Having held many different positions within the fashion industry, I assume you have worked with a variety of individuals and are now very well acquainted with the creative industry. What has the female representation in your field looked like over the years?
Fortunately, I have always held a job in an environment that naturally existed of many female workers. Working with women brings a pleasant atmosphere. Everyone is very driven and determined, but there is also room for awareness and empathy.

I've had very strong female leaders as managers and editors-in-chief. Female leadership, especially in the creative industry, is extremely important because women have a special set of skills that is very helpful in this business. Collaborating, solution-oriented thinking, being flexible, multitasking, you name it.

You advocate diversity, inclusion and an all-embracing image of women in the media. Based on these things you stand for, how would you like to see the landscape of this creative industry?
We as the media must realise that we are jointly responsible for a large part of the image people have of themselves. It is so important that everyone is represented. Everyone should be able to see themselves in multiple shapes and sizes, multiple roles, multiple clothing styles, and multiple environments.

A very well-known quote goes: “You can't be what you can't see”. If you want to give young people hope and let them dream, then it is so important that you show all kinds of people, in different facets. There are so many beautiful people and thus beautiful stories. That's what makes my work more interesting: looking for different stories.

Do you think the fashion industry has a different strength and reach than other creative sub-industries and can tackle such topics differently?
The fashion industry has a lot of influence on other industries. Fashion magazines are closely connected to the fashion industry and the organisations working within this field. Therefore, I think fashion magazines are the right platform to use when it comes to joining forces.

It is important that we connect with each other and stay invested in all the things we can do, all the things we can shine our light on, and all the things we can support. I think a fashion magazine, a platform like Vogue, can act as a moderator in this practice.

Text: Flore de Man  |  Photographer: Kwabena Sekyi Appiah-nti  |  Gaffer: Vincent Houtman | Stylist: Esmeralda Schipper-Zijp  |  Styling Assistent: Melanie Butter  |  Make-Up & Hair: Kato Fierkens & Alexander van der Heide  |  Talent: Yeliz Çiçek