Dutch Design

Dutch Design stands for innovative and experimental design on the highest niveau from the Netherlands. What seems to be unexpected on first sight – in public Netherlands are more famous for flowers, cheese and windmills than for spectacular design – turns out to be perfectly fitting. Eventually the Netherlands stand for a free society of different people from all parts of the world which has always been the perfect ground for creativity.

A consistent definition for Dutch Design is hard to find. Since the 17th century creativity and art have been a constant part of the Dutch society and history. At this time the Netherlands became independent from the Spanish empire what was followed by a tremendous economic and cultural growth. In this “golden age” artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer led the Netherlands to cultural and artistic heights.

From that day the artistic tradition was rooted in the Netherlands. But culture and art weren’t limited to painting. Soon Design and Architecture occupied an equal position. Especially in the first half of 20th century Dutch Designers like Gerrit Rietveld and De Stijl, Piet Zwart and others exerted a great influence on the Dutch Design and founded a scene that should later become birthplace of Designers like Marcel Wanders, Gijs Bakker, Chris Kabel, Ineke Hans and Jorre van Ast.

Today design of the Netherlands arranges international sensation and is asked like it was never before. Dutch Design grew to a phenomenon which is worldwide known. A lot of different streamings have influence in the last centuries the mass production and also the production of unique products.

Dutch Design as a whole is eclectic and hard to characterize. It’s a combination of different influences and individual talent. At this point the open-minded and democratic Dutch society plays a role even when it’s often image and illusion. Nevertheless Dutch society and Design permanently change and find itself in a constant dialogue. This creates a special Design scene that represents innovation and creativity.

Dutch Designs have in common that they are open to the unknown and unusual and unexpected forms, materials and techniques. In this creative surrounding not only Droog Design finds its experimental and spectacular Designs but also an endless number of Designers create products that are unexpected and innovative.