Thinking of Holland
The above quote from a well-known poem of Hendrik Marsman is the name of a brand-new shop in Amsterdam. Dorret Griffioen, the owner of the shop, had simply had it with all the junk that ordinary souvenir shops were selling. She believed that Holland, with all its internationally acclaimed designers and tourists alike, deserved so much better.
Thinking of Holland
The Passengers Terminal on Piet Heinkade 23, where all big cruise boats harbor, suited her strategy. In a posh interior, designed by Thomas Cruijsen, you’ll find several items that’ll remind you of Holland. Though not especially conceived as souvenirs, these high quality objects often have a twist and provoke memories of the Low Countries. Unfortunately 'Zealand sweetheart' doesn’t belong to the shop but you’ll definitely find related jewelry or motives from her attire.
Droog
Thinking of Dutch Design, I immediately think of Droog. A design label and platform for designers. Droog meaning dry, a reproach we Dutch are repeatedly blamed for, produces unpretentious, funny but functional objects.
Droog
In a historical building in the Staalstraat, Droog established its flag store and a gallery where young designers exhibit their creations. Here you can wander around, marveling a table, a kitchen or enter the lovely garden. For me, it feels more like visiting the new apartment of a friend than dwelling in a design shop. I always sneak in to see if they still have the big hare in their collection. It’s such a pity that my floor isn’t roomy enough to have such an opulent doormat.
