Natasha Veenhuizen, director of the sustainable fashion brand Van Der Kooij, immerses herself in New York’s creative scene during the 2025 We Wear Australian activation.
New York City served as a vibrant backdrop for Australian designer Natasha Veenhuizen, who recently participated in the 2025 We Wear Australian x Australia Post activation. As one of twelve selected Australian designers, Veenhuizen, the director of the sustainable fashion brand Van Der Kooij, arrived in the bustling city to showcase her work and engage with a community of like-minded creatives.
The week-long event was characterized by a flurry of activity and excitement. “The excitement and anticipation was high as we prepped for New York,” Veenhuizen noted, reflecting on the lead-up to the activation. The pace of preparation was fast, involving “final tweaks and last-minute adjustments” which kept her busy as the event approached.
Upon arrival, Veenhuizen quickly adapted to the city’s rapid rhythm. Among late-night walks through New York’s iconic streets, the designer found moments of inspiration and calm in what can be a notoriously overwhelming environment. She shared her experience visiting local magazine stores and making stops at places like a Bleecker Street film lab. The Franka Gown, one of her signature designs, was displayed for the first time, providing a moment of pride as it shone under the city lights.
Collaborating with fellow designers, including Karina from Relax Remade and Kaylene from Wah Wah, was a highlight of her trip. The trio aimed to capture the spirit of their collections through a photoshoot set against a winter wonderland. Scheduled following the biggest dump of snow of the season meant our model braved the cold like a champion,” Veenhuizen described, noting that the snow-covered streets of New York provided an enchanting backdrop.
Towards the end of her intensive schedule, Veenhuizen took some time to recharge. A day of exploration led her to a Pacer store, a personal favorite for mechanical pencils, and then onto Brooklyn for vintage shopping. “Thank you Freddie Fredricks for the recs… the finds were extraordinary!” she expressed, highlighting her enthusiasm for local discoveries.
As her New York adventure drew to a close, Veenhuizen managed to fit in a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to absorb some artistic inspiration. She concluded her trip with a wrap dinner hosted by Australia Post at Alba, surrounded by the other We Wear Australia designers. This final gathering encapsulated the essence of the week—a celebration of creativity and community within the vibrant tapestry of New York City.
Source: Noah Wire Services
