Curated by: Lena The Fashion Library
Suzanne Smulders founder of Lena the Fashion Library
This week Suzanne Smulders of LENA the Fashion Library gave TNC a moment of her time. This curious pancake and vintage lover shared her dis-likes, likes and favourite things in life.
“Stop destroying the planet, that’s where I keep all my stuff!”
Name a few of your favorite things:
Sunday morning pancake day and my little dog Maurice.
Yourself in 2 words:
Curious & ambitious.
A quote you’re fond of?
“Stop destroying the planet, that’s where I keep all my stuff!”
Ready To Fish cardigan
€120 Size: 34
“I love items that go with everything! Eye-catching details and beautiful fabrics.”
What role does fashion play in your life?
A very big one. LENA the Fashion Library allows me to discover new sides of fashion every day. This is inspiring, challenging and fun. Next to that, I am meeting new inspiring people every day!
How did you come up with this cool concept LENA – The Fashion Library? Are there any new exciting projects coming up that you would like to share with us?
We have had the vintage webshop Doortje Vintage for over 8 years now. After working with second hand clothing for so long and seeing the customer-base growing significantly, we figured it was time for the next step. Even though shopping second hand is so much better than buying everything new already, the bulging wardrobes kept on worrying us. So that is how we came up with the idea of a library to address overconsumption in fashion; LENA the Fashion Library.
MARCCAIN coat
€500 Size: 44
‘I have this thing for navy garments with golden buttons. ’
Favourite fashion designers?
Tough question, I am not a designer-focussed girl at all. However, I am always impressed by young innovative designers like Lisa Konno and Nathalie de Koning. I also love Stella McCartney’s female, edgy but still wearable designs.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you in your daily life?
Of course, the sustainability of fashion plays a big role for me and LENA the fashion library. Ever since we started with the library, I have hardly purchased something new since I have the biggest closet to choose from. Next to this if I want a new item, I prefer to buy second-hand clothing of high quality; these are timeless wearable pieces that are a true investment. When cleaning out my own closet, I donate everything either to LENA the fashion library or charity.
Whistles boots
€125 Size: 38
AYR trouser
€50 Size: Small
How would you describe the Lena collection?
LENA’s collection is fresh and surprising. We have a range of high quality vintage items with bold prints and quirky details but also clean-cut timeless designs from young and upcoming designers. The best thing is to just hop in and have a look yourself!
Who or what is your source of inspiration?
For me inspiration comes from so many little things. It could be a customer telling me a story, a book I’ve read or my eye catching something special when cycling through Amsterdam. I love going to museums and the cinema to get inspired. I guess the trick is to stay open minded for everything.
What is the best advice given to you?
“Better be sorry for the things you have done, than the things you never dared to do”, – by my mom.
If you could swap with someone’s closet for a day, who would it be?
I guess Robin Wright is my girl crush.
The Next Closet is the online destination to buy or sell preowned designer fashion
