At Bring It Back #11, co-hosted by Stichting The City, the conversation turned inward — toward the deep threads connecting fashion, community, and the way we express ourselves. The evening featured three speakers who each bring a distinct voice and lived experience to their craft: Odair (DAIR Design), Janette (Buijtenland van Rhoon), and Nada (Halte Charlois). The talk was moderated by Monique, co-owner of The Swapshop and longtime advocate for circular fashion systems.

How community drive fashion?

The central question of the night: What does community mean — in fashion, in life, and in the things we create?

“Community is where our differences are seen, embraced, and brought together,” said Nada, whose practice thrives on imperfection and human connection. “My work isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating space where people feel seen. That’s what makes us human.”

For Odair, whose work in fashion dates back to 2009, community is both inspiration and audience. “It’s about personality. It’s about seeing each other. I always design thinking of someone standing in front of their closet not knowing what to wear — that’s the moment I want to meet them in.”

Odair’s approach blends playful material combinations with practical function — not just creating pieces, but offering tools for self-expression. “You communicate who you are without words. When someone puts on something I’ve made, I can see the shift in them. That’s the moment that speaks loudest.”

Translate the fabrics into fashion

Janette, who comes from a farming background, brought an ecological layer to the conversation. Her work with raw linen, sourced from a 600-hectare natural area, weaves fashion back to the land — and to the roots of community.

“We used to work together, share materials, and know each other. That’s what made communities strong. I try to bring that back — not just in how we grow or make things, but in how we connect through them.”

She also called for a new kind of fashion designer: one who doesn’t just make, but translates — helping others see the beauty and urgency in local materials, natural fabrics, and the stories they carry.

To round up

Throughout the evening, it became clear that fashion is more than aesthetics — it’s a language. One that reflects where we come from, who we stand with, and how we see ourselves. Whether it’s helping someone in recovery reconnect with their story, or reminding us how clothes can carry memory and identity, each speaker showed how community fuels creativity — and how fashion, at its best, is about belonging.

“It’s not about standing out,” said Nada. “It’s about being part of something.”

And if you want to learn more about sustainable fashion, check out Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week, which will take place from 8-12 October, and we will see you there!