Dutch Design – From Buildings to Fashion

Dutch Design – From Buildings to Fashion

Have you ever wondered where the famous Dutch aesthetic comes from? From the iconic tulips fields, to the traditional clogs, blue delft ware and the characteristic, flat design of buildings, Dutch Design has become an ever-present in our lives.

But what is Dutch Design and why has it become so pervasive in our world? In this article, we explore the history and unique characteristics of Dutch Design, and see how it has gone from being a local phenomenon to being appreciated worldwide.

The Beginnings of Dutch Design

Dutch Design started with the simple crafts created by Dutch people during the medieval period. There was particular emphasis placed upon making long lasting, practical items that could withstand daily use and the various elements of weather. This practicality and craftsmanship was then combined with a stylish look and colorful designs to produce products that still have a place in modern Dutch Design.

One of the classic symbols of Dutch Design is the “Delft-ware” – china with blue, white or sienna painted decorations. The Delft-ware, or Delft blue, began with potters copying Chinese porcelain pottery during the 17th century. The Chinese porcelain was expensive and the Dutch innovators developed the Delft-ware to substitute those pieces and make them available to a broader audience. The technique and process to create Delft-ware has been mastered and practiced for centuries, so much so that the Dutch government recently added some of the Delft-ware’s design elements to the Dutch Coat of Arms.

Delftware

Dutch Design in Architecture

Dutch Design is also particularly famous for innovation in architecture, mainly due to the use of sustainability as a priority when designing. Buildings are built mainly with local materials and reused components and materials, creating unique and highly functional sustainable designs.

This has been especially helpful in developing land that wasn’t suitable for construction. Using sustainable solutions, engineers and architects have been able to shape land to be useful, building on stilts and supporting the land below with the purpose of making cities and towns more livable places. The most striking example of this is the city of Amsterdam, which was one of the first cities to build on swampland.A Walk in the Hills
Tim Mossholder @ Unsplash

Amsterdam

The characteristic flat shapes and simplistic forms of Dutch Design also come from this necessity to build on unstable land. The solution to this was the design of simpler structures that have a minimal footprint, and use materials in a very effective way.
Who’s Denilo ? @ Unsplash

Addition of modern technologies, like solar panels and wind turbines, have created a need to build flat and expansive building designs, to maximize energy harvesting. Also, the use of multi-season techniques, combined with natural brushes and woods, have made Dutch Design a leader in a more sustainable architecture design.

Dutch Design in Fashion

The distinctive aesthetic has also been applied to fashion, creating garments that are as iconic as they are functional.

The typical “Amsterdamlook”, or the casual, grungy and street-style look, incorporates a mix of fashion trends, classic Dutch pieces, like the clogs and iconic waffle print, and a modern twist with urban clothes and upcycled garments.

An example of this is the introduction of colorful and zigzag patterns, which are associated with the classic orange shirts from soccer team Ajax. Popularized by the late and renowned fashion designer, Mart Visser, it is a great example of how modern fashion designers can turn classic items into an evergreen fashion trend.

Another example of classic Dutch fashion is the Black Dutch Wax print fabric, used to create beautiful garments and is worn by people of all ages in the Netherlands and Africa. The fabric was initially imported in the mid 1800’s, and it was originally made in Indonesia.

Dutch Wax Print Fashion

This is just a small sample of the many clothing items made in the distinctive Dutch Style. The Dutch fashion industry has come a long way and it is known for its sustainable designs and creative use of materials.

The Future of Dutch Design

The distinctive aesthetic of Dutch Design continues to develop and evolve as each generation of Dutch people bring something new and creative to the table. Sustainability and functionality will continue to be fundamental to Dutch Design, as the country is always looking at ways to make its cities and design more environmentally friendly.

With Dutch Design entering the mainstream and spreading around the globe, it is safe to say its popularity will continue to grow in the years to come.

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