Toespraak staatssecretaris Fleur Gräper-van Koolwijk bij de opening van biënnale State of Fashion

Toespraak | 16-05-2024

Good afternoon everyone.

I will admit it straight away: I am an outfit repeater.

Almost four months ago, I also wore this dress. For a completely different occasion.

I was just named the Dutch State Secretary for Culture and Media and had my first debate in the House of Representatives.

An exciting moment.

Which made it even more important that I had on clothes that made me feel comfortable.    

Clothes that showcase who I am.

Which definitely is the case with this dress, that was made for me by Ghazo.

At the time, she was studying at a secondary vocational school. As an assignment, she had to make this dress.

She used her creativity and her skills and the end result is a dress that suits me perfectly.

From the fit to the flag of Groningen on the sleeve, the Dutch province where I used to work and where I still live.

Whenever I wear this dress, it gives me a feeling of being close to home.

I have had this dress for almost two years now, and have worn it countless times.

Such as today.

The fascinating thing about clothing is that it is very individualistic. Everyone has their own style, their own way of dressing.

At the same time, clothing is something very universal.

We all need clothes.

We all wear them every day.

To cover ourselves, to protect us from the outside world.

But clothing is more than a means of protecting your skin.

Fashion is also deeply embedded in culture.

Because through culture, we are bound together through our shared history, traditions and customs.

That is all reflected in our clothing style.

As we can see here, today.

At this biennale with the theme ‘Ties that bind’, which brings together creative practices in fashion, textiles and contemporary art from across the Global South.

It shows the work of dozens of creators and designers from different cultures, with different worldviews and perceptions.

But there is also a common thread running through it – your creativity.

The willingness and courage of the creatives here to color outside the lines.

To question the current fashion industry and how clothes are made today.

To ask yourselves and everyone here: how can fashion contribute to a better world?

A question that, yet again, connects us.

I started my speech by admitting I am an outfit repeater.

Because when it comes to clothing, I am mindful of what I wear and what I buy.

Just like you.

Looking around this room, I can imagine that you all read a label before buying clothes and that you put thought and effort into how you present yourselves.

You not only consider which clothes fit your style best, but also what effect these garments have on our planet.

How they are produced and distributed.

And, in the end, purchased.

You pick your clothes mindfully.

With intend.

Not everyone does.

Because not everyone has that privilege: to first consider where a piece of clothing was made, who the designer is and in what conditions that garment was manufactured. 

And then actually having the money to buy said garment.

Which is why we need all of you.

Everyone in this room.

To spread awareness.

To show the impact of fashion choices.

And to use your creativity and innovativeness to think of new ways to make the fashion industry more sustainable, while also making those sustainable clothing options more affordable.

But this also requires something of the people outside of this room.

Because, as I said, clothing is something universal.

We all wear it and we all have a role to play: from companies to consumers and creators.

Because change does not happen overnight.

Nor can you achieve it on your own.

We have to work together to move forward.

Just like today.

Because through this biennale, we imagine, question and illuminate our interconnections.

It also showcases how big your collective knowledge of fashion is.

And what we can learn from each other.

Therefore, I also want to ask you something: find each other, listen to each other, inspire each other and further fuel each other’s creativity.

Not only today, but also in the time to come.

And for now: let’s enjoy this biennale together.

Thank you!