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‘Sophisticated clothing from materials like painters' linen'
The People of the Labyrinths' signature is unique. This Arnhem-based luxury label enjoys international renown for its unmistakable clothing collections that are made from fabrics displaying a rich palette of colours and intense patterns.
Co-founders Geert de Rooij (b. 1959) and Hans Démoed (b. 1959) have followed a steadfast design ethic since establishing the label in 1984. If they cannot find the right colours, then they dye and print the fabrics themselves. ‘Our ideas for colours and patterns are inspired by travel, observation, listening, reading and visiting exhibitions. A story line gradually evolves.' The duo is not averse to experiment, whether creating their fabrics or in their styling. They combine their eclectic designs with centuries-old etches by Rembrandt and the voyages to the moon of the 1960s. Decoration is never simply decoration. ‘The colours and patterns always serve the design, and therefore form a unitary whole.'
P.O.T.L. have created two highly successful perfumes, Luctor et Emergo and A.MAZE, have produced two books, and sell their luxury designs for women, children and men (Taurus) via their own shops in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Moscow.
In 2006, P.O.T.L. commissioned the leading photographer Erwin Olaf to document their 2005/2006 winter collection, which was inspired by the Old Masters. This series of Baroque-inspired photos was shown at the Centraal Museum in Utrecht under the title ‘The Golden Age'.