ARTHUR WAGENAAR JUST WON LICHTING 2026
This Wednesday, Lichting 2026 celebrated its 20th anniversary in the passage of the Rijksmuseum, where the 10 best fashion design graduates from Dutch fashion academies presented their collections to a crowd of industry professionals and press. Arthur Wagenaar was selected as the winner of this debutante ball for up-and-coming design talent!
All ten participants: Arthur Wagenaar, Casper Naafs, Domi van Gils, Giulio Zahnd, Jillian-Blair DeRose, Julia Verberne, Milou Schreuder, Stasha Pigkou, Storm Nijhuis and Teun van Doorn, presented their graduation work underneath the arched ceiling of the iconic Rijksmuseum. Taking their first steps into their careers, the designers were welcomed with a standing ovation from over 500 guests.
Arthur Wagenaar, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, entered Lichting through the open call and was selected by the Dutch jury to participate in Lichting 2026. Arthur’s collection draws on the repetitive and dedicated labour of monastic life, highlighting the importance of process while translating historical references into a contemporary, fashion-forward collection.
“With my collection Monk’s Practice (Monnikenwerk), I looked for a different attitude towards designing that does not lean on quick inspiration or imitation via social media, but rather on a slower repetition of your own ideas.”
This year, the international panel members consisted of Suzanne van Leeuwen (Rijksmuseum), Stefano Constantinou (Highsnobiety), Timotej Letonja (Numéro, Numéro Homme Netherlands, Haze Media), and Lisi Herrebrugh & Rushemy Botter (BOTTER). They met all participants during the panel pitches and spoke elaborately about the work and vision of the designers.
“We saw a lot of potential, in-depth research, he played with different techniques and really created something that could be sellable but was also creatively extraordinary.”
“I was genuinely impressed by the level of talent on display this year. Every participant arrived exceptionally prepared, and seeing their craftsmanship and artistic vision come to life was truly inspiring.”
