Karlijn Boersma

Karlijn Boersma

As a sociologist I believe fashion is not just a product. It is mixing and connecting the different parts of our social life. During my studies at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute and Master Sociology at the University of Amsterdam I did research about how or if people create an identity with their clothing and the way they dress themselves. This resulted in a wardrobe study. A lot of people just put on clothing in the morning and they don’t really know why. So it is a very good method to be in their homes and see what they have in their closets. They all have memories and stories about the things they have in their closets.

I’m interested by the connections and interactions between people and groups and believe they are most important for everything we do. When people are happy they simply create better work. This applies to the whole chain: from designers to the people in the stores selling our clothes. All of these people help you to create the perfect product.

Fashion label: First of August (FoA.)

First of August is an Amsterdam-based fashion company. The inspiration out of moments in Karlijn’s daily life assembled into the three elements that First of August exists of today; a clothing label FoA, an online store and a platform FoA. Academy. The academy is a platform for young intellectuals to connect fashion, cultures and social trends to sociological insights. By organizing lecture evenings young researchers can share their interesting research projects and a more in-depth perspective on fashion and style will be explored. The next edition will be held at Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam.

Photo: Jane Johannes