De Kempenaer Advocaten and the laws of fashion

Since 1816, the year Jacobus Mattheus opened his offices in the city center, De Kempenaer Advocaten has been a notable Arnhem law firm. Ever since, a close bond between the firm, its clients and the city of Arnhem has been established. Lawyers are specialised in several areas of law and work for a multitude of industries and clients, among which the fashion world. Does law say anything about clothing? Els van Haalen-Koot, office director: ‘We all think about fashion on a daily basis, consciously or unconsciously. We let other people tell us what to wear, without it being stated by law. There is no such thing as fashion law, but there are quite a lot of rules regarding clothing, for example in employment law. A person could lose his contract if he does not oblige to a company’s dress code.’

Due to its connection to Arnhem and the fashion industry, De Kempenaer Advocaten views working with Arnhem Mode Biennale as an opportunity not to miss. Els van Haalen-Koot: ‘During the 2009 edition we organised a fashion show, called Meesterlijke Mode, together with Arnhem Mode Biennale. Our female lawyers left their togas at home and walked the runway in clothing by young Dutch designers. This way, we wanted to show the audience that it is possible to look fashionable in business. Its success made us decide to again organise a show on 23 June.’