The shoot took place in your studio - your creative world. What does that space mean to you, and how does it influence the way you work?

My studio feels like a safe space - almost like an extension of myself. It’s where I collect all my materials, second hand textiles, and random objects I’ve found over time. I often wish I could live there, just to be even more immersed in the process. That’s also what I love about artist residencies - waking up in the same space you create in.
When I work, things get pretty chaotic. By the end of the day, there are wool balls everywhere, flower cutouts scattered across the floor - it becomes hard to walk through! But I love that. The studio becomes part of the work itself, constantly transforming alongside whatever I’m making.

Your work has such a personal, reworked feel to it. How would you describe your style - both in what you wear and in what you create?

I love mixing styles that maybe shouldn’t go together - like sportswear with a skirt and heels, or layering print on print. I don’t really believe in “too much.” That mindset shows up in the way I dress, but also in my work. Flower prints are a recurring theme for me - there are never enough. Colour, texture, nature, wool, and a sense of comfort run through everything I make and wear. There’s always a playful tension between softness and boldness, chaos and harmony.

We see Maha Amsterdam as a space that celebrates individuality and creative women. Where do you see yourself within that world?

I think we should celebrate female power way more in general, so I really love that Maha Amsterdam creates space for that. I feel most inspired when I’m surrounded by my creative female friends, it reminds me every day how strong and empowering we women are. Last year, I started an art collective called Working Hands with three other female artists. It’s all about supporting each other and finding strength in shared values like craft, colour, and intuition. That kind of community, like what Maha Amsterdam nurtures, feels essential to me.

If nobody knew who Nadie was and only saw this shoot - what would you hope they take from it?

I hope it inspires someone to feel free in combining different worlds and work fields. That here don’t have to be boundaries - you can work in fashion and be an artist, or go from one to the other. Thinking outside of those boxes can feel really liberating. Also, I believe in working closely with the people around you - those who inspire you. My boyfriend took the photos for this shoot, which made the process feel extra safe and free for me. That kind of connection and trust is valuable in creative work.

Is there a part of the making process you love the most - like cutting things up, dyeing, or putting the final piece together?

Every part of the cycle is important to me, but it all starts with dyeing the wool. It creates different layers of colour within a single thread. By dyeing the yarns myself, I build a colour palette with high saturation, which becomes the foundation for the entire work. The colours and flower photos I take often inspire the drawings and tapestries I make. The whole process, from collecting inspiration to dyeing to tufting, comes from a naive, intuitive way of working. It’s all based on the belief that everything will come together in the end.

If you could design a version of the Crocs Terra Trail in your own style - what would it look or feel like?

I’d keep the base design like the black version but add a flower print to bring in nature. I’d also incorporate neon yellow or pink accents to give it a vibrant touch.

Talent: Nadie Borggreve | Photographer: Joshua Order | MUAH: Minou Meijers