Lotte Gulpers

Department: Man and Leisure
Website: lottegulpers.com

Swart Laeken

What: Natural fabric inspired by heritage Dutch cloth that aims to once again put quality and craftsmanship first instead of last.

Why: The black woollen Swart Laeken fabric, portrayed in Dutch 17th-century paintings, reflects a quality far removed from the modern fashion industry. Today’s focus on aesthetics and profit margins results in badly-constructed clothing made of cheap mixed-fibre fabrics. By rediscovering past strengths, we can improve the way we do things today.

How: These handwoven garments are made from local Zwartbles wool, dyed with organic indigo and lined with linen. They show how high-quality garments made with care can be designed to last a lifetime.

“Quality clothing can become heirlooms, passed on to future generations”