Ola Vasiljeva

August 4th 2008

Age: 27
Country of origin: Latvian
Occupation: Artist
In Amsterdam: 8 months

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
For an art residence at the rijksacademy.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Parks, friends and movies.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think it’s pretty much the same as in other Dutch cities.
There might be more tourists here and more of the extravagant
groups, but for the rest I don’t feel much of a difference.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what, these can be emotional, cultural reasons
or and practical reasons such as weather or availability?
I think it changed a little maybe. I feel more confident about
whatever I wear, but I am not sure if the reason for that is the
big city, or just the fact that I like it here a lot.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I am influenced by the cycling culture a lot :).

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I thought there were many more actually..

Sina Khani

July 30th 2008

Age: 26
nationality: Iranian
occupation: artist
In Amsterdam: 5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Fame

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
walking, reading, swimming

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Too good to be true.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or
availability.
No.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Yes!

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented?
I thought it was 198 or 199. Well, somebody must have lied to me. AGAIN! Hm, yes, sure, Amsterdam must be very much effected by this "fact". I mean, in a very positive sense. Everything is nice. Shalom.

Christian Degen

June 30th 2008

Age: 29
Nationality: German
Occupation: Graphic designer
In Amsterdam: 1 year

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Love.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Building up my company, playing football in Westerpark, cycling
through town and areas around Amsterdam, going out for dinner,
especially with my girlfriend.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
For sure the most interesting town in the Netherlands, sometimes
cool, sometimes boring, Dutch people are not the most
fashionable people.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Before I moved to Amsterdam I lived in Barcelona so I wear
more warm clothes now. Also, since I live here, I have more
meetings with clients and because of this I wear more
nice shirts.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Maybe I am, it is difficult to say now, but afterwards I can
probably say that special things had an influence on me.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Since my girlfriend is busy with this project I am more aware
of it but Amsterdam always has been an international setting
for me. So many different people give the town a nice
touch, it makes it an attractive city to live in.

Dimitar Bodurov

June 26th 2008

Age: 28
Nationality: Bulgarian
Occupation: Musician
In Amsterdam: 4 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Work and music.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Going to bars.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Diverse.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Yes it changed. Thank GOD there is still no H&M in Bulgaria..

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I am influenced by the multi-cultural diversity, I feel more like
a citizen of the world.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures
are represented in Amsterdam?
There are a lot of immigrants who seek a better life, and are
badly Integrated into the whole social spectrum, nevertheless
they are contributing with a landmark of their own culture to
form a new ‘modern’ society.

Ingunn Jónsdóttir

June 28th 2008

Age: 24
Nationality: Icelandic
Occupation: Product designer
In Amsterdam: For 10 months

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Me and my boyfriend decided to move away from Iceland.
We wanted to go to a new place to continue our studies and
to experience something new. We have been to Amsterdam
on a vacation and liked the city a lot. Though Iceland is a
big country, it has very few inhabitants and Iceland is very
isolated. In my opinion it is very important for everyone to try
to live somewhere else than at home. It widens your understanding
on so many things.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
I like to go to museums and exhibitions, concerts and to
the markets. They are a source of inspiration for me, places
to gather energy from. Dappermarkt is my favorite market.
There I feel like a citizen of the world.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
In shops I see a lot of the same kind of clothing.
Generally I think people here could take more risks
in the way they dress.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or
availability.
I more often buy my clothes at markets than in shops.
But I cannot say that this has changed my style. Still I think
I have a more relaxed attitude here towards my style than
in Iceland. There I more often wore high heels and fancy
dresses. Also I have to say that in December it was very
cold for me here in Amsterdam and then I had to wear all
my clothes at the same time to survive.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
It is difficult for me to judge how the different cultures have
influenced me. But one example that I can mention is the
food. I eat different food here, more fries, herring and stroopwafels
than at “home”. I now have a poffertjes pan and I bake
them from time to time. And it is not all Dutch food I eat.
Since I moved here I have also tasted very good food from
different countries. The diversity here makes it possible
to get to know people from everywhere and their culture.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew that there were a lot of nationalities here. For example
I heard about a small neighborhood where about a hundred
languages are spoken. I want to live there.

Maja Markovic

June 28th 2008

Age: 23
Nationality: Serbian and Greek
Occupation: Decorator,stylist, creative allrounder
In Amsterdam: 23 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My father’s company moved to Amsterdam, and so did we.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Dancing, going to exhibitions and cycling.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
There’s a huge young scene that is very expressive in their style.
It seems like this scene’s growing bigger and bigger. With media
like youtube and myspace people are presenting themselves much
more, so you now notice how much talents are actually wandering
around. They’re dancing, singing, making theater, there’s a lot of
creativity going around. It’s alive!

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Well I came here at the age of four, so I don’t remember my style
before. But I do think that living in Amsterdam has opened my eyes
on the possibilities of different styles, because of all these different
trends passing by.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I’m not sure if me being upfront is because of my Serbian background
or me living in Amsterdam. But I’m very direct and that
is in other countries usually recognized as something Dutch. I’m
influenced by some cultures like the Surinam one, they have good
parties, and their laidbackness can inspire me.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew this, cause you told me ;) but I think it has influenced
Amsterdam a lot! You notice it in the attitude of people, in the
street language, in a big variety of dance styles, clothing styles,
music. You have a lot of different food shops. This all is good for
any city, it makes a city versatile and inspiring, as long as everyone
respects each other it’s a very good thing!

Walid Shahin

June 26th 2008

Age: 28
Country of origin: Egyptian, Dutch,
Occupation: Patta & Patta Distribution
In Amsterdam: 8/9 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Study.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Living the life, a doggy life.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
The majority are sheep, sheep that follow...

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what, these can be emotional, cultural reasons
or and practical reasons such as weather or availability?
Nope.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
No.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented?
Didn't know it was that many but i realize that Amsterdam is a big
melting pot every day, you just have to walk out of the door, look
at your neighbours, your friends, look at the different stores and
food and you know we are multi culti.

Magdalena Ptasznik

June 26th 2008

Age: 27
Nationality: Polish
Occupation: Sociologist, choreography student
In Amsterdam Over 1 year

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
The school I wanted to study at is situated here.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Drinking coffee in nice places, visiting markets.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
It’s really a second hand culture. This circulation of things,
not only clothes, really surprised me. People don’t dress too
elegant, and this I like. It’s really relaxed.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here,
and because of what? These can be emotional, cultural
reasons or practical reasons such as weather or
availability.
Yes, It changed a bit. Mainly because of lack of money.
Before I was buying more clothes. Now as I have to pay the
school I have to recycle my clothes on and on. And also, I started
to use found and second hand clothes. There are two more
things. First, most of my time I spend in training clothes, often
I’m too lazy and tired to change. Second, my life became quicker,
the clothes decisions must be fast also.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
My environment here is really international. If I’m influenced
by something that would be the fact of mixing cultures rather
than one of them in particular.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I see it’s very multicultural. I hardly know any Dutch. The city
it diverse. As a foreigner you don’t have to fit the norm.
But I’m sure it’s so easy to say that if you are here as a student,
not so easy if you are for example an economical emigrant.

Sidney Cruickshank

June 20th 2008

Age: 24
Nationality: Surinam
Occupation: Student European Public Management
In Amsterdam: Nearly 24 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I was born in Amsterdam.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Shopping, go for dinner and clubbing.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
People in Amsterdam look at the newest fashion and are
not afraid to experiment with their own interpretation.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
No I am not I just do what I feel like.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented?
I didn’t knew that there were that many cultures in Amsterdam.
Off course the culture of Amsterdam is influenced by that many
cultures but it is just how you see it and participate in that
culture.

Kate Dickens

June 20th 2008

nationality: New Zealandic

Brain Heylin

June 20th 2008

Age: 27
Nationality: Irish
Occupation: Games Programmer
In Amsterdam: 2,5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I liked the atmosphere and the relaxed feel of the city, and now
I can’t leave as I love the bike as transport and I’m used to the
no bullshit attitude of Irish people, the Dutch have a very similar
humor and no-nonsense attitude and that’s important to me.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Home recording and writing music, and at the moment I am
making my first homebrew game with another guy in Ireland.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
In shops I see a lot of the same kind of clothing. Generally I think
people here could take more risks in the way they dress.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
On a practical level Ireland and the Netherlands are the same
weather-wise so no change in fashion there; don’t plan outdoor
events without a backup plan. I find Dutch women in general
more concerned with fashion than Irish women, which can be
a good thing and a bad thing. I find one big difference is that
Dutch women are more confident with being natural and not hiding
under layers of make up and fake tan etc. And I’m still getting
used to the clean look (pink shirts, slicked long blond hair) that
most Dutch men have, there just isn’t enough scruffy guys with
beards over here :D.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I’m not sure am I highly influenced by Dutch culture, I do feel like
an outside observer most of the time but I’ve never lived so close
to so many different cultures before. Ireland is very isolated from
the world culturally, it has it’s own culture but as a country it is
only now, in the past decade, getting used to people actually
wanting to move there rather then leave. For example living in
a mostly Turkish/Moroccan/African community gives some
interesting perspectives on the world, which I find, are related
to Ireland's history with England in a lot of ways.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures
are represented in Amsterdam?
I didn’t know the figures, but Amsterdam is certainly a mixed
culture city that certainly brings with it an increased tolerance of
the unknown compared to any cities I’ve lived in before. To me
Amsterdam and New York are relatives in a lot of ways; they both
consider themselves separate and different to the country that
contains them, this brings the famed arrogance to both cities but
also their unique character.

Franciscus van der Meer

June 18th 2008

Age: 26
Nationality: Indonesian, Dutch
Occupation: Fashion Designer
In Amsterdam: 5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Creativity (my own as well of the town).

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Hanging out in one of the thousands of bars with my friends.
Reading. Searching for shoes and art books in the city.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I love the freedom everyone takes, koorballen as well as
the young creative’s.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
My style changed because I learned to create a vision on fashion
for myself as a designer as well as myself as an individual.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I am influenced by myself, Parisian and London fashion and
my good friends.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures
are represented in Amsterdam?
I like the eclectic touch of it all. Especially when things mix.
Let’s hope it brings more respect and laisse-faire in the streets.

Puneet Seistani

June 8th 2008

Age: 26
Country of origin: Indian, Dutch
Occupation: Businessman
In Amsterdam: Since 26 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I was born here.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
My work is my only hobby and passion.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Amsterdam is full of cultures. Every culture has its own way of
dressing. So in short they have a stylish sort of dressing sense.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture or
by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I love my culture.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam being very rich in cultures cannot be influenced.
Because Amsterdam has so many cultures that you need at
least 1 culture to influence the other one and this place has
177 cultures so Amsterdam has its own culture which people
come to see and those who migrate here they know what
Amsterdam is full of. That’s what i think and i can say.

Betul

June 8th 2008

Age: 24
Nationality: Turkish, Dutch
Occupation: Student
In Amsterdam: 24 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I live still at home with my parents. I have three sisters
and one brother. I am studying and working. I want to be
a pedagogue.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Watch football games, listen to music, hanging out with
friends and investigate things.

Hélène Alti-Diao

June 8th 2008

Age: 29
Nationality: Burkinabè, French
Occupation: Export function: customer service
In Amsterdam: 5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Love!!

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling, going out with friends, eat appeltaart,
movies and parties.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
There are many different styles, from very casual to totally funky.
They dare to do more with colors than in France, but it isn’t
always very stylish; more provocative than anything else actually.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability.
Not that much, except that I always have an umbrella in my bag.
I do not mind wearing mini-skirts now, while in France people
are more conservative about showing their legs - and in
Burkina-Faso even more.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Not really, although I am now totally addicted to cycling, and
convinced that if the whole world would cycle as much as people
do in Holland, we will not hear anymore about global warming...
Now I really consider my bike as part of myself.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I’m not surprised, Amsterdam is a great mix of people, that’s
what makes Amsterdam so special; very different from the
rest of Holland.

Younes Mracha

June 8th 2008

Age: 29
Nationality: Maroccan, Dutch
In Amsterdam: 4 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To find new challenges and because of work.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Sports, enjoying, reading, music and theatre.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Strong and divers.

Did your style of clothing changed since you live here, and
because of what? These can be emotional, cultural reasons
or practical reasons such as weather or availability?
I am not aware of any changes but I do think so. Your surroundings
do form a part of you...

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture or
by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
No, not specifically by Amsterdam, I guess it has it’s influence
but there are more factors that have influence like the people
around you and the time you are living in.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think it has formed Amsterdam now, but also before. The Dutch
people are Calvinistic people who think acceptance is most
important. This made Amsterdam to what it is now, something
unique.