Fashion Snoops

The 39-year-old Dutch fashion designer Percy Irausquin with Aruban roots, passed away on August 14^th by a brain hemorrhage. This news came as a total shock to Dutch fashion as it is a well-known name and a highly respected designer in our country and abroad. Percy recently showed his latest summer 2009 collection - Collection PRC, titled Full Bloom, during Amsterdam International Fashion Week. “No quirky stuff, but gorgeous dresses and strongly coordinated sets. In short, the trusted style we know from him as a talented designer,” according to the connoisseurs. Percy presented his work full of enthusiasm, lively and happy, just like him.

The Dutch fashion world is shocked and overwhelmed at the moment. People simply can’t believe it. It has dominated the fashion blogs, magazines and newspapers. Pascal Zantman, his manager from Zantman Modegroep, says Percy was getting ahead of his game; things were really looking good for him. On the day he died, he was even nominated for the Dutch Fashion Award.

Suzie Templeton, who received a golden globe at the Oscars February last for Best Animated Short Film, Peter and the Wolf, was wearing one of Percy’s gorgeous red dresses.

Image from www.fashionlicious.eu

But he also dressed various Dutch celebrities, and had shows in Paris and New York. In the Netherlands he was referred to as the ‘kleine Arubaan’ (the short Aruban) and was seen as one of the press’ favorites, but especially a favorite of the people. His shows were always packed, a true fashion darling. “I really have to get used to all this attention.” He said at the beginning of this year. “I just want to make women more beautiful, and that is only possible with beautiful dresses.”

Before the ending of this year Percy was going to open his own store in the centre of Amsterdam. “This will proceed” according to Pascal Zantman. They don’t quite yet know how, but his management does not want to give up his style or signature. Nor do we, his princess dress lovers.

Images from www.aifw.nl

Percy Irausquin was born in Willemstad, Aruba. He was 20 years old when he came to the Netherlands to pursue his dream in coming a fashion designer. He studied at the Rietveld Academy where he was an outsider; he had a style of his own. While everyone was going grunge, he came to school in Versace pants. He was called over-the-top-Percy. His inspiration was strongly connected with his family and Aruban roots, colorful, light and cheerful. When he started his Master’s degree at the Institute Arnhem he did a collection on his seven sisters named "Inspiration Amoureuse" (he was the only boy in a family of 8 children). He won the Frans Molenaar Cotoureprijs with this collection in 2002 and the Robijn Fashion Award. In 2005 he had his own show during Amsterdam Fashion Week and within a couple of seasons he became one of this Holland’s Fashion’s favorites. A favorite that will truly be missed.