Roger Gerards, Creative Director of Vlisco, discusses the brand’s heritage, design influences, and unique fabric names.
Vlisco is renowned globally for its vibrant fabrics, innovative prints, and exceptional craftsmanship. Since 1846, they have produced 350,000 distinct textiles, leaving a significant mark on the fashion scenes in west and central Africa as well as major fashion hubs worldwide. High-profile designers like Burberry, Dries van Noten, and Comme des Garçons have featured Vlisco designs in their collections, showcasing the brand’s influence.
Vlisco stands out as more than just a textile manufacturer, being the sole creator of authentic Dutch Wax fabrics known for their exclusive designs, colors, and unique wax crackle. Releasing four collections annually, their fabrics are a fusion of tradition, artistry, and creativity. In the realm of textiles, Vlisco is truly exceptional.
What inspires Vlisco’s print designs?
Vlisco draws inspiration from its rich heritage and distinctive style rather than external sources. Their design process involves advanced technology to create initial sketches, meticulously refining every detail to craft technically sound and imaginative masterpieces. Designers invest significant time in each drawing, often keeping their ideas closely guarded. Occasionally, they share the concept behind a design with the Creative Director, Roger Gerards, but these insights usually remain within the design team. The artwork itself conveys the essence of their vision.
How are Vlisco fabrics named, and where do the names originate?
The tradition of naming Vlisco fabrics originated from traders who found it challenging to work with numbered products due to illiteracy. As a solution, these fabrics were given names, marking the beginning of this practice. Naming a fabric adds a personal touch, imbuing it with emotional significance. Both consumers and traders identify the fabrics based on these names, associating them with events or impressions. Often, the launch of a new fabric coincides with a significant occasion, influencing the choice of name. For instance, the introduction of a fabric named Obama aligned with President Obama’s initial inauguration.
What are Vlisco’s future plans?
While deeply rooted in textiles, Vlisco is expanding into consumer products like luxury bags and jacquard goods, integrating their hallmark designs and expertise.
Explore Vlisco’s diverse prints at vlisco.com
