We have been friends with Berlin-based everlasting source for inspiration Freunde von Freunden since its inception, so it was a great honor to be featured as one of their Workplaces visits in the Summer of 2014. Yesterday marked another great Freunde von Freunden moment for us, as we were very proud to see our close friend (and Tenue de Nîmes partner) Menno van Meurs as the latest addition in the series that focusses on the work environment. Shot by our friend Jordi Huisman and interviewed by CreativeMornings host Margot van der Krogt, Menno opened up both the doors of his home and the epicenter of the Tenue de Nîmes operation located in the far West of Amsterdam; sharing his passion for denim, vintage design and all those other things that get better over time, in other words: 'the good things in life'. Forming the firm fundament of Tenue, both as the shaping inspirations that have formed us and subsequently in the curation and creation of everything being released by and under the Tenue de Nîmes label. [ Continue reading ]
Two years ago we wrote about the impressive first collaboration between Converse and one of our favorite brands around; Hancock Vulcanised Articles. Since then it was succeeded twice and today marks the fourth joint endeavor by the two brands which is again of the highest standard. Using subtle colors and graphic juxtaposition as the main inspirations, the worldwide release of today signifies the first time Hancock DNA has been incorporated into the premium Converse Jack Purcell Signature silhouette. Available in three complementary colorways – Autumn, Taupe and Black – the latter featuring Hancock’s striking Siphonia Elastica rubber plant print, each sneaker is completed with a contrasting top eyelet detail with interchangeable laces, making this the perfect hybrid of the Purcell's classic design and Hanock's cutting edge garments. [ Continue reading ]
We are very proud to introduce another remarkable Tenue de Nîmes collaboration, this time having joined forces with none less then Hancock VA, presenting two perfect coats for a rainy winter, both presented under an iconic bespoke collaborative label. Hancock VA's Art.41 coat in black/taupe is an elegant single-breasted raincoat. Concealed placket, exposed top button, two front pocket welts and rear button down vent detail and a detachable quilted liner in khaki makes it perfect to keep you dry and warm during the colder months. The elasticated jersey trim featured in all new Quilted Articles of Hancock VA is a reference to Thomas Hancock's first ever patent in 1820 when he invented elastication in clothing, where the V-Quilt is also a Hancock signature that refers to ‘vulcanisation’. The second coat; Hancock's Art.49, which was created in night/ink is the modern trenchcoat redefined. It featuring a cross-over, concealed fastening for a clean aesthetic, leather buckle tension belt and traditional shaped, adjustable sleeve tabs. Another proud step forward in the Tenue de Nîmes universe. [ Continue reading ]
Last week marked the proud release of Tenue de Nîmes' 12th printed Journal de Nîmes, with the new issue centered around the theme ’New Vintage’. In the 92 pages we share the brands or products which we feel our kids will be collecting as the ’New Vintage' one day. Starting with fashion visionary Ralph Lauren who founded his beloved ‘Double RL’ brand 1993, after being the first rebel to sell vintage next to his ‘new’ clothing in New York City making him something of an icon for this particular issue. We take you to Mr. Lauren’s most personal archive, which he continues to use to spread his deep love for the rugged spirit of the American West in his full diversity. Furthermore Journal Nº 12 highlights some of the most inspiring brands that successfully used their inspiration of the past into a contemporary collection, which inspire us in everything we do ourselves. [ Continue reading ]
After we announced the arrival of the new Tenue de Nîmes jeans last June, today we are ready to share the ‘Pablo’ - created out of a Japanese fabric named 'Memphis Blue' - in all its indigo glory. To fulfill the high expectations, both internally as from the outside world, in the creation of the perfect Tenue de Nîmes denim, before the start of production the roots of sincere quality in denim were researched and found in Italy. Over the course of the past decades the European country has been the unquestionable authority in the production and development of the highest quality jeans and therefore it was decided that the 'Pablo' would be produced by a small factory in Italy, an hour away from Veneto, owned by an Italian family business. The new jeans serve the traditional denim aficionado to all its wishes, being a straight jean with a slightly more relaxed top-block and a slim but easy leg, resulting in a more classic ‘Americana’ model compared to the first jean produced by Tenue; the slimmer - sold out - 'Charles' which preceded the 'Pablo'. If you want to be part of Tenue de Nîmes history make sure to quickly order online or pick one of the 140 pairs up at the stores. Before its too late.. [ Continue reading ]
While researching for Tenue de Nîmes' very own jeans line, one of the most significant conclusions which were drawn from looking back in time was the fact that after more than half a century of denim being an oftenly used fabric in fashion, it has returned to its roots: to serve as work wear. When looking at how people dress themselves, we see denim as work wear for people in advertising, in marketing or for people teaching history at the University of Amsterdam. But also people in finance or lawyers show us that ‘Casual Fridays’ are behind us as the only day for denim, and therefore we were inspired to create a new, smarter denim option to dress for work. To serve just the results of what we found in the research: giving people an elegant and modern garment to wear at work. To read more about our search for the best denim in the world, check out our article on Tenue de Nîmes Jeans in Journal de Nîmes Nº11. [ Continue reading ]
We are only in the second month of the new year and there is already an important new Tenue de Nîmes collaboration to be celebrated in 2015. It all started last October, when the legendary Tricker's shoe store in London at 67 Jeremy Street was visited for the very first time, to start the process of the creation of a series of Tricker's x Tenue de Nîmes shoes. Barely four months later, a first collection is ready, consisting of three genuine Tricker's classic pieces inspired by the rich history of the English shoe brand that was established in 1829. The classic models were given an elegant translation fitting in the Tenue universe, resulting in a collection to be proud of, created for everyone who's enjoying the good things in life. [ Continue reading ]
Last week marked the first great release of 2015: Journal de Nîmes Nº 11 was officially launched at Tenue de Nîmes, with many more releases and projects laying ahead in this exciting year. The all-yellow issue resolves around The Future and although this seems the case with every new Journal, feels like another step towards the next level. To tell the story on how we see the future, a narrative was created which examines both past and future, based on the idea that if you want to look ahead, you can not do so without finding the roots from where progression will grow. In Nº 11 the brands are presented, which capture everything that we feel is required to be successful in the 21st century. On the one hand this resulted in a story on one of the biggest brands of the last ten years, Acne, but also Porsche is featured through a story on Ron Dickinson, founder at Singer Vehicle Design shot by Thomas Tukker. Our favorite Hancock is to be found as a prime example of a brand translating traditional techniques to the 21st century and also the first introduction of the Tenue de Nîmes Private Label is here, searching for timeless appeal and quality in all its designs. Our upcoming adventure into the world of optics named Mottainai is also presented for the very first time ever, implementing elements from the past into a futuristic concept. We will dwell on those thrilling projects in the near future, when the time has come, until then enjoy Tenue's exclusive vision for the future. [ Continue reading ]
Last week the official release of the first collaboration between Tenue de Nîmes and our friend Jason Denham was finally here. With combined forces a special Double Dutch limited edition varsity sweatshirt was created. Triggered by vintage Japanese denim and chambray monogram fabrics, the Tenue de Nîmes ‘cross’ log is represented on the sweater alongside Jason's 'scissors’ and Amsterdam’s triple X logo as a tribute to Japanese textile. The sweatshirt’s design features a subtle twist that employs unconventional single-jersey gussets beneath the arms to increase comfort, movement and breathability. Overall spoken a clean, with subtle repeated grid pattern sweater was created for both men and women celebrating excellence in denim from Amsterdam. [ Continue reading ]
We are very happy to finally share the earlier announced and just released Pastoe x Tenue the Nîmes collection, featuring special denim editions of two Pastoe classics: the FM06 lounge chair and the KM05 stool. The collection is based on the shared love for quality and craftsmanship by both the centennial Utrecht-based company and Tenue. Furthermore the collaboration underlines both companies’ philosophy of using sustainable materials and striving for simplicity, functionality and eye for detail. The FM06 lounge chair will be available in black steel wire with walnut wooden armrests and features a Kurabo-denim upholstered seat and back cushion, which has an exclusive leather patch attached at the side, showing both the ‘Pastoe x Tenue de Nîmes’ logo and its serial number. The KM05 stool also comes in black steel wire and features a detachable Kurabo-denim cushion, also with a leather patch containing the ‘Pastoe x Tenue de Nîmes’ logo. From today, both the lounge chair and the stool are available exclusively in the Tenue the Nîmes stores and online. [ Continue reading ]
We are extremely proud to present the 10th issue of Journal de Nîmes, which was released at Tenue de Nîmes last Friday in the midst of the Amsterdam Denim Days. In honor of the denim event, this particular issue was drenched in indigo and might just be our most ambitious magazine till date. The Amsterdam Denim Days, which took place from Wednesday until Saturday, brought the national and international denim community to the city with the highest concentration of denim brands. The event was a collaborative effort of The House of Denim initiative, Modefabriek (Blueprint) and HTNK Fashion recruitment & consultancy and among other events featured the American Kingpins Show, which previously took place in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. Journal de Nîmes Nº 10 features several in-depth stories on individuals and initiatives from the world of denim and some photographic editorials, among which is a shoot giving the spectator a peek into the ever-growing denim archive of Tenue de Nîmes. [ Continue reading ]
Last friday we celebrated the 5th anniversary of Tenue de Nîmes. When we started Tenue de Nîmes in 2008 we could not possibly have imagined where our lovely journey would take us in the following years. Our first Journal de Nîmes presented our Tenue de Nîmes philosophy to the world. And five years later here’s the 10th issue. The 5 Year Anniversary issue. [ Continue reading ]
I've been at Tenue de Nîmes from the very first beginning. As the creative partner, I am responsible for the identity of Tenue de Nîmes. This includes the graphic design, the concept of the store's interior and both the prints – the Journal and Nouvelle de Nîmes – we've published. Although I started as a graphic designer, I can't say I still am today. My motto "Creative Direction in Elegant Creativity" is the starting point for everything I touch and work with. Whether it is an exhibition design on the history of jeans in the Centraal Museum, an identity for a series of skin care stores, a national Dutch stamp -soon- or an advertising campaign for a leading baby stroller brand. And even on a personal level, my private collections of vintage denim aprons, antique money bags or Japanese Kokeshi dolls, they're all rooted in this elegant creativity. [ Continue reading ]
Last month was a crazy one. We traveled form Amsterdam to Tokyo, to Basel, to Lisbon for both business and pleasure. In the coming days we'll share some of our experiences here. To start with Japan. Together with Menno and Rene - Tenue de Nîmes - we went to Japan to get some serious indigo and retail inspiration. Besides our amazing visit to Takeo Paper, we were invited to visit this indigo paradise of the legendary Bryan Whitehead. [ Continue reading ]
After months of hard work, designing, building, creating new collections of vintage photographs, frame antique pressed flowers from my grandparents, putting together a diverse collections of boxing memorabilia, we are super proud with the official opening of the second Tenue de Nîmes store in Amsterdam! Housed in Amsterdam's Haarlemmerstraat the store is divided into a separate men's and women's world, referred to as Tenue de Nîmes 'Mesdames' and 'Messieurs'. [ Continue reading ]
The last ‘Monday Must Haves’ before Christmas shows a curated selection of goods by Tenue de Nîmes together with Miscellaneous and Red Wing Shoes Store Amsterdam. This week with the Red Wing Shoes store exclusive Beckman Moc 9030 Antique Cigar, the… [ Continue reading ]
A new ‘Monday’s Must Haves’, the curated selection of goods by Tenue de Nîmes, Miscellaneous and the Red Wing Shoes Store Amsterdam: The navy Duluth Pack Scout Pack, more navy with the Burlington Edinburgh’s, Tajika Scissors… [ Continue reading ]
My favorite accessories brand Travelteq teamed up with Tenue de Nîmes to create this limited edition Laptop Bag. Hand made in Italy from Florentine Vacchetta leather combined with a characteristic Japanese selvage Chambray the bag contains 8 compartments of which 3 zipped, plus one… [ Continue reading ]
This beautiful jersey by Tenue de Nîmes and Armor Lux deserves a good place in ‘Another Gift Guide‘. A classic piece with a modern twist, in an amazing quality. This limited edition sailor stripe was knitted and manufactured in Quimper, French Brittany for Armor Lux and… [ Continue reading ]
Tomorrow, during the 3rd anniversary of Tenue de Nîmes, they will launch a limited edition pair of hand-dyed indigo Chuck Taylor All Stars high top sneakers.
The Chuck Taylor All Star serves as a perfect muse for Tenue de Nîmes. With deep roots in style and culture, both the Chuck Taylor All Star shoe and indigo denim have led somewhat parallel lives. The Chuck Taylor All Star shoe and a pair of jeans have long been a staple of youth culture and music and have served as a symbol of independence for decades. [ Continue reading ]
What do Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Brigitte Bardot, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, The Ramones and French Fishermen have in common? They all loved the Breton stripes. And so does Tenue de Nîmes. Tenue de Nîmes and French knitwear brand Armor Lux have… [ Continue reading ]
In the past months we’ve been busy fine-tuning the Tenue de Nîmes webshop and we’re happy to say that we are almost there. Well, we ARE already there! You can shop, get inspired in the blog and enjoy our denim dictionary. But… [ Continue reading ]
After working on the leather patch for the new collaboration between Tenue de Nîmes and Naked & Famous, a clash between Amsterdam and Canada, I completely fell in love with the 13oz green, rope-dyed army repro denim. The mid-green color proved a particular challenge since the… [ Continue reading ]
Somewhere soon, Tenue de Nîmes will be launching their exclusive and hand dyed Indigo Chuck Taylor All Star’s. I’v had a sneak preview and really can’t wait to share more. Lie low, hold on, stand by and stay tuned!… [ Continue reading ]