We all have our favorites. Nowadays, I often get asked what my favorites are in many areas, such as fashion, skincare products, makeup, accessories, etc.
Before we started this shoot, I asked Ellen to tell us about her work:
I am an independent designer, and I have my own label ellen:truijen. It all started of frustration because I could not find a bag that reflected my wishes and desires. After the first bag I made for myself, I was encouraged by the positive reactions in my circle of (fashion) friends and husband and designed more… a small collection appeared, and I traveled to boutiques to show them my bags. First on my own, later with my firstborn in a big 70’s baby stroller and then through several international sales agents. Many of those boutiques still stock my bags. I love long-term relationships. As a former dancer/performer/contemporary artist, I had no experience designing a product. So, in that case, you can call me an autodidact.
What’s the worst part of getting older for you?
To accept that you need more additions : ) Like glasses or supplements, but on the other hand, it is ok. I feel thankful that it is within my reach so I can feel (and see) better…
What’s the best part?
Skin that ages. The softer the Skin gets by aging, the more character it will reveal. I subconsciously translated this into one of my newest designs. M.A.N.O.N, named after my second name and 1st of my second line. I realized afterward that I had designed a more mature version of my best runner, Hipster bag. More refined, less fuzz that distracts from the essential. Minimalistic and elegant. Down to earth but always practical. Like a mature woman colored by life as it comes.
What would you say if you could tweet something to your younger self?
First of all, I would not tweet as I would not prefer to use this medium to express myself to someone personally. If I had a good glass of whiskey with my younger self, I’d tell her
that her sensitivity is a power, not a weakness. I would give her the insights I gained over time and guide her to use her extreme sensitivity to help herself and others. So she can
experience a whole other part of it and let her feel that the challenge lies within is something she can learn to deal with. So she can save loads and loads of tears and energy and manifest more easily what she has in mind for her own sake and the sake of her loved ones.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
What’s the Biggest Risk You’ve Ever Taken?
Really do not know.
Any regrets?
I think this word is not in my dictionary. I can recognise sometimes feelings of regret, but at the same time, the complete context makes it clear that the unfortunate thing that happened happened because of something, which makes it so obviously it could not happen otherwise… It can be regretful, but it was probably inevitable.
What is the most unexpected incident about the COVID19 pandemic and the following lockdown?
I had to cancel all of my appointments while I was in the middle of sales for AW2021. We had such a great start to the season. The collection was compact, varied, and strong and very well received by the buyers. It hurt when I had to store the bags for an indefinite period.
What was the biggest challenge about being at home?
I actually did not feel challenged by being at home. Our studio and in-house production are next to our home. Our company is small and flexible, and we have enough space, so from that point of view, everything went ‘like normal’. The biggest challenge, I guess, was for our kids. I think for them, this situation was the most ‘damaging’ to be cut off from their social structure and context.
What’s your age?
Computer says 36 but I am 44.
Styled by Dayenne Bekker
Pink coat by Arket
Makeup and hair by Esther van Maanen
