Project Paris

The best way to go from Amsterdam to Paris is by train (in my opinion). It’s greener than a plane, slightly bit more leg space and there’s a compartment where you can walk to stretch your legs and get some food and drinks. It also brings you to the center of Paris without a lot of hassle.

The main purpose of my trip was to attend Première Vision, a place where all fashion businesses come together and accelerate their businesses. The fair will show you inspiration and trend forecasts for future seasons (this time it was Spring/Summer 2026). But it also has almost all the textile traders from all over the world. As someone who just makes tops (for now) I find it interesting to see what textiles are available to upgrade the basic tank tops into a fashionable one.

I managed to visit many stands and talked with some of them about their innovations and what focuses on sustainability they have. For me, focus on reducing my environmental footprint is very important. I want to think more about it than just to be another polluting company. We shared our contacts and will see if some of those textiles will appear in the 2026 collection…

I booked an extra few days to visit Paris, to see if it finally made me enjoy Paris. Due to some unfortunate events that happened to me in Paris once, it ruined the “aesthetic” for me. I often travel alone. It sometimes feels lonely but on the other hand you get to meet new people (if you are social of course) and you don’t have to wait for each other to go see something.

My first stop was a big one, the Arc de Triomphe. This was my sixth time in Paris, but I never seen this arch up close… It is fascinating how big monuments are in comparison to things in The Netherlands. I think our biggest icon is the Erasmus Brug in Rotterdam… Anyway, I visited the Notre Dame cathedral, Sacre Coeur, Rue Muller (yes It exists) and of course the Icon, the Eiffel tower.

My first time in Paris was when I was a little kid with my parents. They pulled me out of Disneyland to walk through the city for hours to finally visit the tower at the end. We only went up the second floor due to someone being afraid of heights. This time I went all the way to the top. It felt great, but also metaphorical. I’ve always felt second best; this time I am on top.

So besides finding success during my business/inspiration visit, I also managed to find some leisure and cheer out of my visit. I met lovely people, bought something nice and I acted like a real tourist instead of acting it cool. And I think that brought a little spark in my heart for Paris. Maybe it is good I left the day before Valentine’s Day…

Returned from the Future, back in the Now. Collection 2025 will be out soon.