That is perhaps the last thing you expect when you go to an opening of Fred de la Bretoniere. Fred's designs are known for his pure and raw use of leather for mainly shoes and bags.

The previously launched ( during his forty years brand celebration) leather clothing collection in collaboration with Sjaak Hullekes has now got its own beautiful boutique in Amsterdam Old South. Sjaak also developed its own pretty simple signature as a young designer. A very talented young designer. See his work here: http://sjaakhullekes.blogspot.com/ Overall a great match for a collaboration. And even he is the young Dutch fashion design talent who Fred believes in for the future and invested heavily. But still, a lot of women apparently ( when they stood in front of their wardrobe) thought this: "Today I am going go to a store opening of Fred de la Bretoniere, "What should I wear? Yes!! a leopard print." How funny is that! Maybe not such a crazy thought, because Fred also used to create designs with amazing animal skins in the past, like snake or crocodile leather. Is that wild adventurous thing perhaps more what Fred orginally is to me and those women? The young attractive rebellious adventurous leather artist who made every single piece himself, loves celebrating life and travelling to Asia. He enjoyed working with my mother, who was at that time at a very influencial fashion stylist of fashion magazine Avenue. That's how we know eachother. I know Fred, since I was a young kid, as a cheerful happy man who can tell the best jokes and is a real good story teller.  Full of energy, creativity and always has the most beautiful women around him. To me an inspiring man full of colour. Even his daughter is a true beauty.

Then this simple clean cut and unfeminine leather tops and dresses? Does the raw touch, that works perfect for accessories, also has to work for a clean fashion piece cut? Anyways. Who am I to judge about it. Most importantly, he believes in supporting young talent and gives this young designer who he really believes in, the opportunity to have a platform to grow.  Who knows, Sjaak will be his future head of design. I think that many fashion businesses today should take this as an example in these rather difficult times. To give a real platform to one young designer you really believe in. Once, in the very beginning, thanks to him I got the chance to import the finest materials from Italy for my bags collection. Which I am still very grateful to him. He also gave many remeaning leather pieces to me, which I have made of my very first very bags.

(Most bloggers are placing a piece immediately after they have attended an event. Sometimes I prefer to take some time. A few weeks ago I visited this new store opening in Amsterdam Old South. Below more images, x x x)