Sil Oosterbaan, 31, Founder of Pinkorange
Tell us your story?
We started Pinkorange more as a creative agency working with artists making content, this evolved into a brand that still fundamentally works with artists
What was your style like as a teenager?
I went from football sporty to skater/surfer dude
Was there a defining moment in your younger life that shaped the way you dress?
Not sure if there was a defining moment. If I have to believe my mom, I was always very picky and overall interested in what I was wearing on a daily basis
How has yor upbringing influenced the way you see fashion?
Small town energy, accepting everyone no matter how they look since you had to get along. And besides that I was always outside doing something active or creative
What was the first thing you ever designed that felt ‘right’?
No so much designing, but I felt really excited about my video editing phase when I was younger. This definitely opened up my creative ambition
Talk us through your role...
I founded the brand and am mainly running it by myself. The most valuable person is Pepijn, who is our fashion designer
Common misconception about your job?
You plan much further ahead than people think
Tell us about a proud moment in your career?
Our debut runway show at Amsterdam Fashion Week last September made me feel proud
Where does your process begin when you’re developing something new?
Researching artists to collaborate with
What’s the hardest compromise you’ve had to make for your brand?
Often I feel there is never enough time for the design process
How do you decide when a collection is ‘finished’?
When the production deadlines are passed, and there is no time to work on it any longer
What does pressure look like in your job and how do you deal with it?
It's much about feeling good about the results while still maintaining deadlines
How do you want people to feel when they wear your clothes?
Slightly uncomfortable since its something different, which end up making people feel unique and confident
What’s the most worn item in your wardrobe right now?
A vintage leather jacket that I found in a London thrift store
What’s one truth about fashion that took you years to learn?
Finding my 'voice', knowing what I want to make
Are you more stylish than your romantic partner?
She's way more experimental than I am, which I love
Underrated fashion icon/some one whose style you admire right now?
Michael Todd Gordon (Mk. Gee), but he's not really underrated
What does success look like for your brand in the future? What are your dream projects?
I just want to make pieces that make me feel excited to wear, and I would like to make enough revenue with this that we can work on seperate projects in arts and nature
What change do you wish to see in the fashion industry and the way people shop?
I would love to see people care a little more
AI in fashion. What's your predictions?
A lot more noise, but also a lot more care for craftsmanship and creativity
Do you think the industry gives designers enough space to evolve?
The quick turnover makes it hard to evolve, this is besides the fact that money is not a given fact in this industry. These things combined with the need to be relevant, creates a lot of pressure on the designers. If people would care more, buy less and are willing to spend a little more for quality, designers will get more space to evolve
What do you think matters too much in fashion right now?
Social media plays a major role, I'd love to see more offline in-depth events
What references influence you outside of fashion?
The music industry is a big inspiration to me
