Cora Kemperman

I'm looking forward to the late spring when one of my oldest and dearest friends ties the knot. In Amsterdam. Yay. Aside from being able to spend such a special time with Gen and her family, I will also have the chance to explore the city for the very first time. First on my list: Dutch designer Cora Kemperman's shop. Known for clothing that is timeless yet innovative, fluid, architectural, and, well, simply beautiful. Kemperman's creations are statements, though made quietly and discretely. In an interview with Hermelijn van der Meijden of Eigen Huis & Interieur, Kemperman describes her collection as "feminine and elegant, has ethnic elements, is comfortable and has been produced responsibly." She describes her customers as "creative women who do not follow the mainstream trends."

In addition to being a design original, Kemperman's company is a model of corporate social responsibility. A percentage of the company's profits are channeled to fund programs that improve the lives of the people who work in their factories in India. To read more about Kemperman and her company, and to see more images from past and current collections, click here.