A Celebration of Nature through Circular Couture
Ronald van der Kemp – aka RVDK @ronaldvanderkemp – isn’t just whipping up gowns; he’s crafting stories rooted in respect. Since 2014, his label has championed circular couture, and this season took it deeper: The Call of the Wild is a heartfelt homage to Mother Nature, born from a collaboration with muse Thayna Caiçara and indigenous artisans from Brazil. Together, they wove the rainforest’s soul and the Amazon’s pulse into each piece.
From Trash to Treasure: Crafting Couture with Purpose
Picture couture gowns sculpted from what most toss away – deadstock scraps, fishing nets, even fruit leather. These discarded materials found new life as palm-leaf mimicking plissé, embroidered insect wings, and sculptural bird-of-paradise forms. It’s the kind of ethical storytelling that makes a couture show feel like a love letter to our planet.
Textures, Colors & Unexpected Pairings
This is couture with an edge. Imagine polka dots bumping into stripes, houndstooth meeting brocade, or techno-tinged city jackets with pouchy peplums. Oversized shoulders, sculptural peplums, and trompe‑l’oeil prints create a visual jungle—chic but never costume-y. And that eye-popping piece made from London storm scraps? That’s RVDK’s genius.
A Message Beyond the Runway
Yes, the clothes are stunning. But more than that, RVDK is delivering a manifesto: we can all work with what exists, with what’s already been made. Upcycling isn’t just trendy—it’s essential. After a decade proving sustainable couture can be exquisite and meaningful, RVDK shows us hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a design philosophy.
Brand Snapshot: RVDK Couture
Founded by Dutch designer Ronald van der Kemp in 2014, RVDK Couture champions circular fashion by reconstructing deadstock, vintage, and found materials into avant-garde couture. A pioneer of upcycled luxury, RVDK marries high craftsmanship with conscious creation, working closely with global artisans to transform waste into wearable art.
Which look stopped you in your tracks?
Was it the plissé palm-leaf gown, the insect-wing embroidery, or the techno-urban peplum jacket? Let us know below—can’t wait to hear your favorites! 👇
Photo: Courtesy of RVDK
Written by the Fashionview Editorial Team for Gossip Stone
Crafted from all that’s left… transforming the discarded into the divine.
