Interview with Marije Goekoop.
Her eclectic styling for Vogue Nederland catching all the attention of thousand of Vogue's lectors around the world every month, I'm so excited about this interview, I'm so lucky of this oportunity, so I asked her the first thing that came from my mind, enjoy it!
Interview by Daniel Frischmann.
Earliest fashion memory?
I was two years old and I would never left my house without a handbag and nailpolish.
What made you want to become a stylist?
From an early age I loved fashion magazines and I was In the fortunate position because I grew up with some of the best designers in the Netherlands of that time like Frank Govers and Puck&Hans. Because of this I attended already fashion shows at the age of five and was a frequent visitor in ateliers.
Your favorite fashion influences?
From gothic people in the street, National Geographic, story books, films, clubs, etc. etc. I look always around me and find inspiration in the oddest places. Before Vogue I was freelance and have the opportunity to backpack a lot through South East Asia for months in a row. Traveling to remote places gives me a lot of inspiration.
What is the inspiration behind starting a fashion editorial?
That can be anything from anywhere, a movie or tv, a museum, a festival, a person, a clipping from a newspaper, a fairytale, a cartoon. Never stop dreaming and use your imagination! go down the rabbit hole, I would say!
What makes a great fashion image?
If there is a sincere feeling in it, which you can even feel on paper…..it’s a good question but hard to answer: a lot of great images flip through my mind and all very diverse. You are as good as your team: so if photography, styling, hair, make up and model all in synchronism, you’ll have a great fashion image!
You often reference the arts in your work, who are your arts icons?
I must say again that you should be open to everything, and don’t close your heart and mind because of judging: what you like or don’t like is a restriction! By doing that you narrow your mind and ideas. If you don’t judge but see if it can inspire you, your world is much bigger and also happier! In other words: I like so many artists, designers and musicians. For example: I wouldn’t like to have a van Gogh on my wall, but he could be great for a make up idea for a photoshoot. The black square from Malevich could be a great backdrop for a shoot, Egon Schiele has great poses to inspire the model etc, etc. Be open to anything and you’ll like it!
What is your own definition of style?
When somebody is original: that’s why I like birds of paradise which have there own style…it makes me smile. Nowadays people copy each other so much (me too…..ouch..) and it is boring. I like young kids who scrap together a look from second hand markets and live in their own world.
Do you think there’s a particular look or aesthetic that define your work?
I do think I like to scream a bit in a nice way… Like: Hello, Wakeup! and I do like strong to portray a strong woman.
What era do you think is the most glamorous?
The twenties (and a bit before….), Ballets russes, Schiaparelli, Chanel, Poiret, erté, ferragamo, Bloomsbury group, Picasso, van Dongen, Braque, Leger, art deco….the list is endless and I could go on for a long time…..I would have loved to be at the extravagant parties which they used to hold in those days……
Who do you think is the most influential icon of this generation?
I answer this question with some musicians : Die Antwoord, Stromae , Lady Gaga, Pharrel Williams , (but my iconic list could be endless and in many fields…)
The proudest moment of your career?
When Vogue NL asked me to become Fashion Editor.
Who is the most memorable person you have worked with?
I just did two shoots with make up artist Topolino and I loved working with him, and for me he is an Icon in the fashion industry.
Most exciting experience as Fashion Editor?
There are many many exciting moments , but I was very grateful that I was attending the defile of Rick Owens (SS14). It was so powerful and tribal and great!
You’re from Netherlands, what do you think is about distinctive about Dutch style?
Well…..the dutch are not well know for being very elegant and stylish….it’s a lot about comfort while we ride bicycles in all weather conditions , but I do think we are very strong in denim culture. (we have many great denim brands in the Netherlands).
What would be your advice for someone who is starting a fashion career?
Try to assist different people: it’s the best way to learn in the real live(give yourself time to learn: a lot of people nowadays are too much in a rush to get to the top! I still learn every day!) .
Go travel or read National Geographic: great for inspiration, go to museums and art galleries: there is a lot of inspiration in art (and also in the artists themselves!). Clubbing and festivals, fancy dress parties: open your eyes and you see great ideas!
Favorite?
Song: Baz Luhrmann: Everybody’s free (to wear sunscreen). Great lyrics!!!
Book: I just finished ‘A fine balance’ by Rohinton Mistry. Very intense! Heavy but beautiful and I couldn’t stop reading.
Designer: is difficult, while I like so many!!!!
From the (kind of) new designers on the block I like Sacai, Ashish and JW Anderson……but again….I like so many! I can’t really answer this question
Just like music it depends on my mood or what I am working on, so it various from classical to heavy metal so to speak….And I love so many!
