At Tessa Koops boutique on Herenstraat in Amsterdam it is anything but boring. Koops sits among the seas of colored prints and vintage furniture with her cats Floyd, Tartufo and Babybel. FashionUnited spoke to Koops about everything to do with Tessa, and it quickly became clear that cheerfulness is central to the brand’s DNA: “The word cheerful seems light-hearted, but I have noticed that it really makes people happy,” she says. “Clothes influence your state of mind, it can enhance your mood and how you want to express yourself.” This idea forms the basis of her designs: clothing that is not only beautiful, but also contributes to how you position yourself towards the world and how you feel.
A brand for idiosyncratic women
Koops’ collections do not focus on micro trends, but do continue to keep up with the times. “Fashion moves, and I move too.” She emphasizes that her designs are intended for women who dare to deviate from the crowd and remain true to their own style. “I do not make cool clothes, but my clothes are worn by cool, powerful women,” “Stubbornness and personality are woven into my designs. Women feel confident in my clothes, because they don’t necessarily follow the latest trends, but can enhance their own style.”
In a world where androgynous and unisex fashion are gaining ground, Koops maintains a balance between femininity and contrasts. She also sees her designs as complements to other, more sedate brands and is inspired by the ’70s – an era that she believes really carries a “retro vibe” and nostalgia. This is reflected in the prints and silhouettes she creates: from flared trousers and waistcoats to blouses with puffed sleeves and long wrap dresses that women can wear both cool and chic. “The Dutch woman likes to wear a sturdy boot under a dress, instead of an elegant pump. That’s something I always keep in mind when designing. For me, the dress is and will remain the eternal hit.”
The creative process: fabric and print
For Koops, the creative process always starts with the print or quality of the fabric. “It almost always starts with the print,” she explains. “When I see a print, I think about which piece of clothing goes with it. The cloth determines whether it will be a flowing dress or a cool jacket.” Her collection consists of a mix of self-designed prints and carefully selected patterns from print houses within Europe. These prints are specially coloured, changed, adjusted and enlarged to give them a unique character. “I work seasonally with color blocks that appeal to me, such as warm tones in the fall or fresh blue-green combinations for the summer,” she says.
Koops also loves working on samples herself, she often cuts her own samples to see how fabrics work together, which makes the process very hands-on. “I don’t work with technical drawings; I design based on feeling. Working from a drawing is often not a round process, while a woman also simply has three-dimensionality.” This also provides a personal touch: “I think that the personal is very important. Personal attention in all areas. I have not chosen, for example, to be called Bombari as a brand. My name is my brand.”
Future plans: Innovation and Playfulness
Tessa Koops’ future looks promising. “We want to keep the Dutch market stable, but also expand to Germany,” says Koops. “Playfulness remains an important value within the brand. It ensures that we continue to surprise and remain creative.”
Tessa Koops remains true to her vision: designing clothing for women who want to go through life with idiosyncrasy and cheerfulness. Her mix of vibrant prints, flowing fabrics and personal approach makes her brand loved by both retailers and consumers. “I hope to bring playfulness to women, mostly creative women, with my brand. Playfulness can continue to surprise you and playfulness gives you a bit of character.”
Source: fashionunited.nl
