Meet Michele & Hoven - Empowering Women
Michele & Hoven describes their knitwear as “soft, natural, timeless, original, special and unique.” Sourced in the Peruvian Andes and handknit by a women’s collective, the line includes both pima cotton and alpaca wool - which is as soft and warm as cashmere, yet hypoallergenic and very well-priced.
What's your name(s)?
Michele Van Oudenhoven.
Where are you from?
Peru and Belgium.
Describe your signature design style in five words.
Nature, tradition, quality, timeless, love.
What's your biggest source of inspiration?
I would say being in nature.
Do you prefer to follow or subvert trends?
I would say that trends are neither followed nor subverted. They aren't a straight line. Rather, they allow us to look around to gain perspective of what is coming.
Do you thrive off of spontaneity or careful planning?
Spontaneity! Nothing is 100% certain in life, so without spontaneity, everything becomes boring!
How do you think the fashion industry is going to change as automation takes over?
I actually think it will result in an increase in creativity overall. It's very exciting!
Are your designs connected with or inspired by your heritage?
Yes! I've always been immersed in the culture of knitting and handmade apparel, so my work is very heavily inspired by this.
What first made you passionate about fashion?
I wanted to share the beauty of Alpaca apparel with the world. That's what got me here and what keeps me going!
If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
I'd go straight to the Amazon jungle.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of fashion?
I love all beach sports... anything on a seashore, really!
You’ve received an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with it?
I would let it run free, but I'd always be there to take care of it.
What is your favorite food?
I love both Japanese and Peruvian food.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world on a new collection, who would it be?
It's not as much important to me who it is, as what it is we work on. As long as we both stay true to our respective values and commitments, the collection will be a success in my eyes.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I drink a glass of water - hydration is super important!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To see the future.
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Check out Michele & Hoven's new collections here