Vancouver Fashion Week FW 21 - Interview with Fashion Designer Guerline Kamp (Netherlands)

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Bio - 

Guerline Kamp is always inspired by colors. Together with a maximalistic style, color is the key point that makes a product her own. Working with accessories, especially hat pieces, always triggers her and she likes to find inspiration in the more abstract art. 

It is very important there is always something humorous to find in her design work. Finding a balance between all this without losing the wearable aspects really describes what she wants to create and radiate to the world.

Interview - 

Please share a bit about your journey to choose a career in fashion? Where did you choose to study or, if self taught, how did you gain your skills?

I always liked to do something creative. At the age of 12, I was hesitating between different courses like graphic design, architecture, wood and furnishings and of course something in fashion. I think deep inside I already knew that I wanted to do fashion and, after my first study Junior Stylist Fashion, I decided to start studying Fashion Design at Amsterdam Fashion Institute. Here I learning to make unique personal work instead of the more commercial side that I did before, especially the last semester. I am finally very happy with the end result.



What inspired you to launch your own label? What has been your highest  moment since launching your line?

I don’t have al label yet, but from the start of my study I always had one question in the back of my mind, "When do I think I’m developed enough to make some items that I want to sell."  Also, how do I combine this with school. I think I’m now at that point that I can do it.

How would you describe your brand? What is the aesthetic? Who is the customer you design for?

My designs are colorful and playful. The style is more towards maximalism and I always try to incorporate a humorous element in it. I want to make a balanced between the wearable and les wearable. I think I attract the younger target the most to really wear my designs. And that’s logical, because the designs reflect me.


Can you share something about the new FW21 Collection you'll be showing casing at Vancouver Fashion Week? What was the inspiration? What fabrics and palette did you use?

Last school semester I made three of the six outfits for my school project. My inspiration started with a metal TapTap wall decoration from Haiti. I’m adopted at the age of 3 years old, but I don’t remember a thing from my life there. So this object has a symbolistic meaning to me. It’s a memory in a physical thing instead of a real memory.

As well, the meaning it is the visual aspects of my object I used as inspiration. The object is most likely made from iron from a scrapheap and this inspired me to work with re-use and some unexpected materials. Around 95% of the collection exists out of re-used materials and it’s mainly a combination shiny, painted and wool felt materials that give a flat feeling.


I was also inspired by Cobra art and by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The childlike, innocent and colorful style from the Cobra art and then especially Karel Appel, and the large wrapped elements from Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Do you have a favourite look in this collection? Is there one piece that is a must have piece?

My favorite looks are - 1) the outfit with the red jacket and 2) the new outfit with a yellow jacket.  One of the most basic items from my collection is also a favorite, the black t-shirt with colorful print. It is simple, comfortable and wearable without losing the elements needed to fit into the concept.


Where can readers find your garments? How can they purchase them?

Currently my instagram @guerlinekamp page is the best place to see my work, but I don’t have items that you can purchase yet. 

Links -


With challenging COVID restrictions still in place, VFW will be offering a digital showcase of fashion films provided by both local and international designers showcasing their latest Fall Winter 2021 collections. Partnerships with several companies will launch this season with the opportunity for you to win stay-cation essentials, yummy treats, healthy-looking skin, and more. Keep a sharp eye out on their Social Media channels to have a chance to enter! For more information and for show schedule (TBA), please visit their website at https://www.vanfashionweek.com/. 

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