Baby, it’s cold outside and lets be honest, doesn’t every mother want to find the perfect blanket to bring her infant home in? One to wrap their child up in when they are napping and another for the toddler to find security or a familiar scent in?! Blankets that’ll have your little ones feeling as warm as a cup of cocoa?
So why not keep that winter weather at bay with Repose Ams?
Repose Ams was founded in 2014 and is based in Amsterdam. Repose means peace, tranquillty, calm and silence and that fits their philosophy perfectly.
A multi functional knitted lambswool blanket for the little ones.
1 design, simple, comfortable and pure in 5 intense colours.
The blankets are also available at the webshop Broer & Zus and if you happen to live in Holland…. Please note that Repose Ams will be at the Trade Show showUP coming weekend!
We have asked In-Yeo Couperus, the founder of Repose Ams a couple of questions, scroll down to read the interview.
Would you mind introducing yourself and your brand to our readers?
My name is In-Yeo Couperus and I am a 32 year old, Amsterdam based freelance fashion designer. I consult for numerous companies in Amsterdam and I love the variety of the products that I work on. As well as my freelance projects, 6 months ago I started my own label “Repose Ams”.
Where does the name Repose Ams originate from?
I love the word Repose. English is my second language, so when I come across words that are unfamiliar to me, I will look them up. I came across this word, it attracted me, the letter combination, the sound of the word on my lips. I felt it had a nice “ring” to it. warm, strong, confident yet sensitive. Among other things it means peace, tranquillity, calm, silence and it fits with my philosophy. So I thought it was the perfect word for my brand.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? How did you come up with the idea of designing for children?
In my 8 years as a fashion designer, I have worked in various fields, from designing Knitwear, children’s wear to even underwear. I love the challenge of designing for kids. I feel due to the speed at which they grow, there is a tendency with companies to make quick turn around products….. products that are ephemeral, short lived and with an importance of making profits. Basically, in my opinion the price versus quality ratio is out of balance. What I try and do with the items that I design and produce, is to create something with love and passion keeping the essence of creating a quality product that has longevity. A product that isn’t a slave to quick fashion trends, but will last regardless of seasons.
What are the inspirations or motivations behind your design?
Due to the nature of my job, it’s important for me to know what is happening on the market. Trends in fashion etc. However, although maybe a little cliched, I really do find inspiration all around me. It could be a conversation with a friend, visiting and exhibition or it could be the dappled sunshine when it shines through the trees and makes a play of light on the floor during a stroll in the park.
Do you have children? How does that influence your work?
I don’t have children…. of my own. However, many of my friends do. These friends are my sounding board and they furnish me with valuable information. These friends are the kind of mums and dads who will buy “Repose Ams”. Of course I want my product to appeal to kids, but really, i’m appealing to the taste levels of the parents.
What are some essentials that every child should have in their closet?
I think its really, very important when a child gets to a certain age, to have their own opinion on what they desire/love etc. As well as the parents tastes, I design with an ethos of being non patronising to a child. It might sound like a bit strange, but I think often, companies that design kids clothes automatically think they love Sponge Bob and sparkles. The parents I speak understand this, but also look for the calmer more sophisticated products to build the essentials in their kids wardrobes.
What are the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of your job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is to follow your heart and your gut feeling. Everybody has their opinion about what you are doing, or how you should do it, but in the end you are the one who is responsible and you can only stand for the things you really love.
If one of our readers is in your city for 24 hours. What one thing would you recommend they do?
Oh my, everybody should visit Amsterdam once in their lives. It’s a magical city, anytime of the year. I have also lived in Antwerp and Stockholm, both beautiful cities, but there is nothing like the magic of Amsterdam. My city.
One of my favourite and inspiring things that I do in the city is to ride my bike through the many canals or parks. I’ll meet friends for coffee in any number of quirky and romantic hidden spots around the city, or go looking for treasures in one of the many markets or vintage stores. There really is something for everyone here. So my recommendation is to hire a bike and be a local. Leave your map in the hotel and get lost in this remarkable city. Then find yourself a warm cafe and “repose”
—— Photographs taken by Anna Ciolina ——
