From simple, elegant and modern outfits to amazing shoes, bags and belts, Dutch designer Joline Jolink makes eyecatching items which we all want to have but which aren't screaming for attention. She has only recently started to sell outside her own country, and her clothes are already sold out in New York. With top model Rianne ten Haken always on her side, Jolink's breakthrough must be on the way.

How long have you been designing?
More or less since I was a child and asked my grandmother to sew my designs for my dolls. I started my studies in 1999 in Arnhem, so that's when it all began to develop.

How would you describe your style?
Clean, fresh, wearable, comfortable, high quality special fabrics, positive.

What inspires you?
The female body, modernism, the designs and way of thinking of designer Eileen Gray (1878-1976).

Were you interested in fashion when you were growing up?
Yes! I loved going through my grandmother's stuff: golden high heels, fur coats, feather hats, pretty dresses and capes... She kept all her and my mothers clothes, a wonderful archive of several interesting decades.

What was your favourite outfit from your youth?
That must be my crazy jumpsuits for the night. The wide, oversized, colourblocking jersey suits did not sleep comfortable at all, but that could not keep me from having sweet, fashionable dreams.

Who are your favourite designers?
The American designer Claire McCardell (1905-1958) is my all-time favourite. Her designs are still modern, because of the simplicity and the natural materials. I love that she was totally modest and surprised about her success (she claimed to just design clothes that she needed herself and it happened that other women needed them too!)

Who is your ideal customer?
Every woman who feels comfortable in my designs is my ideal customer. They often are strong, independent, creative, no-nonsense women. Sounds a lot like myself!

Can we buy your collection anywhere at the moment?
I just opened the virtual doors of my online shop this spring! We deliver all over the world! Furthermore my designs are being sold at Pixie Market in New York and Los Angeles, Sky in Amsterdam, Van Dijk in Rotterdam and Wandjina in Amersfoort.
 
What are your plans for the future?
I want to show my collections in New York. I want to sell all over the world in lovely stores. And - since I love my little online shop so much - I can imagine having own stores soon as well.