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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tamara Vierbergen

may 17th 2008

nationality: ugandese