Denzel Veerkamp convincing and passionate debut show at Amsterdam Fashion Week
On September 6th, Denzel Veerkamp debuted with a solo show during Amsterdam Fashion Week. Named'Abrasei', the show was a vibrant expression of cultural storytelling through fashion, music, and movement, staged at Studio Wieman in Amsterdam-Noord. With this well researched project, he presented a heartfelt and innovative tribute to the Afro-Surinamese culture.
The collection, deeply personal and influenced by Denzel’s first visit to Suriname earlier this year, represented a journey into the heart of his heritage. The title Abrasei, meaning "on the other side" or "overseas," symbolized the connection between his bi-cultural roots, drawing on the history and the broader narrative of the Surinamese Diaspora. Every piece in this collection reflects a part of that journey— exploring the complexities, the strength, and the beauty of his Afro-Surinamese identity.
The show opened with a moving performance by Surinamese flutist Ronald Snijders, setting the tone for an evening that flowed between fashion and performance. With a series of 25 distinct looks, inspired by the rich and distinct Creole culture, each piece reflected Denzel’s commitment to preserving traditional Surinamese dress while giving it a contemporary, Afro-futuristic twist.
The collection was centered around the themes of dignity, stoic virtues and self-defense, allowing each model to carry out a certain form of cultural storytelling. From traditional starch experiments to distinct choices in material use. For instance, the show opened with a look based on the traditional koto silhouette in a modernized version with a mini skirt, made from an unsold bedsheet. Or the graphical elements usually seen on traditional pangi’s, which were applied as artisanal embroidery’s on some of the garments throughout the collection. By solely using existing materials, Veerkamp not only demonstrated the power of reuse. By weaving the cultural and circular motives together, a unique and exciting framework of both artistic- and personal, Afro-Futuristic expression was chiseled.
The show, that was more like a happening, resulted of a dedicated team working tirelessly to bring Denzel’s vision to life. From the dynamic choreography to the scenography, which had the entire space filled with bouquets of flowers held together with left over scraps from
the collection, which got handed out to the audience afterwards. To the artistically crafted music, and every behind-the-scenes detail, countless individuals poured their creativity and skill into making the event a success. Their collective effort was crucial in translating the concept of Abrasei into a visually and emotionally rich experience.
Partners including WE Fashion, Gideon Italiaander, MAC, Sebastian Professional, Studio
Wieman, The Gang is Beautiful, Soulfood Noord, BAAS Amsterdam, GDFL Brassband,
Stichting Cordaan, Amsterdam750, AFK, Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, played
pivotal roles in supporting and elevating the show. Through material donations, creative
collaboration, funding and logistical support, their contributions were essential in
shaping this unique night.
As Atelier Denzel Veerkamp reflects on its debut, the excitement for future projects is
palpable. This show marked a significant milestone, showcasing a creative vision that
merges cultural research, industrial change, and storytelling through fashion. The night
was heart-fulfilling, reminding everyone involved why this artistic journey holds so much
purpose.
Photography: Peter Stigter
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