
Comfort Fundamentals–With a keen eye for refined simplicity, Sjaak Hullekes keeps an effortless elegance in check for spring 2012. Offering fundamental basics ranging from pullovers and cardigans to classic blazers as well as chinos, an ultimate minimalism is encompassed with a breath of ease and comfort. Embracing a relaxed silhouette, the spirit of leisure is carried through to the soft color palette of teal, white, blue and brown. / Photography by Kevin Rijnders. Modeled by Rien Kraak.

Sjaak Hullekes’ muse this season may be the small town boy, but his designs have travelled leaps and bounds since his last collection. Showing a certain maturity in this season’s designs, Hullekes turned to the photography of Joost Vanderbrug and styling of Ferry van der Nat to get his humble intentions across. Casting Max (Tony Jones Model Management) as his wide-eyed boy, Hullekes approached fall’s range with a great tenderness. Drawing colors from the season, muted shades of brown and orange make a significant impact. Graced with well-tailored suiting separates, a narrow silhouette works well with cropped jackets and luscious knits. Stylishly cinched at the waist with a belt, each thoughtful touch showcased in next fall’s lookbook progresses Hullekes’ own coming of age as a designer.

Last Friday, November 6, 2009, Sjaak Hullekes was awarded the Mercedes-Benz Dutch Fashion Award, which is given each year to the a Dutch high-end fashion label that shows the most potential for the international market. The award comes with a prize in the amount of €25.000, which will be used to help in the development and expansion of Sjaak Hullekes.

Bold and daring, Sjaak Hullekes’ spring 2010 collection hones in on the softer side of menswear. Outfitted with flats that break away from the norm and revealing shorts that appear to get shorter, Hullekes presents a man of sophistication that is fearless. Form conscious, the collection’s silhouette is brought in close and dressed primarily in blues and browns with a splash of red. For materials, the collection turns to linens and silks in order to create spring-ready separates that focus on comfort and quality. Always ready to offer a hint of leisure and play are the collection’s frayed hems that perfectly encompass a range of simple, but chic pieces that are great for the adventurous.