Interview Karin Amatmoekrim
The star of this ‘Closet of’ is writer Karin Amatmoekrim. Curious about this beautiful smart lady, check out the interview & shop her closet.
Name a few of your favourite things
New books, lazy sundays in the garden, my children, my husband, wine. All of this combined if possible.
Yourself in 3 words
Always watching, writing.
What role do reading and writing have in your life? What started first? Could you go without both for a while?
I started as a reader. I would passionately read anything I could get my hands on. The reading has changed since I started writing, for writing and reading are very closely connected. But the pleasure of a good read has not changed a bit.
I could never go without reading. Never. I could do without writing for about a month or two. But I would catch up after that, and start writing twice as hard.
Could you share with us the creative process you go through when writing a book?
Writing for me is trying to shape some sort of understanding of the world. A new book usually starts with a question. The book should be an answer to it. An extremely subjective and long-winded answer, but an aswer non the less. I take quite some time to ponder on the subject, too. Maybe even a year. I make notes, read books that have something to do with the subject, I visit art exhibitions, I travel and I listen to loads of music. All of it eventually builds up to a tiny but fertile place where I can safely withdraw myself from the world and start with the actual writing. The writing itself is hard labour. It usually takes about 4 or 5 months and during this fase I can be difficult to talk to because all I long for is solitude. I’m not much fun then, haha. If I wouldn’t have had my family, I would probably be alone during the months I’m writing on a book.
Tell us something about your latest work? And what can we look forward to?
My latest book is called The man of many. It’s based on the true story of Anton de Kom, a black freedom fighter in the 1930’s. He lived in Holland and was convicted by the Dutch government for his ‘socialist’ and anti-colonial ideas. During World War II he joined the resistance, but was captured by the Nazi’s in 1945. He died in a German concentration camp, only weeks before the war ended.
It’s such a tragic and bizarre story, yet it also speaks of humanity and courage. I had to write a book about it. Also, I could not get myself to get over the fact that the Dutch have never honoured this man, Anton, for his fight. He is a hero in the black community, yes, but in the white Dutch community he is still widely unknown.
Is there a returning theme that runs through your life or work?
A journalist once told me that all main characters in my novels are outsiders. I have always been drawn to people who fall just outside of the group. It’s the natural position for a writer, too. If you never completely participate with the rest of your environment, you can observe better. Watching is the most important thing for any writer. There has to be a certain distance between you and the other.
Who or what is your source of inspiration?
Well-written books are the biggest source of inspiration. Books that ooze the joy of writing, or that carry the most original ideas, or tell universal stories that travel beyond time, place, race. Those books or poems immediately evoke the need to write.
Ultimate dream?
My ultimate dream is to die at a respectable age and leave behind an impressive oeuvre that will be read long after I’m gone.
You and fashion?
Fashion is my biggest guilty pleasure. Beauty is something that’s better shown than described, so as a writer I stand powerless before a beautifully designed dress or shoe. I can only surrender to it’s aesthetic. Also, when I dress well, I feel powerful. It’s the best feeling.
How do you define your style?
I would say I try to be feminine, but I’m always drawn to the more cool or boyish styles. An outfit has to have that je ne sais quoi. If carried out well, a certain coolness will enhance a woman’s beauty.
Who is your favourite fashion designer?
I think Alexander Wang is great, not only in clothing but also in shoes and bags. I really feel like eighty percent of his designs were made for me. Also, I think Alexander should adopt me. We even look alike!
For more formal wear, I love Victoria Beckham. Too bad I her dresses are so ridiculously overpriced, even for a designer label.
I turn to Christian Louboutin for timeless pumps; I have a range of his Decollete’s in different colours, but am now more into the Pigalle and the So Kate model. I have very narrow feet so I don’t have trouble walking in them.
In what way are you conscious about recycling or sustainable fashion?
I definitely buy less at high street stores than I used to when I was younger. This is also because when you grow older, and when you have more money to spend, you learn to appreciate the quality of designer fashion. I spend my money on more or less timeless items, and when I like something that will last one or two seasons, I wait for the sale. I try not to go to H&M and Zara, because I know that when I do I will leave with at least three or four items. I love some of their designs, but hate the fact that they, as main players in the field, do so little to change the game for the better. I will support any steps these companies make in developing a more conscious collection though. I wore a gown by H&M Exclusive Conscious to the annual Book Ball this year. It felt great.
Who would you pass The Next Closet shoot on to?
Natalia Aquino is one of the pr-girls at my publishing house Prometheus. She’s latina and I like her ultra feminine style that makes her stand out in any Dutch crowd. She is unapologetically sexy.
I’ll bet Maria Kooistra has an amazing wardrobe. I would love to take a peak. She also makes the most beautiful jewellery. We met once over a bottle of wine in the Conservatorium Hotel, and exchanged books for bracelets. She is a very sweet and warming person.
Want to get to know more about this lady? Have a look at her website
SHOP THE CLOSET OF KARIN AMATMOEKRIM HERE
Photography: Iris Duvekot
