Routes In… to becoming a Fashion Designer
Join us for an inspiring evening where we pull back the layers of what it means to make a career as a Fashion Designer. This edition of "Routes In…" brings together voices at different stages of their journey: from those just getting started, to established names who’ve made their mark.
During this event, four creatives in Fashion will share the stories of their ‘Routes In’ - the beautiful struggles, turning points, and milestones that have shaped their individual paths into the industry.
You’ll hear from:
Starting out: Emma van Engelen - Founder & Designer, Bhumi Clothing
Thriving: Olaf Hussein - Founder & Designer, ØLAF
Industry Expert: Danie Bles - Founder, Amsterdam Fashion Week
Thriving: Rianne Suk - Design Manager, Karl Lagerfeld
No route is the same. By sharing lessons learned along the way, Routes In helps young creatives gain insight and human connection to better understand the different career paths available.
6:00pm - Doors open
6:00-7:00 - Mingle & Exhibition
7:00 - 8:00 - Panel Conversation
8:00 - 8:30 - Q&A
8:30 - 9:00 - Mingle & Exhibition
🤝 Expect real talk & honesty.
🤝 Expect connections & insights.
🤝 Expect to leave energised & inspired.
Who This Is For
This event is for emerging fashion creatives: from students and recent grads to self-taught designers and early-career talent. If you’re ambitious, curious, and looking to learn how journeys to becoming a Fashion Designer can shape up, this is for you.
Capacity & Sign-Up Details
We’re keeping things intimate, with just 30 spots available. That means more space for real conversation, meaningful connections, and the chance to ask your questions.
To make sure the group is a great fit, attendance is by application. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation and be asked to complete payment of €5 to secure your spot.
This helps us make sure every seat goes to someone who will really benefit from and contribute to the evening.
For anyone currently unable to afford a ticket we're reserving 3 free tickets. Reach out to info@routesin.com to access this.
Bonus Opportunity: Showcase Your Work
Are you a fashion designer ready to get your work seen?
We’re offering 3-4 emerging designers the chance to display their pieces at the event. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your talent, get exposure in a creative industry space, and connect with professionals and peers alike.
You'll be able to note your interest in showcasing your work as part of the application form.
About The Speakers
Olaf Hussein
Founder & Designer of ØLÅF
Always on, often distracted, but always finding a way to get things done. Olaf started his journey in fashion as a denim design intern at Tommy Hilfiger- learning the ropes, feeling like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. He's always had the vision for ØLÅF, but took time to step back, learn, and reassess how to properly launch the business. Fast forward to today, the brand has been scaled up and Olaf has evolved his role to leading a talented team.
"I'm passionate about scaling businesses and creating a dynamic, collaborative environment, and I’m excited to share my journey with aspiring designers at this event."
Danie Bles
Owner & Creator of Amsterdam Fashion Week
Danie is a leading Dutch fashion entrepreneur, stylist, and creative director. She is the owner and curator of Amsterdam Fashion Week, where she champions both emerging and established talent. Danie also leads 8 The Agency, an aesthetic-driven creative agency specializing in brand campaigns, activations, and events, and operates the ByDanie Designer Vintage Store in Amsterdam – reflecting her multifaceted influence on the fashion industry.
Emma van Engelen
Founder & Designer, Bhumi Clothing
Emma is a rising fashion force blending art, tech, and radical inclusivity. As the founder of Bhumi Clothing, she uses innovative 3D printing to create bold, sculptural pieces that challenge outdated beauty standards and celebrate all bodies. Emma’s work draws on nature’s raw beauty- turning rejection into reinvention, and adornment into empowerment.
From Bhumi’s debut runway show to landing the cover of ELLE, Emma is quickly making waves. Her designs are unapologetically maximalist, fiercely expressive, and deeply personal- inviting wearers to define beauty on their own terms.
Rianne Suk
Design Manager, Karl Lagerfeld
Rianne is a Dutch Fashion Designer who graduated from HKU. She gained her first experiences in the Fashion industry through multiple internships in London making outfits for Lady Gaga, as well as at the Dutch fashion house of Viktor & Rolf.
She then started as intern at Karl Lagerfeld designing for the womenswear RTW collection. Now, 11 years later, she’s progressed to being Design Manager.
She is also putting her skills to a purpose by setting up her own brand, NRG by SUK, that provides solution designs protecting you from radiation from modern devices.
About Routes In
Routes In is a foundation on a mission to open doors and expand access to the creative industry. Our “Routes In…” event series brings together ambitious young talent and seasoned creatives to explore the many ways into a professional creative career. Every story is different- by sharing them, we spark connection, community, and clearer paths forward.
Event Partner
This event is run in partnership with Maison ELLE; generously providing their beautiful Amsterdam space as well as snacks & beverages.
A huge thank you for contributing to our mission in this way!