Despina Bampa

June 6th 2008

Age: 31
Nationality: Greek
Occupation: Ballet teacher
In Amsterdam: 1 year

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Working and studying.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Following dance lessons, going to concerts.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture, how the people dress, express themselves?
It is interesting! You can see many different styles. However,
I think that the majority of the people are dressed in a way:
‘I don’t care’. They don’t combine the colors, the materials and
the style of their clothes. I have the feeling that they open their
closet and they pick up their clothes with blind eyes.

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 has changed due to practical reasons. It is usually cold
and rainy. Not many choices in the way you can dress yourself!

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Probably yes, but I cannot really specify it.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are represented in Amsterdam?
I didn’t know. It is amazing! At a certain degree it has influenced
the Dutch culture. For example you can eat in so many different
restaurants and you can listen to many different kinds of music.

Kristine Hymøller

August 10th 2008

Age: 36
Nationality: Danish
Occupation: Artist
In Amsterdam: 8 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To study at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Art, music, Galleries, food and Bars.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Great, in the sense that people use a lot of colour and mix
styles much more than in Denmark.

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 guess living in another country will always influence you.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I like to look at all cultures and sort of mix it a bit, but Dutch
I don’t know.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I did know that..., well in a way, as I said, I think people mixes
their style of clothing more here. I think I see a lot of people
dress kind of awful and great at the same time, which I think
is the tendency of a big city. Amsterdam is a small city with
a big city spirit.

Marc Andrews

August 7th 2008

Age: 30
Nationality: Swiss, British
Occupation: Graphic Design
In Amsterdam: 2 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
After living in Nijmegen and Utrecht for a couple of years
I thought it was time for a city. I am now building up my own
graphic design studio with a friend in the city center. I love
it, Amsterdam forms a good base.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Riding the bike through the streets, going to expositions,
going out, working.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I like Amsterdam’s street culture and watching all different kind
of people; it is very multi cultural. Well dressed people; funky,
groovy and experimental. I think the variety in clothes also comes
because of all the foreign youngsters invading Amsterdam for
holiday.

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. Just my collection of tracksuit tops exploded.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I like wearing ‘klompen’...just joking.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Yes, I knew and it’s a good fact about Amsterdam. It makes
it a special place, this high density of cultures on a limited space.
Amsterdam is less Dutch than other cities here in the Netherlands,
that makes it unique.

Q Hisashi Shibata

July 30th 2008

Age: 36
Nationality: Japanese
Occupation: Artist
In Amsterdam: 7 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To study.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Playing football.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
It’s casual and easy going. But I miss elegance and extraordinary
looking people.

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 start not to care about how other people look at my way of
dressing. I could wear any kind of easy outfit, but I don’t put in
so much effort and don’t spend money for it. On the other hand
I start to customise it. The weather has affected it a lot. I never
wear laser shoes here because the rain.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Not so much by the Dutch culture. I think Dutch culture is pretty
neutral, it does not have a strong colour. But I am influenced
by Dutch mentality. They are super individualistic .

Tunç B.Topcuoglu

July 30th 2008

Age: 32
Nationality: Turkish
Occupation: Designer
In Amsterdam: 7 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
A Girl.

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

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?
Less T Shirts, more scarfs.

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

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures
are represented in Amsterdam?
Yes I knew it. But I don’t think that many dutch people are aware
of that. Maybe they are proud with it but they do not use the
advantage of it.

Pedro da Silva Morgado

July 25th 2008

Age: 32
Nationality: Portuguese
Occupation: Sourcing
In Amsterdam: 5,5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Love and adventure!!

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Biking, traveling and running.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I find myself very much at ease in amsterdam because people
respect my individuality (and that’s important to me). I quite like
the idea that there are no standards for the way you think or
dress; just do it the way you like it and appreciate the value of
mixed cultures.

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 changed a lot in the way I dress (ask my friends) because
I could finally express myself through clothing without being
judged as a stereotype what people immediately do when you
do not share what the majority does.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
In many cases, yes I was influenced by the Amsterdam culture
(if there is only one…) on the way people work and expose their
points of view and enjoy life.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Yes, I knew that there were more than 150 nationalities. I believe
this has a huge influence on the Amsterdam culture; the more
I travel around Holland, the more i see how different (for better
and for worse) Amsterdam is from the rest of the country in
terms of the cultural mix and open mentality. Anyway, i also think
that there is still a lot of room to improve the benefits of a mix
cultured society as Amsterdam.

Marion Lecesne

July 23rd 2008

Age: 30
Nationality: French, Swiss, Australian
Occupation: Brand Manager
In Amsterdam: 2,5 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To be in a city where I felt that I could be me. I first was 5 years
in Utrecht (which I moved to for studies and a relationship).

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Surfing, dancing, cycling, markets, being on the boat

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Amsterdam street culture is an established and sophisticated
mix of personalities. Rotterdam in comparison is raw and real.
In Amsterdam, you have the freedom to be whoever you want
to be and to show it.

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 started to care less about what others thought of what I wore,
I kept true to myself. Amsterdam gave me the space to breath
and create my own style. I also wear more trousers as I travel
constantly by bike.

Shane Shu

June 28th 2008

Age: 32
Nationality: Canadian
Occupation: Musician, performer, photographer
In Amsterdam: 10 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To study and for adventure.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
I like to bicycle and walk in the city.
I like to go to good restaurants.
I like to go out dancing (I never get the chance though).
I like to visit expositions, galleries and openings.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think people in Amsterdam do what they want and are
quite free in the choices that they make.

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 clothing changed and that had to do with the student
culture (I became a member of a student fraternity) and later
it changed again due to my interest in my personal style.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I may be unconsciously influenced by the culture in which
I live however I do try to access and make opinions through
and with historic background and of course factual evidence.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I wasn’t aware of the fact that there are 177 cultures
represented in Amsterdam. I would assume that Amsterdam
has becomes a product of its cultural backgrounds; from
street corners to it’s very own borders, from the food we eat
to the cars we drive, to the ways in which we communicate.
The people become a product of their environment and
I think that is truly evident in Amsterdam.

Julian M. Lynn

June 26th 2007

Age: 30
Nationality: American
Occupation: Selling clothes, kicks and art;
Photographer and film video director.
In Amsterdam: leagally or illegally ;)?

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I met a girl. Now its my shop, wolf and pack.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
I work 7 days a week. So, my work is my hobby and life.
I drink sometimes too, I think that’s a hobby if you do it enough.
I also like to collect miniature toy houses that take me months
and months to make, but then I burn them, and film it like its
a disaster movie. I am using this footage to help prove 9/11
was a inside job, all my toy houses are made of steel.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think that I like that people like what I sell, and that we’re
still here doing our thing with wolf and pack. but I don’t think
about Amsterdam street culture much, cause that’s like thinking
about your life, and most people don’t do that too often.

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 have always been Julian. To a fault at times.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I think that there is a change happening in Dutch culture on
a massive level right now. I don’t know what they want it to be
or is anymore. Closing the coffee shops, the red light almost
gone. I am influenced by my instincts and the options that
the people I trust see as being possible. I believe in a better
tomorrow, and I believe in myself.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think that it is lost on most people. Amsterdam is a group
first, culture second type of place, as any real city type of place
is. So, I think that most people stick with their crew and do their
thing. But in the end, I go to this place called burrito that serves
Mexican food, but he is from Egypt, I guess that has something
to do with what your talking about. kinda.

Nayla Chebli-Hausdorfer

June 26th 2008

Age: 37
nationality: Lebanese
Occupation: Arabic language and belly dance teacher
In Amsterdam: 8 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
I married a Dutchman.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling and belly dance.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
I think that it’s very diverse; from very modern to very conservative,
from super stylish to super unstylish. I find that the Dutch
woman is taking less care of her looks and her femininity in
order to express emancipation and that the ‘foreign’ woman is
becoming more attached to her origins and trying to show that
with the way she dresses.

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?
Yes my style of clothing has changed since I live here. It has
become much more casual: I now wear jeans and flat shoes
about 95% of the time. This has to do with practical and
cultural reasons: because I cycle a lot I cannot wear a skirt
or a dress or very high heels. The cultural reason is: much less
encounters with friends and family, almost no formal social events
to attend, and people around me are always dressed casual.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Of course I am influenced by Dutch culture: I now eat sandwiches
for lunch, I have dinner at 18:00 during the week, I try
to be on time for my appointments, I only go to the hairdresser
to get a haircut once every couple of months instead of getting
a brushing once a week, I don’t get a manicure and a pedicure
as often as I used to, and list goes on...

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I didn’t know that so many cultures are represented in
Amsterdam. I find that it’s influencing the food and drinks
being offered in supermarkets and in restaurants which are
becoming much more diverse and quality oriented. Actually
Amsterdam people are now expecting and requiring more
diversity in food and better service. It’s affecting programs
being offered during cultural events, festivals, theatres and
concerts. It is affecting people’s hobbies and interests like
for example learning belly dance, flamenco, capoeira, learning
foreign languages and travelling to the countries where the
people around you come from...

Jason Adam Fulton

June 18th 2008

Age: 37 [dammit!!]
Nationality: Londoner, British
Occupation: Nike Change Agent
In Amsterdam: 6 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
To work for Nike, & get the hell out of London for a while.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Hanging out with mates...dj-ing when I can in Amsterdam,
people watching, gotta see events...just gotta.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Followers, most of the trends picked up on are at least 9 months
behind London. There are fashionably few, who are on it, with
a London, or Stockholm style, but generally, people in Amsterdam
play it VERY safe.

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.
Amsterdam has not affected my style. I’ve always been an
individual & I still prefer to look at London, Paris or NYC rather
than AMS.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
What I appreciate about AMS, is the immediacy of everything.
If you commit to doing something, [event-hopping/socializing]
it’s easy to do in AMS...LDN, was a nightmare!

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures
are represented in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is not as integrated, as that number seems to suggest
in my opinion. It has a long way to go, to make cultures feel
that they can flourish, without feeling alienated & ostracized.

David Golek

June 9th 2008

Nationality: Israeli
Occupation: Musician
In Amsterdam: Irregularly since 1997

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Girl friend.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Tango, massage, writing stories.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
As for normal citizens, quite politically correct. As for sport
fans of the national team: Fantastic

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, mostly because of climate change, and therefore I started
to explore new ways for dressing up.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Not specially. I assume one is always a bit influenced by the
place one lives, unconsciously.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew that there are many many cultures in Amsterdam, and
this fact is very inspiring. Then you really don’t understand why
some countries are at war...I think that everyone in Amsterdam
benefits from this fact, both Dutch and foreigners, and this gives
an example to the world on how cultures may have differences,
but without having to fight one another because of it. Every place
has it’s tensions though, in some neighborhoods more than
others, but Amsterdam as a whole is rather a success story,
in this regard.

Craig Terence Williams

May 17th 2008

Age: 34
Nationality: Welsh, British
Occupation: Graphic designer
In Amsterdam: 2 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Job, Wieden+Kennedy.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Cycling, visiting exhibitions, exploring and hanging
with my daughter.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
Some cool, some strange and some great.

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.
Absolutely not.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Only for graphic design and arts. I also love the architecture.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I knew it had a lot but not that many. I think it has always had it’s
unique presence in style and culture. Fashion wise it seems to
be a bit behind the major cities. I lived in London for 10 years so
nothing really surprises me except the rich Dutch guy’s with Pink
shirts, army trousers and cowboy boots. I do think there is a rich
culture here, the same as in any other major city with a history.

Ijesha

may 17th 2008

Age: 37
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Artist
In Amsterdam: 34 years
Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My father is Dutch.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Making music, dancing and singing.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
A little boring but OK, I am here when since I was three so...

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
Yes! Europe is the capital for art and fashion!

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Great!

Sebastiaan Mingface Duong

may 17th 2008

Age: 37
Nationality: Chinese, Dutch
Occupation: Artist, Mingface
In Amsterdam: Since 97

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
Nice city: gay minded and especially creative and sparkling.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Good food, play tennis and sailing in boats.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
The street culture is very diverse in style. That colorful diversity
is very stimulating for designers and envigours the street’s
appearance.

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 don’t really have one style, but I do think that the influences
from the street influence my way of dressing. It changed a bit
but not that much.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture or
by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I can’t really say, It’s better to say that I have inherited the Dutch
culture: a big amount of friendliness and a healthy down to earth
mind.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I think I broadened the boarders of tolerance. In spite of some
very extreme cultures the presence of such a diversity of
cultures brings a lot of inspiration, pleasure and joi de vivre.