From May 31 to June 29, Arnhem becomes a living canvas for fashion, design, and cultural storytelling during the Fashion + Design Festival Arnhem (FDFA). The 2025 edition embraces the theme Unravelled Roots, a journey through the deep and diverse heritage that shapes Arnhem’s creative identity.
Curated by our own Sjaak Hullekes, designer and co-founder of Hul le Kes, the festival invites reflection: on where we come from, who we are as makers and wearers, and how the past threads its way into today’s garments and values.
At Hul le Kes, fashion is never just surface. Every garment we create is a bearer of memory, from the reused materials we source, to the artisanal techniques we apply. Our Recovery Studio gives new life to textiles, celebrating their histories while crafting new meaning. This approach resonates deeply with the idea of “Unravelling Roots”, where heritage and reinvention go hand in hand.
We invite you to explore these stories in our store. Located on Hommelstraat 27, the Hul le Kes Store is not just a place to shop, but a space to reflect, connect, and be inspired. It sits symbolically between Arnhem’s city centre and the Modekwartier, two areas that mirror our values of tradition and innovation.
As part of FDFA’s citywide Binnenstad Expo, we are proud to exhibit the work of visual artist Meta Struycken in our store. Her conceptual and layered work offers a visual echo to our garments, each an investigation of structure, emotion, and hidden systems. It’s an experience not to be missed.
To further enrich your festival route, we highly recommend visiting the Eusebiuskerk for the retrospective exhibition celebrating 25 years of Collectie Arnhem by ArtEZ, as well as Rozet, where young Arnhem-based designers present their vision for the future. Together, these locations complete the fabric of this year’s festival.
Rijndistrict Open Studios – June 20, 16:00–20:00
Step inside our Manufacturing and Recovery Studios at Van Oldenbarneveldtstraat 79a, along with other creative spaces in the Rijndistrict. This is a unique opportunity to witness our process firsthand and meet the team behind our garments. More information here.
Arnhemse Stock & Design Dagen – June 27–29
Explore our curated selection of garments, prototypes, and unique pieces during this citywide event celebrating fashion and design. It’s the perfect chance to find one-of-a-kind items and connect with the local creative community. More information here.
Whether you’re exploring the city’s exhibitions or simply seeking a meaningful piece to wear to your next event, we hope to welcome you during this special month. Discover the full FDFA programme at fdfarnhem.nl and visit us in store to feel the narrative in every seam.
