Craftsmanship doesn’t need to be a thing of the past or just seen in museums

Her journey began early, with a childhood fascination for handicrafts that evolved through her academy studies into a sophisticated design approach, transforming raw ideas into tangible prototypes and eventually, into compelling products. At the core of Naomi Remijn‘s work is a mission to breathe life into traditional craftsmanship, challenging the notion that such skills are relics of the past.

Through Studio Naomi Remijn, she champions sustainability and the intrinsic value of handcrafted goods, standing as a counterpoint to the ephemeral world of fast fashion. Her designs are deeply influenced by the rich heritage of Zeeland, particularly its traditional costumes, from which she extracts and magnifies details to celebrate the craft and dedication embedded in these historical garments.

Who is Naomi Remijn? How did the journey begin?

Naomi Remijn:

“I’m Naomi, a designer and artist who pours my love for Zeeland and craftsmanship into everything I create. Having grown up in the stunning region of Zeeland, I’ve always harbored a deep pride for its landscape, culture, and traditions. My passion for handicrafts has been a part of me since childhood. Through my studies at the academy, I came to see craftsmanship through a new lens, adopting the mindset of a designer. It was there that samples turned into prototypes, and prototypes transformed into products, marking the beginning of my journey in bringing my inspirations and heritage to life through design.”

What is the message you want to convey through your works?

Naomi Remijn:

“In my work, I show that craftsmanship doesn’t need to be a thing of the past or something you only see in museums. It can be vibrant and alive, fueling the creation of new products. At Studio Naomi Remijn, we also embrace a unique take on sustainability, highlighting the enduring value of handicrafts in stark contrast to the fast-fashion industry of today. There’s a profound pride and connection that comes from creating something with your own hands or knowing that someone has devoted hours to crafting it. This stands in opposition to the transient, disposable nature of products that lack this personal touch and investment.”

You place a strong emphasis on enhancing local heritage. Why is this important? And, practically speaking, what does it involve?

Naomi Remijn:

“The techniques I incorporate into my designs are inspired by the traditional costumes of Zeeland, garments that now, unfortunately, are mostly confined to museums or brought out for special folkloric events. It’s a real pity because these pieces of attire carry with them a huge part of our history and the stories of the people from that time. By extracting and emphasizing the details found in these costumes, I aim to show people just how much time and pride went into creating them. There’s so much we can learn today from that level of dedication and craftsmanship.”

Is your investigation as a designer driven mostly by written text or by visuals? What information is most useful to carry out your creative process?

Naomi Remijn:

“My research always begins with experimenting with a traditional craft technique at the historical scale it was originally crafted. After numerous trials involving various materials, sizes, patterns, and more, I dive into brainstorming and sketching sessions to explore potential applications for these samples. Following this exploratory phase, I develop prototypes, starting with small-scale models before moving on to larger prototypes. This process allows me to deeply understand the craft and envision its application in contemporary design.”

When choosing materials, how do you balance their aesthetic and functional qualities?

Naomi Remijn:

“In the initial phase of creating samples, my primary focus is on the aesthetic qualities of the material. After brainstorming and sketching sessions, I assess which material best suits the practical needs of the product. This approach helps me to balance both the visual appeal and functionality in my designs.”

What are the channels you use to promote your studio and projects/products?

Naomi Remijn:

“For promotion, I utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at Studio Naomi Remijn, and online platforms host on magazines, alongside offline strategies. These include participating in trade shows and expositions, as well as cold calling. This blend of online and offline methods helps me reach a broader audience and connect with potential clients and collaborators.”