During the lessons in the studio of Dutch Couture Academy, tips are invariably exchanged. And, of course, those tips include addresses where to buy fabrics. In recent years, many fabric shops in the Netherlands have closed down. There are now only a few places in the Netherlands where you really have a wide choice of couture fabrics. Harrie Bosch in Eindhoven is one of them.

Sometimes something catches your eye that makes you happy: for me, this happened somewhere on Instagram in the past few months. Harrie Bosch seemed to be changing course: active on social media, a new webshop and new ideas … it made me extremely curious! 

Harrie Bosch Modestoffen taken over by Mark Vrolings and Emily Hermans

And so I contacted Harrie Bosch Modestoffen in Eindhoven, an address that I have enjoyed buying fabric from for years, to ask whether I could drop by and find out what is about to change. It is a lot. A lot and a lot of fun! Look what I discovered when I went by in Eindhoven. It turns out that the shop has been taken over by Emily Hermans (textile designer) and her partner Mark Vrolings

(the interview is in Dutch)

Buying Fabrics

The focus for Mark and Emily continues to be the supply of special, exclusive fabrics, as Harrie Bosch’s clientele has become accustomed to. You will find many different silks, but also the coarser tweeds and bouclés that are so suitable for making a Chanel jacket. It is still possible to see, feel and buy fabrics in the hall in Eindhoven. However, a webshop has also been launched, which is filled with new stock every week.

Emily also wants to share her knowledge through a kind of LAB. Without knowledge it is difficult to make a good choice which fabric suits which design. Emily has the following tip: pay attention to the weight of the fabric! Up to 200 grams, a fabric is usually suitable for blouses, and up to 300 grams for dresses. Above 300 grams, the fabric is considered heavy. This classification is not entirely watertight, but it can be used as a rough indication. Emily explains that a fabric like viscose, for example, is supple but relatively heavy in weight.

Naturally, the prints designed by Emily herself are given a prominent place in the range. Prints that are not for sale anywhere else make your clothes extra special.

The development of the MLY line takes place at the same location. You can imagine that this makes mutually beneficial cross-pollinations possible! Also for those who do not sew themselves it is possible to wear something special.

Buying fabrics is a wonderful moment for those who sew! Dreaming of what is not yet, but will be possible … Do you enjoy that as much as I do? What are your favourite shops (both physical and online) for buying fabrics? What makes you always happy? Please share it below in a message!

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Couture training

The program of workshops, masterclasses and courses at Saskia ter Welle focuses on (prospective) professionals in the fashion industry who are looking for an opportunity to specialise in couture techniques. Enthusiastic amateurs are also very welcome! In the courses a balance is sought between technology and inspiration, between knowledge and skills and artistic expression. Discovering your own handwriting is seen as crucial in the distinctive craftsmanship of every student.