‘EVERYTHING IS INTERCONNECTED’ EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL BY MIKAH DE WOLF
words ELIANA CASA
Some artists grow up knowing they were destined to create. Others find their path gradually, absorbing inspiration from every corner of life. I had the pleasure of chatting with one of the latter, VINCENT VAN DE WAAL, and entering his creative world felt incredibly refreshing. To truly understand someone’s story, you have to go back to where it all began. From his early days working at a local market to his first steps as creative director at PATTA, Vincent’s journey unfolded slowly. What emerged was a portrait of someone who doesn’t just make art — he lives it.
What’s your earliest memory related to art or fashion?
I think since I was in primary school, I was already very aware of what I wore and how I presented myself. I grew up during the early releases of iconic sneakers like NIKE Air Max and Jordan, and it instantly appealed to me. At that time, I didn’t know I’d do something with it.
full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
Were you ever afraid of expressing yourself at that age? Who was Vincent as a teenager?
I wouldn’t say afraid, but I felt lonely. From a young age, I’ve never liked being part of big groups, especially groups of men, and maybe I still don’t. I hated school, and I was shy and introverted — I probably still am. I never wanted to be comfortable, so I always looked for places that would challenge me.
Did you always know you wanted to be an artist? Was creativity something nurtured in your family?
No, that wasn’t on my mind really. My father is a graphic designer, and growing up around him had a certain influence on me obviously. Even though he never forced anything on me, his whole universe was around me. Later on, I started to understand that it was a sort of a gift and that I could make a career out of it.
You’re a multidisciplinary artist, spanning fashion, music, art and design. How do you manage it all? Are your creative practices interconnected?
I guess I shaped a world around me. I paint mostly alone, but the rest is a collaborative process with the people around me. In everything I do, I always try to be Vincent. I see it as one big pile of work that is connected, but with different energies. What I do at Patta is part of that same artistic identity.
What does your creative process look like?
I’m not very detail-oriented; I don’t enjoy obsessing over one small thing. My work tends to be bold and fast-paced. I have a shorter attention span, but I’ve learned to embrace that. It’s just how I am, and it shows in my work.
jacket MM6 via DE BIJENKORF
top SCHIESSER
jeans DSQUARED2
jorts SAMSØE SAMSØE
shoes MAISON MARGIELA via DE BIJENKORF
sunglasses talent’s own
You began your journey with Patta in 2011. How did that relationship come to life, and what do you remember about those early days?
When I joined, Patta was a sneaker store. We literally started with maybe five pieces of apparel. We built the brand’s clothing identity from scratch, and I brought my graphic world into the brand. I’m someone who doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, so collaborating with Patta gave me the freedom and support I needed. The founders trusted me, and that has been key to everything we’ve conquered since. Starting from nothing and building something real with people I respect and care about — that’s the best feeling.
Speaking of collaborations. What was the inspiration behind your spring/summer 2025 Nike collection?
A few years ago, we did a big project on the Air Max 1. This new project is focused on the Air Max 90, and it’s a continuation of that narrative, just applied to a different model. The idea is to gradually reinterpret these iconic Air Max silhouettes — maybe even creating a consistent design language across them.
jacket, shirt and trousers DSQUARED2
shoes, jewelry and sunglasses talent’s own
boxers PATTA
So, it’s about making these classics feel like yours — more than just a colourway tweak.
We want to respect the original DNA but also experiment with textures, layers and storytelling. The cool thing about working with Nike is that you get access to these huge material libraries — it becomes a super playful, explorative process.
What’s your approach to creating designs that endure over time? What do you think about the concept of trends?
Trends are part of fashion, and I think they’re necessary. But for me, it’s more about finding a visual language that shows you understand where things come from. I want to make designs that feel modern but also rooted in the essence of streetwear or menswear — functional, wearable, long-lasting pieces.
Can you share your personal relationship with Amsterdam, both the bitter and the sweet?
Amsterdam raised me. It’s the city that gave me freedom and space to grow. Twenty-five years ago, it felt more open, raw and expressive. I think, now, it’s become more polished and restrained. People dress similarly, especially as they get older. On the other hand, I love the city because it’s small but rich in culture, design and diversity. Great music, high-level design, tons of international influence.
full look PATTA X NIKE
And finally — just a couple of quick ones. What’s one lesson you’ll never forget?
Don’t wait for others to make it happen. Get out there, connect and build. You learn so much through mistakes and failure — and they’re just as valuable as success, if not more.
And who’s your personal hero?
Honestly, it’s the people around me. My team, my business partners, my artist friends. I’ve never been someone who idolised celebrities. I find more inspiration in the people I get to actually build with every day.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent VINCENT VAN DE WAAL
photography MIKAH DE WOLF
creative production and styling ELIANA CASA
makeup IRA HUTTER via FRANK AGENCY
set design LINDA SCHREITER
styling assistant RAFAELLA BARBA
photography assistant LUKA GVINIASHVILI
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA