker. It’s a pleasure to have you with us. I’ve keenly observed your style of work. Must say..a very distinctive, mesmerizing and expressive style you got. What has inspired you over the years?
Addy van den Krommenacker: I am always getting inspired by the movie stars of the fifties. I am very fond of movies from the fifties, those times when women at 5 o’clock were sipping at their Martinis at the bar, wearing a cocktail dress and long gloves. Fashion in that time was so well made, think of the beautiful couture of Dior, Vionnet and Chanel. As a child I was already drawing princess dresses at the kitchen table.
I&D: The list of your celebrity clients is larger than life, you had been applauded for your amazing understanding and respect for the female form. What do you keep in mind when you have that person in front of you? Do you get influenced by their star power OR creativity takes over all the other factors?
Addy van den Krommenacker: When I make a dress for a celebrity, I always consider her personality, which is very important. And off course the event where the dress will be worn. The star has to be at ease that night and feel like she is the most beautiful princess of the evening.
I&D: Please relate any of the incidents (celebrity encounters) you would like to share with us? (Their positive remarks on your masterpieces)
Addy van den Krommenacker: When actress Thekla Reuten was wearing my brown lace evening gown at the Oscars, Julia Roberts came to her and wanted to know the name of the designer, unfortunately she couldn’t pronounce my name.
Another incident was when I made a dress for Glennis Grace for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her dress was ravished at the first rehearsals. In only a few days I had to make a totally new dress for her, which was very stressful.
A very nice experience was my fitting with Tyra Banks for America’s Next Top Model. I made a beautiful white and black satin gown for her, and she was so happy with it.
A big surprise for me was the electric blue dress which was worn by the wife of Lost actor Henry Ian Cusick at the prime time red carpet of the Emmy awards. I did not know she was wearing the dress, so I was surprised when I saw it on all the internet pages about the Emmy’s.
I&D: What makes Italy your most preferred place for garment manufacturing?
Addy van den Krommenacker: My whole collection is made in Italy, because I appreciate their handcrafted work and their knowledge of sewing beautiful silk chiffons and satin very much. Off course they have a long history in fashion. When I explain how they should make my design, they understand immediately, we speak the same language. I am also really in love with their movies, food and music.
I&D: How has been your experience showcasing your haute couture and pret-a-porter collections at different Fashion Weeks?
Addy van den Krommenacker: I really like to show my collections to the world. And that people of all countries appreciate my collection. It was a very nice experience to show my collection in Kazakhstan, Montenegro, Bosnia, but also in Belgium, Hungary, Croatia. The most beautiful experience however was my show at the haute couture fashion week of Rome. And after that I was nominated for an award for best foreign designer.
I&D: Please talk about the different awards you have received till date?
(Look of the Year Award for Best Foreign Contribution in Taomina, Sicily and also at Catania, Sicily, Society Award- Dutch Award)
Addy van den Krommenacker: It is always nice to get recognition for your work. So I appreciate it very much when I am honored with an award. The look of the year award was very special to me, because I got nominated for it directly after my first show in Rome. Also the Dutch Society Award was special, because it was my first award in the Netherlands.
I&D: How would you define FEMINISM? (Relate in terms of silhouettes/fabrics and other materials you use in your creations)
Addy van den Krommenacker: I like to show the female silhouettes in my creations, and the elegancy of a women has to be highlighted. I like to use feminine materials like 100% silk, chiffon, organza and satin. Also lace is a very important material I work with.
I&D: What is your definition of ROMANCE? (Relate in terms of silhouettes/fabrics and other materials you use in your creations)
Addy van den Krommenacker: Romance is for me a beautiful feather weight chiffon, soft flower printed dress. The movement of this material inspires me a lot to make dresses like clouds in the sky.
I&D: What are you working on now? What basic moods does your new collection revolve around?
Addy van den Krommenacker: I am working on my new pret a porter collection winter 2011 / 2012 which will be shown during Amsterdam Fashion Week in January. And my new haute couture collection spring 2011.
I&D: Where can we buy your masterpieces?
Addy van den Krommenacker: Off course in the Netherlands in my own shop and further in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Russia and Turkey.
I&D: What is your take on the new-age bloggers and their growing influence on the todays society?
Addy van den Krommenacker: I am very in love with the internet. I think the internet is the future and all blogs and other social media are very important to showcase my work and vision. I also have my own Facebook and Twitter pages.