IN CONVERSATION WITH BOTTER

interview by ELIANA CASA

“We started BOTTER as a way to merge our Caribbean roots and shared vision into one voice, a conversation between our cultures, told through garments”. That was the beginning of BOTTER, Lisi Herrebrugh, one-half of the brand, started our conversation. The other half, Rushemy Botter, continued: “It was about 15 years ago, while we were both still studying. When I launched my graduation collection, BOTTER was officially born.” Now, as the brand moved to Paris, we explored how that same universe continues to evolve in an intimate conversation with the co-founders and creative directors—just ahead of the “Oceanista: Fashion & Sea” exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam - running from October 10 until April 12 - where the brand will showcase some of their designs.

image courtesy of BOTTER

You’ve both moved between the Caribbean and the Netherlands. Your education comes from Amsterdam and Antwerp. How did you combine all these experiences into one cohesive narrative? And how has Curaçao specifically shaped the brand’s identity? 

LISI HERREBRUGH: It’s hard to describe because it’s so ingrained in who we are. Growing up with both Dutch and Caribbean heritage gave us two very different cultural perspectives from a young age. It made us open-minded and shaped how we see the world. For us, combining both cultural heritages feels organic and not calculated.

RUSHEMY BOTTER: From the Dutch side, we have discovery and innovation. From the Belgian side, through the Academy, we learned discipline and refined tailoring. 

LH: And the Caribbean brings boldness, color, and freedom. Together, these elements make our brand what it is—unique and authentic. 

As a creative duo, how do you nurture your creativity without stepping on each other’s toes? How do you balance being partners in both life and work?

LH: It comes with a lot of learning and mistakes. In the beginning, we argued, always for the sake of the work and the best results. Over time, we’ve learned to respect each other’s strengths. We complement each other and stay in our lanes.

RB: People often ask how we live and work together 24/7, but for us, it’s fun. I wish that for other people too. 

Do you each lean toward different aspects—creativity vs. business? 

LH: We’re both creative in our own ways. Rushemy excels at storytelling and building emotion into collections through color combinations. He’s great at creating a character and soul within a collection and an idea. 

RB: Lisi is more creative in her technicality. She sculpts garments, she makes the sketches come to live, while keeping the business organized. We balance each other well.

Water is a recurring theme in your work. What does it mean to you, and how do you incorporate this element into your collections? 

LH: It has played a big role in our lives, even before starting the brand. We grew up on an island surrounded by the sea, so it’s deeply personal. Over the years, we’ve seen the island transform—coral reefs disappear, sea levels rise. That perspective made us more conscious about the health of our oceans. Beyond that, water represents curiosity, movement, and endless inspiration. These are the largest unexplored parts of our planet, so it evokes a sense of curiosity.

I love that you’ve collaborated with Parley for the Oceans. What’s a dream collaboration that still feels unexplored? 

LH: It’s something we’re constantly exploring. We’d love to work with governments or scientific institutions in the Caribbean, developing materials from the ground up. We envision collaborations on a larger scale, not just about creating new garments, but about reshaping how textiles are made. 

RB: Our goal is to create collaborations that have a real, positive impact on the world, to make it healthier. Especially now, as parents, that feels more relevant than ever. 

Speaking of parenthood, how has becoming parents changed your perspective, especially with eco-anxiety in mind?

LH: It shifts everything. You worry less about yourself and more about the world your child will inherit. That sense of responsibility fuels our creativity. 

Your manifesto really moved me. How do you see your non-profit organization, Coral Nursery, evolving? 

RB: It’s a long-term, heart-driven project. We want it to grow beyond us, to benefit both nature and local communities, starting on Curaçao and expanding across the Caribbean. We’d love to see it evolve into a circular, sustainable business model that supports islanders as well. 

I find it inspiring how you’re reviving coral and incorporating natural elements into your textiles through your non-profit. How do you view AI and technology in BOTTER? Can tech and creativity coexist? 

LH: A lot of people are afraid of AI, but I see it as a tool—for research and data—so long as it supports rather than replaces human creativity. Fashion is about pushing boundaries and creating newness. It’s also about putting ideas into the world that make people think. 

images courtesy of BOTTER

You’ll be part of the Oceanista exhibition in Amsterdam. What do you hope visitors take away from it? 

RB: I hope they feel inspired, motivated, and will have the courage to think that not everything is dark. I want them to feel that creativity and collaboration can drive real change. 

The exhibition explores maritime culture in fashion, traditionally associated with masculinity. Yet BOTTER constantly blends masculine and feminine codes. How do you maintain that balance in your collections? 

LH: We don’t design with gender in mind. People dress freely now, and that openness reflects our vision. 

RB: It’s about emotion, form, and fabric—not labels. 

Finally, with “sustainability” and “inclusivity” becoming buzzwords, how do you stay true to your values? 

RB: By staying small, mindful, and connected to what really matters, by simply creating with purpose. 

One last question - on your website, you describe the brand as your personal diary. What do you hope the next pages hold? 

LH: We’re exploring new ways of working—slowing down, stepping back from the industry rush, and connecting more directly with our audience. I hope the next chapter is about finding new, more sustainable ways to create. 

images courtesy of THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM