Akademie Vogue student Milou Hoogkamer launches a creative editorial project that emphasizes playful design and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
In a creative endeavor to explore sustainability in fashion, Milou Hoogkamer is undertaking an editorial project for her styling course at Akademie Vogue. This initiative marks the first time she is spearheading such a venture, and she is approaching it with notable enthusiasm, rallying models, photographers, and designers to join her in her artistic exploration.
Hoogkamer’s conceptual theme centers on the idea of rediscovering the world through a playful lens. “I want to embrace the playful side of life to come to new creative insights. Let’s take a break from all our adult nonsense and responsibilities,” she expressed in recognition of the underlying motivations for her project. To convey this vision, she created a visualization board filled with primary colors, an assortment of toys, and models that embody the spirit of play.
To ensure the project aligns with her sustainability goals, Hoogkamer has opted to employ eco-friendly materials throughout the process. “How wasteful is it to order and return multiple outfits for one photoshoot? It can be done more easily and sustainably!” she stated, showcasing her commitment to reducing environmental impact in the fashion industry.
In her effort to combat the prevalent issue of fast fashion, Hoogkamer has selected clothing items not only from her own wardrobe but also from the closets of family members. However, seeking to make a broader impact, she reached out to professionals in the industry. This outreach led her to collaborate with two designers, DFC_Upcycling and Sophie Fabre Design, who share her vision of creating new clothing from existing materials.
Dide Verkerk, founder of DFC Upcycling, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices through her collection titled “TIDES OF TRANSFORMATION.” She remarked, “I have a love-hate relationship with the fashion industry,” acknowledging the freedoms it offers while also recognizing its environmental consequences. Her brand is dedicated to redefining waste, creating meaningful fashion pieces that advocate for a sustainable future.
Sophie Fabre, of Sophie Fabre Design, shared her own journey in sustainable fashion, offering insight into her artistic approach. She recalled her introduction to upcycling through the creation of a jacket made from leftover materials and stuffed animals sourced from thrift stores. “Working with recycled materials brought so much joy, love, and passion within me that I never wanted to do it any other way,” she highlighted, expressing how each of her designs tells a unique story and demonstrates the fusion of art and sustainability.
Hoogkamer’s project showcases models who reflect the playful themes she aims to capture, working with photographer Muriël Wolf, hair and make-up artist Shao Lin, and additional collaborators. The editorial will also highlight jewelry by Lottie Jewels and toys from Speelotheek Hillegom, integrating various elements to enrich the overall narrative.
Through her editorial and collaboration with sustainable designers, Milou Hoogkamer is carving out a space for intentional fashion that both champions creativity and addresses the pressing issue of environmental impact in the industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
