Elle’s Front Row: My Amsterdam Fashion Week Diary

Amsterdam Fashion Week is always the moment when the city feels like a catwalk, streets buzzing with style, and everyone stepping fully into their main character energy. This season, I had the absolute pleasure of attending Elle’s Front Row, an exclusive live podcast hosted by Elle Nederland.

The event itself felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape. The space at The Hub was drenched in color, layered with designer details, and sprinkled with the kind of aesthetic touches that make you want to capture every angle. From chic silhouettes hanging elegantly in the backdrop to the effervescent energy of the crowd, it was an atmosphere where fashion, creativity, and conversation all intertwined seamlessly.

On stage, the brilliant panel featured Gigi van der Swaan, Taviza Balraadjsing, and Saskia van Hofwegen, each of them embodying a different perspective on style and identity. Their conversation wasn’t just insightful; it felt like a reminder that fashion is about much more than clothes, it’s about self-expression, presence, and freedom.

Of course, I couldn’t resist joining the conversation. I asked a question close to my heart: as a performing artist, how do I separate my everyday style from my stage style? Saskia’s advice was refreshingly liberating. She reminded me that if I want to wear something as simple as jeans, I can elevate them with the right accessories, and more importantly, that women don’t need to be tied to one version of themselves. We’re multifaceted, ever-evolving, and can embody different styles depending on the moment.

Now, if you know me, you’ll understand why this advice felt both inspiring and challenging. I’ve always believed that an artist needs a signature style, a look that becomes instantly recognizable, almost like a calling card. And while I adore the idea of freedom in fashion, I still stand firmly by my love for a curated personal brand. But maybe the real magic lies somewhere in the middle: a signature essence that allows room to play, experiment, and evolve. (Stay tuned, because that’s definitely a blog post for another day!)

What I loved most about Elle’s Front Row wasn’t just the advice or the gorgeous setting, it was the people. The chance to mingle, connect, and share ideas with fellow creatives made the experience unforgettable. There’s something so empowering about being in a room full of people who live and breathe fashion, each with their own interpretation of what it means to be the main character.

Walking away from the event, I felt both inspired and grounded in my own journey. Grateful to Elle for curating such a stylish, thought-provoking evening, and even more excited for what’s next, because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that fashion is not just what we wear. It’s how we own the room.