Alchemist

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According to myth and legend, alchemists were able to transform everyday, ordinary objects into something extraordinary and fantastic. They sought the formula to create gold. To the alchemists, gold symbolised the perfection of all matter, both material and spiritual. Like those scientists, the Dutch fashion brand, Alchemist, wanted to combine different elements to create a special and striking collection, something that surpassed even its individual components.

Launched in January 2005 by Caroline Mewe, she started Alchemist because she could rarely find the clothes she wanted to wear. “I wanted a label for women who are over thirty and sometimes want to look strong, but sometimes ultra-feminine. Ever since the start, Alchemist has had the privilege to work with a highly dedicated team that has been the base for healthy growth. We do it with our heart and soul.”

The label currently creates two collections every year. The clothes are tough, feminine and wearable. The basis of the collection consists of organic cotton and tencel tops/shirts, which are combined with a wide range of feminine fashionable cloths.

Alchemist is committed to using natural materials like cotton, linen, ramie, poplin, silk and leather, per collection these materials are combined with seasonal trend fabrics.

The driving forces behind the label are Caroline Mewe and Kees Willem de
Jong. Caroline is responsible for the collections, while de Jong, who is also a director of the De Jong Amsterdam fashion agency, takes care of sales and distribution.

“We initially only wanted to start a luxury organic T-shirt line but once the ball started rolling, we could not stop,” says Caroline. “For me, Alchemist feels like I’ve gone back to the source. Even as a child I was involved in fashion, and on an extremely large scale as a buyer for the Bijenkorf department store. I eventually started to miss the ‘human dimension’ and was keen to get really close to the product. Now I can feel all the fabrics, personally consult with producers and spend time searching for that one particular button. Quality is far more interesting than quantity. Quality also means we use a production method that is good for the environment and the people who make our clothes.”