After individually being titled as stylist, Leonie and Lois met each other 5 years ago at the School of Arts (HKU). They are inspired by each other with their different views on the same projects. Their mutual fascination for crafts and the passion for repurpose waste, results in graduating together with the project Spijkerbrij. In July 2014, they started their own company Leonie & Lois.
How would you describe your work? What is your technique?
To show the whole story and process from waste material to new products we build a portable factory. Our inspiration comes from crafts, by collecting knowledge from craftsman and turn it into a new concept. Spijkerbrij is a result of our visit to the old paper mill in Zaandam, where the still make paper out of old cloth. Instead of making paper of old jeans we wanted to press 3D-products.
"We think it's very important to show how a product is made, and who made it."
Have you shown your collections before? if so, where?
Since last july we have been traveling around with our portable factory. It's great to see such a respond on our project. When we were graduated for only two weeks, our first showcase was at the Modefabriek in Amsterdam. After that we collaborated with stores by doing events together and with schools by giving workshops. In April we were part of the Amsterdam Denim Days and we took our factory international, giving live demonstrations at Salone del Mobile in Milan!
