ROTTERDAM BASED
DESIGNER &
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ROTTERDAM BASED DESIGNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Designer
DICK VAN DER VLIES
Hello! I am Dick, I launched my LABEL DVDV in 1996. The concept behind my clothing brand is based on slow fashion. All new collections are easy to combine with previous collections.
Since the start, all items have been designed and handmade by myself, with great dedication, craftsmanship and passion for the fashion industry. When manufacturing, I use traditional craft and sewing techniques with my own patterns. My collections are distinguished by the use of natural, recycled and deadstock materials, resulting in unique items for both men and women. The characteristics of my collections are sustainability, ecological responsibility, timelessness and unisex designs.
I consistently work on new collections for both, women and men, available at the shop “van der vlies & koers” in Rotterdam.
Inspiration
Ardhanarishvara, a statue of Shiva in androgynous form, symbolizes the inseparable connection between male and female principles. This ancient statue was central to my final exam in fashion design at the Willem de Kooning Academy in 1995, in the graduation collection: DUALITY & RECONCILIATION. The patterns, lines and materials were for male and female. The collection was presented as a men’s collection, which also appealed to women. This signature is still recognizable in my current collections.
Internship India
In 1994, during my studies, I did an internship with the Indian designer Rohit Bal (who passed away in November 2024). His energy, respect for craftsmanship, Indian tradition and culture were a valuable learning experience for me. As a farewell gift, I received a traditional Angarakha men’s dress from Rajasthan as a gift. This traditional dress remains a treasured possession and source of inspiration. India remains my favorite country for inspiration and inner peace.
Training talent manager and project
Every human being has a unique talent at birth. In 2000 I followed a training to rediscover my unique talent. In 2011 I completed a year training as a talent manager with the project “small to big dresses” for business development. This project is also reversible to “big to small dresses,” to identify your personal unique talent.
Personal identity
Every human being is born with an unique talent and an essence for life. Personal identity is created from life experiences and protective mechanisms. These layers can further remove you from your essence. Ask yourself: is it adaptation or protection? What is your true personal identity now? Every choice reflects a part of you (represented in dresses). Step by step, get rid of these layers (dresses from large to small) to discover your true self, with insight and awareness.
Business identity development
The dress symbolizes your business growth. Each size dress represents a phase in your business development (dresses from small to large). When the basic development is there and the dress becomes too tight, you can go to a larger size for development. And so on. But if the dress does not fit perfectly, go back to the previous size. From this basis you work on new adjusted plans to grow again. This is how you build a stable business.