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.

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..

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.

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!

Rosa Lekatompessy

June 28th 2008

Age: 11
Nationality: Indonesian, Dutch
Occupation: Still going to school
In Amsterdam: I was born here.

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My parents did!

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Playing violin, dancing flamenco and horse riding,
writing and drawing designing dresses.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
It is funny that there are so many different people and things,
it is also interesting because of the different styles;
gothic, hippies etc.

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.
Now is the moment that I am busy to develop my own style
and I like it to find my own style.

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.
I like the hair of my friend, she is from Ghana.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
I did not know that it are so many, it is just normal for me.
If I was searching for it, it would make me alert on it but now
it is just the way it is.

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.

Sophia de Hoog

June 20th 2008

Age: 16
Nationality: Dutch
Occupation: High school student
In Amsterdam: 12 years

Why did you move to Amsterdam?
My family and I were living in Leiden but then my mother wanted
to go to the theatre academy in Amsterdam, so we moved here.

What do you like to do in Amsterdam?
Sitting in the vondelpark and make funny movies and edit them.
The most I love to go shopping in vintage stores, I can walk
around in them for hours. I always find unique clothes and shoes.

What do you think of Amsterdam street culture,
how the people dress, express themselves?
The clothing in Amsterdam is part of the reason I love it here so
much. Everybody has a different style and dares to actually wear
it! Most people respect each other’s style. I think that is special,
you are never bored here because of the different styles. I am
almost never afraid to be myself.

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 definitely changed! I am sure that if I had still lived
in Leiden I would have looked very different. Amsterdam really
inspired me.

Are you influenced by what you consider Dutch culture
or by any other culture represented in Amsterdam?
I sure am. I now own certain pieces of clothing that I would
have never liked before. Because of Amsterdam I have come
to respect more clothing styles.

Are you aware of the fact that 177 cultures are
represented in Amsterdam?
Gosh! I didn’t know that! But you can see it everywhere. I think
it has happened slowly. First came the restaurants from different
cultures and now also shops and clothing. I think the more different
people come to Amsterdam, the more influence it has. You
can see it everywhere in each case and that makes Amsterdam
very cosy and social.

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.

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.

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.

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.