Today we will talk with fashion designer Rosalie Boonstra. We will discuss a designer who turns fairytales into reality, showing care and concern for nature, which inspires her to create incredible designs. Rosalie, could you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself?
As you mentioned, my name is Rosalie Boonstra. I am a 26-year-old fashion designer bursting with energy and positivity. Fashion has been my passion since childhood, inspired by my mom's talent for making beautiful clothes for my sister and me. I've always loved drawing and being creative, especially diving into fairytales where anything was possible.
As I grew up, my love for creativity led me to study fashion. Making my first garment was an incredible feeling, especially being surrounded by classmates who shared my passion. Sewing quickly became my obsession, and I started making colorful and flowy pieces, drawing inspiration from the underwater world, particularly coral reefs.
Starting with a Pfaff sewing machine, I eventually became an ambassador for the brand. I mix handmade felt fabrics with see-through materials like tulle and add embroidery to create unique designs with layers and colors.
You might have spotted my designs in magazines like Vogue or displayed in places like the Markiezenhof Museum. I love collaborating with other creative people, whether they're photographers, artists, or filmmakers, to bring fresh ideas to fashion and art.
My main goal is to make people feel confident and bold when they wear my designs while inspiring them to envision a future emboldened by their dreams and aspirations, ignited by the kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and fabrics.
What is your favorite memory related to the process of creating a fashion collection?
My favorite memory is tied to the creation of my first runway collection. I found immense joy in researching fabrics and selecting a color palette that matched the theme I had envisioned. I love how fashion allows for self-expression. The collection, titled Enliven, was inspired by coral reefs, sirens, and underwater creatures.
Have there been moments when you doubted your career choice? If so, how did you handle it?
I have never doubted my career choice, but many people around me didn’t believe in what I thought was possible. At times, this made it difficult to stay confident in my dreams.
In your interview with Vogue, you mentioned that coral reefs inspire your designs. Why have they become a source of inspiration for your creations? What specifically attracts you to this theme?
It all started when I traveled to a place where stories about Atlantis were told. This sparked my curiosity, and I began researching underwater cities and statues. I quickly became mesmerized by coral reefs and undersea life. I soon realized there was so much inspiration to be found in the vibrant colors and unique shapes of the ocean. This led me to focus on documentaries about this fascinating theme, and I still find inspiration there to this day. I dream of swimming in those waters one day.
You've also shared your ideas and dreams about growing as a designer and advancing the industry, including working in sustainable fashion. What specific steps are you taking to ensure your products are environmentally sustainable?
I aim to maintain small-scale production where each design is unique, which helps us minimize fabric use. Additionally, we offer our designs for rent, ensuring that any damaged items are repaired. This allows people to rent special occasion pieces instead of buying them, avoiding a closet full of clothes that rarely get worn.
You have a very vivid vision. Your designs are full of color and volume. You mentioned that creating one outfit can take around 320 hours. How do you find so much inspiration and perseverance to create your unique projects?
When I’m creating, I often enter a state of hyper-focus where everything flows intuitively. My mind becomes quiet, and I can sew for hours or even days. Pattern drawing and cutting the fabric are the least interesting parts of the process for me—I really come alive when I can start working on the actual design. I feel energized as I watch the design come together.
What projects are you most proud of, and why?
I am very proud of a project I worked on with fashion photographer Jasper Abels. The project revolves around a fairytale about a girl discovered in the woods with wolves in the 1700s. This story inspired us to create a fashion narrative for a museum exhibition in the Netherlands. The dress I designed was inspired by trees, and I even created a custom fabric for it. I cherish this project because the collaboration was incredibly enjoyable, and we share similar creative inspirations, which made it especially meaningful. Combining different disciplines allowed us to create a richer context for the design, enhancing the overall impact. Seeing the photos and design displayed in a museum was a dream come true.
How did you come to the idea of working in sustainable fashion? What prompted this decision?
I don’t buy many clothes myself and prefer to own unique pieces or rent designs. As a fashion designer today, I believe it’s essential to be mindful of sustainability. Nature is one of my main sources of inspiration, so I am deeply concerned about our planet’s future.
How do you respond to criticism that sustainable fashion is often perceived as a marketing gimmick rather than a real initiative?
Of course, it's challenging to be sustainable when creating new products, but that's why we need to examine our wardrobes and consider renting or investing in pieces we want to keep for the long term. I believe that if a larger audience starts supporting small designers and second-hand clothing, it could make a significant difference.
In your opinion, what needs to change in the fashion industry for sustainability to become the rule rather than the exception?
I believe people need to recognize the value in second-hand clothing and appreciate how unique these pieces can be. I also hope that small designers gain more recognition, encouraging people to buy fewer, more special items. As designers, we should work to educate in schools about the importance of building a long-term wardrobe rather than constantly buying new clothes. I also give sewing workshops to young kids to make sure they will repair their clothes or create their own.
That’s truly important! Good habits are formed from a young age. Thank you so much, Rosalie, for joining our interview and sharing your ideas and the projects you are working on so diligently. We hope that your work and your vision of fashion become more widely recognized and inspire even more young designers to find inspiration in the everyday things that surround us.