Amsterdam, 30th of July 2009 - The eleventh edition of the Amsterdam International Fashion Week (AIFW) was an overwhelming success. July 18th till 26th Amsterdam was breathing fashion. The official catwalk program took place at the Westergasarea and showed Holland’s finest of academies, graduates, young talents and established brands. At various other locations in Amsterdam, the public program Fashion Week DOWNTOWN took place. More than 60 designers showed their designs during AIFW. They provided inspiration to buyers, stylists, national and international press and other fashion professionals.

Winners (other title)

The winner of Lichting 2009 supported by G-Star Raw is Ann Boogaerts. She has just graduated from the Artez academy. She has won a prize worth of 10,000 Euro and a experience trip to New York where the winner will strengthen the G-Star backstage styling team during the G-Star Raw show at New York Fashion Week. The winner of the Frans Molenaar Prize 2009 is Hyun Yeu. The winner won 10,000 Euro to develop a new collection.

Business Program a success

The new business program started energetic. The pitchmeeting, initiated by AIFW and Syntens, attracted many designers and guests. Seven different labels presented themselves to a select group of decision makers and other related disciplines, with the aim of co-operation. The Fashion Fasterclass designed by Fortis Bank Nederland and AIFW offered perspective to designers by means of knowledge regarding a number of commercial issues which entrepreneurs in the industry are facing. Through the establishment of these initiatives AIFW attempts to reduce the noted gap between creation and commerce and contribute to the development in the Dutch fashion industry. Fashion Week for everyone At the Fashion Week DOWNTOWN program several public events such as illustration and photo exhibitions, lectures, parties, shopping routes and film performances took place. These events are attended by thousands of professionals and consumers. Some highlights were:

- The opening of the Fashion Week DOWNTOWN program in experience store Heineken the City. The winner was Marielle van der Gouw. The jury judged the creation was “fresh, streetwear and Heineken”.
- The final of the model hunt at Amsterdam Central Station was a success and there were surpassingly two winners. The both fifteen years old Suzanne Visser and Maartje Knaap won a House of Orange contract.

Amsterdam International Fashion Week

AIFW started in 2004 as an initiative to put Amsterdam on the map as a sparkling and international oriented fashion city. Twice a year Fashion Week establishes itself as the highlight of the Dutch fashion, a full schedule with catwalk shows, trade fairs, presentations, lectures and parties. The show programme is only for professionals and will take place at the Westergasterrein area. Answering the immense demand, the public program Fashion Week DOWNTOWN consist of numerous public access catwalk shows; parties; lectures and expositions. All organized in collaboration with museums, galleries, clubs and shops.