About Lichting
Lichting was founded in 2007 to bridge the gap between Dutch fashion academies and the professional fashion industry. Every year, the platform brings together a selection of the most promising graduates from Dutch fashion schools in one central catwalk show. Here, they present their work to leading professionals from the fashion world, including designers, buyers, journalists, stylists, and other creative decision-makers.
Lichting is a joint initiative of Amsterdam Fashion Week and HTNK International and is one of the leading fashion initiatives in the Netherlands when it comes to both quality and representation. Over the past twenty editions, 258 designers participated in Lichting. For many, the platform formed an important first step towards an international network and a professional career.
As a result, Lichting has grown into a fixture at Amsterdam Fashion Week and an important platform for new Dutch design talent. A springboard for fashion talent. The impact of Lichting extends beyond just the annual winners. The visibility the show generates and the opportunity to present work directly to fashion press and industry professionals have contributed to the careers of many participating designers.
The alumni include Duran Lantink, a finalist in 2013 and now Creative Director at Jean Paul Gaultier alongside his own internationally renowned label; Danial Aitouganov, winner in 2016 and co-founder of the Paris-based label Zomer, after previously working at Chloé, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton; and Tess van Zalinge, a finalist in 2012 and known for her work in the field of sustainable and circular fashion.
New generation of designers
Meanwhile, a new generation of Dutch designers is also emerging, including Denzel Veerkamp, Rachel Klok, and Ruben Jurriën. A unique visual archive Peter Stigter has been photographing Lichting since the first edition, thereby building an exceptional visual archive of twenty years of up-and-coming fashion talent. “There is no other visual archive like this. The fact that we have been able to capture every student, every catwalk show, and every moment behind the scenes for twenty years forms a remarkable timeline of where Dutch fashion comes from and where it is heading.”— Peter Stigter.
For the exhibition, the Lichting team has curated a retrospective selection from this extensive archive. Large catwalk images are displayed throughout the central Passage of De Hallen. In addition, a presentation featuring behind-the-scenes footage offers a more intimate glimpse into the energy, emotions, and spontaneous moments surrounding the shows.
Practical information
Exhibition: 20 Years of Lichting – Captured by Peter Stigter Location: De Passage, De Hallen Amsterdam Opening: During Amsterdam Fashion Week Dates: September 1 to October 9 Admission: Free and open to the public
