AMSTERDAM GETS ITS OWN SIGNATURE FAN, COURTESY OF DRIFT
Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium in Amsterdam just got a major style upgrade with the unveiling of its Signature Fan, designed by renowned artist duo DRIFT (Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta)—who also collaborated with us on our Amsterdam Edition cover. Far from your average fan, this piece reimagines the hotel’s iconic emblem through an Amsterdam lens, blending the brand’s Asian heritage with the city’s laid-back, yet bustling energy.
You may not know this, but this is not the first fan to be installed in a Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium. This installation is part of a long-standing tradition that refashions the fan symbol to fit the vibe of whichever city it is situated in. For instance, London’s location has a signature Vivienne Westwood designed look, while Singapore is home to Han Tan’s classic ceramic creation. Now, Amsterdam finally has its own, with DRIFT chossing to channel Amsterdam’s light and water as a representation of the city’s core.
DRIFT found the inspiration for the fan’s design through Amsterdam’s ever-changing light, air, and water. The fan’s subtle gradient shifts from warm tones reflecting the hotel’s historic brick architecture to cooler shades that mimic canals and glassy windowed skylines. The fact that it has seven segments is completely intentional: it references the Seven Provinces, the seven canals of the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, and the famous Seven Bridges of the Reguliersgracht. Every detail is meticulously thought out created a piece that is rooted in history and culture, while also reflecting the artistic core of this city.
The fan melts together nature and technology in a format that is inherently built upon motion and layering. It allows you to picture air flowing through the piece, capturing the city’s openness and melting pot nature that has come to define Amsterdam since the 17th century. The city is full of an influx of international cultures from around the world, welcoming patrons and artists alike to contribute to its cultural enrichment. More than decoration, it’s a playful, poetic symbol of Mandarin Oriental’s mission: connecting people, cultures, and experiences through thoughtful, artful design.
