Marte Mei van Haaster
Courtesy of Platform Agency
HURS CURATORS
MARTE MEI VAN HAASTER
The designer and model shares her favorite brands, products and places
Marte Mei van Haaster is seriously cool. The Amsterdam-based designer and model’s desire to connect individuals with the spaces they inhabit, has resulted in a body of work that goes beyond mere objects. Her site-specific approach to materials and craftsmanship results in distinct pieces and interiors that aim to connect a person to their local surroundings. Van Haaster views materials as part of a wider ecosystem – a cycle – to which they once belonged and may one day return. Van Haaster’s modeling career has been another continuous cycle. Since starting her career 15 years ago, she has remained a recurring presence on runways and in magazines. Building an impressive client list including Jil Sander, The Row and Alaïa to name a few. It’s no surprise that recently the two worlds have started to overlap, with Van Haaster now frequently collaborating with brands and publications through her design practice.
A THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED LAKESIDE HIDEAWAY
In Durgerdam it’s as if time has stood still. The village nearby the buzzy streets of Amsterdam is an oasis for those who prefer a slower place. Located on the Mark, a lake that used to be the famous Zuiderzee, Durgerdam oozes with Dutch charm. From the handful of former fishermen, its historic architecture and the bobbing fishing boats, it’s the kind of place you don’t really want to leave. The 14-room boutique hotel and restaurant De Durgerdam opened a few years ago, offering thoughtfully designed bedrooms and suites celebrating local craft and design. The restaurant follows a similar philosophy, with a menu that underpins local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Recreating some traditional favorites in a way that’s humble and extraordinary in its simplicity.
“If you want to ESCAPE the busy Amsterdam canals for some peaceful relaxation on the lakeside I would recommend going to this beautiful boutique hotel in the nearby village of Durgerdam. It’s only a short 20-minute drive – or even a bike ride – away from Amsterdam. It was designed by one of my favorite design studios, Bélen. I love what they do due to the location-specific approach to craft and material, working conceptually while still making designs that are elegant and stunning visually.”
“During Art Week, Charlotte Chesnais and I will be hosting a pop-up at Carmen Amsterdam to share and celebrate our collaboration. Charlotte has been a LONG-TIME friend. After years of religiously wearing her designs, I’m super happy to collaborate with her on this series of collections.”
WHEN THE WORLD OF AN ARTIST AND JEWELRY DESIGNER COLLIDE
Charlotte Chesnais’ world of wearable sculptures is one we’ve admired for a while. Her ability to continuously evolve her distinct aesthetic has made her one of the most renowned jewelry designers today. In celebration of SHIMA – a collection of designs exploring one of her first iconic pieces meaning “island” in Japanese – the French designer collaborated with long-time friend and talented artist Marte Mei. Highlighting SHIMA’s silver and vermeil pendants, Mei curated an in-store installation in the brand’s Parisian boutiques featuring her glass sculptures and miniature ceramics entwined in leather laces. Connecting the works and creative practices of both women. The two women will also host a pop-up at Amsterdam-based store Carmen to share and celebrate the collection.
UNCOVERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS
The Rijksakademie artist residency offers a unique environment for artists, makers and creatives to experiment. Led by the intention to develop talent in the fine arts, the institution facilitates top talent to further develop their work during its two-year residency. Artists are supported with a studio, access to a library and workshops and receive support from a wide range of curators, artists and thinkers. Through its highly international and multidisciplinary approach, the academy creates a space where artists are challenged to deepen their practice and explore their philosophy. Its programme is fluid, with no leading style or ideology leaving room for those participating to explore their own. Every year, the academy hosts its Open Studios, a four day event where the multi-faceted group of artists who participate in the residence share their work alongside an extensive programme of performances, talks and presentations.
“It’s Amsterdam Art Week from 29 May to 2 June. All galleries will have shows and special events to check out, but if I have to HIGHLIGHT one, it’s Rijksakademie Open. It’s a two-year artist residency where all studios turn into mini solo shows. The energy, talent and experience never disappoint.”
“There are so many popular and great restaurants in Amsterdam, but if I have to pick a FAVORITE, it’s the forever-waitlisted Toscanini. A simple and stylish Italian restaurant in the city center. Be sure to get the Cynar Spritz. It’s my favorite drink, I discovered in Venice. I haven't found it anywhere else in Amsterdam except for at Toscanini on request.”
IN AMSTERDAM, A MODERN ITALIAN BISTRO
Since opening its doors in 1985, Toscanini has remained a local favorite. Tucked away in the northern part of the Jordaan – a neighborhood known for its picturesque streets, specialty shops and art galleries – the restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere paired with an excellent menu inspired by regional Italian cooking, has made Toscanini the institution it is today. But don’t expect just Italian classics, South-African chef Leonardo Pacenti – whose Italian heritage was passed on from his father’s side – enjoys adding a twist of his own. Creating food that’s nostalgic yet never boring, and always working with local ingredients. Bread and pastas are all home-made, and alongside its seasonally changing menu, Toscanini serves a selection of daily specials. Its curated selection of Italian wines – including a selection from lesser known, small producers – deserves a mention too.
A CURATED SELECTION OF SPANISH ARTIFACTS
Terra is a classic. In a world where it’s hard to find something that’s truly unique, Terra delivers a point of view. Tucked away on the Reestraat in Amsterdam’s famous shopping destination De 9 Straatjes, it’s the boutique’s eclectic shop window pulls you in. Terra’s founder sources objects and artifacts on her frequent travels to Spain. With tradition and heritage as her leading principles, she seeks out artisans who have been practicing their craft for years, passing the knowledge on from one generation to the next. Terra’s curated collection of new and antique pottery – from brown pottery from Catalunya to earthenware from Andalusia – and handcrafted boots and espadrilles have remained a favorite for generations.