Curated by Claartje Rose

Fashion Blogger in New York

Every week The Next Closet invites inspiring ladies to share their story and top TNC picks. This week we are stoked to introduce you to Claartje Rose. She is adventurous, funny and has an amazing sense of fashion. During her studies at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI) she grabbed her chance and moved to the Big Apple! You can read everything about it on her popular Fashion Blog; www.claartjerose.com. We definitely expect more exciting stuff to come from Claartje! For now, get to know her a bit more through this interview and check out her top 5 TNC items.

Where does your love for fashion come from?
I was born deaf. Because of that I wasn’t very good at school. I started observing people’s behaviour. I noticed the different ways they where dressing themselves and I observed how that made them feel. I started concentrating on the things I could do, instead of the things I couldn’t do. It all started with making collages and drawings of my own collections, inspired by the holidays I went on with my family. I came in contact with other religions, patterns and morals. At that time I dreamed of being a fashion designer. At the moment, now that I have become older and educated (like lot’s of kids now-a-days) it feels like like my whole creative mindset is gone, as every normal ‘fashion’ kid who studied fashion within the direction of Fashion & Management. But one way or another, my dreams will come true… No matter what! And my kids probably will never go to school.

Yourself in 3 words
Brave, adventurous and eager.

Name a few of your favourite things
My favourite things always have a lot of emotional value. I’m inseparable from my ‘textured bunny’ and my ‘love’ bracelet. This reminds me of being 21, when I’m supposed to be very grown-up.

“The Hermes Scarf, timeless and you can wear it in so many different ways.”

TNC Fashion pick #1: Hermès Paris scarf

When did you decide that writing was the thing you wanted to do?
Well, actually a lot of people don’t know that I’m writing. With the age of 7 I started to hear with one ear and from that day I wrote everything down in my diary. Blogging is something I started since January, and that’s actually still in progress. My biggest dream is to write my own book, not just a book but a book of a primary mindset.

“So I started concentrating on the things I could do, instead of the things I couldn’t do.”

Why did you decide to move to NY?
With my parents, brother and sister we’ve been travelling quite a lot and I’ve always said: “Before I grow up I want to live in London and New York.” With the age of 18 I lived in London. Now during the internship I had to do, I took my chance and went to the Big Apple. I still believe that experiencing other countries is an investment for life.

If you would describe yourself in music, which genre or artist would it be?
Smooth Jazz: warm, rich-percussion and an intense melody.

Returning theme that runs through your life or work?
‘A mature respect for everything you can’t buy’. Honesty, loyalty, knowledge, friendship and love are priceless assets.

“I picked the gloves because my hands are always freezing and Prada is my fav.”

TNC Fashion pick #2: Prada gloves
www.thenextcloset.com

Who or what is your source of inspiration?
My father, even though he doesn’t know anything about fashion, he always enriches me with some kind of knowledge. This doesn’t directly have something to do with fashion, but it gives me energy. The most beautiful thing about my dad is that he is so humble. Also, one of my friends. I haven’t met him that long ago. He taught me everything about art and he’s kind of an energy source. Last but not least my daily Ted talks, which I watch on www.tedtalks.com.

Your ultimate dream?
To be honest, my life is pretty much a dream already. But my ultimate dream is to be the biggest competitor of the conglomeration of Zara, which is ‘Inditex group’. Writing my own book and living with my family and dogs in Puerto Viejo, a little place in Costa Rica.

How do you define your style?
That would be difficult to answer, because I can’t define mine. I always say: “If I dreamed of being a professional skateboarder, that day I will probably be wearing a tomboy look. If I dreamed of being a princess, you will see me in something very girlie with heels. Or being a Victoria Secret Model, you will probably see me at the gym… after eating too much cookies.”

TNC Fashion pick #3: Dolce & Gabbana bag
www.thenextcloset.com

In what way are you conscious about recycling or sustainable fashion?
Well, at Amsterdam Fashion Institute there isn’t a day that you don’t talk about s-u-s-t-a-i-n-a-b-i-l-i-t-y. So me being very rebellious, i do slip on buying clothes at H&M or other fast fashion companies.. But becoming more mature, I now rather choose something timeless over fast fashion.

A brand you personally love?
The Row and Acne. Quality, minimalistic, made with personal attention and love.

If you shop offline in NY, which store do you go to?
Around Williamsburg. Out of the comfort zone and more unknown, really cool concept stores. Definitely a must go in New York.

TNC Fashion pick #4: Valentino Dress
www.thenextcloset.com

If you could steal someone’s closet, who would it be?
I’m thinking of Mohandas Karamchand Gandi. Timeless and sustainable.

Who would recommend for the next ‘Curated by’?
Definitely Maja Wyh, a German Blogger who knows exactly how to wear the right combinations in being cool, timeless and feminine.

Pictures by Isidoor Benjamin van Esch.

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