To us, fashion is not about rules; it’s about space. Space for character, freedom, and the choices of the wearer. Our gender-fluid approach to design and sizing is a key part of this philosophy. We believe that everyone should wear clothing in a way that feels right, without conforming to traditional norms. It’s not about what should be done but about what fits—who you are.
Our sizing system, ranging from 0 to 5, is intentionally abstract. This system invites the wearer to move away from conventional ideas about fit. Whether you wear a garment close to the body, oversized, at the waist, or on the hips—that is entirely your choice. We think it should be about the interaction between the clothing and the person wearing it. The wearer defines the fit, the look, and, ultimately, the story the garment tells.
We don’t just want you to feel good in our clothing; we want it to be an extension of your character. This aligns with our belief that fashion can be an art form—a medium, like painting or music, that conveys personal expression and emotion.
This vision is deeply rooted in the arts. Many artists have always explored the boundaries of identity, gender, and expression. David Bowie for example was a pioneer in challenging gender roles, but also Gertrude Stein, Frida Kahlo or Marlene Dietrich knew how to play around with the society expected from them, being women. Their work inspires us to see clothing as a tool for reinventing yourself time and again.
Marlene Dumas, in turn, uses ambiguity and fluidity in her portraits. Her figures seem to transcend gender boundaries, evoking a universal sense of humanity. This idea—that you are not confined to a role or identity but are constantly evolving—is a core value at Hul le Kes.
Even Piet Mondrian, known for his clean lines and abstract compositions, had a deeper philosophy centered on balance. For him, the search for harmony between masculine and feminine was a way to achieve beauty and authenticity. At Hul le Kes, we continue this quest—not with paint, but with fabric.
It’s important to emphasize, however, that we don’t prescribe what anyone should wear. We’re not saying that a man should wear traditionally feminine clothing or that a woman should wear traditionally masculine pieces (and then again; what is the tradition?). For us, it’s always about choice. Fashion should be a tool of liberation, not limitation. At Hul le Kes, we believe clothing should serve the wearer.
Hul le Kes is not a brand driven by trends or commercial ideals. We work from intrinsic values and beliefs. Our clothing is not made for the masses but for people seeking a unique story. We design from a place of imperfection because we believe true beauty lies there, as well as the solution to a more balanced world and society. Each garment tells its own story, one that only becomes complete when it is worn.
For us, clothing is not a mask but a mirror. It amplifies who you are without limiting you. Our gender-fluid approach is not a gimmick but a fundamental choice. Fashion is a tool for self-expression, and we believe that expression should be free from rules and judgment. As artist and feminist Louise Bourgeois once said: “Clothing is… a witness to our existence.”
At Hul le Kes, we believe in the power of clothing to connect: between people and materials, between past and present, and between who you are and who you can become.
Yet, this way of working is still far from commonplace in most stores. Shopping is still largely divided into men’s and women’s sections, with clear boundaries between what is “for him” and “for her.” The idea of mixing everything together—or, rather, the idea that anyone can wear and try on anything regardless of their gender—is still not self-evident for many.
Even in the Hul le Kes Store, one of the most frequent questions from newcomers (after complimenting the unique location) is: “Where is the women’s clothing?” or “Where is the men’s clothing?” Sometimes, it’s as simple as: “Is this only for women?” These questions highlight how ingrained the traditional approach to fashion still is.
We hope to inspire change—not only in how people see clothing, but also in how they experience shopping. Fashion should be about freedom, creativity, and individuality, not about fitting into predefined categories. At Hul le Kes, we invite you to step away from these conventions and explore a world where clothing is defined not by gender, but by character.
Did you know that on our webshop you can see, most, items on both male and female? You can filter your view by clicking on the ‘worn by’ button on the left top corner.
