Articles by Esmee Blaazer
Esmée Blaazer (1988) studied Fashion Management at TMO European Business School and has worked at FashionUnited since 2009. Over the years, she has held various editorial roles. As Project Manager, she now writes background stories, explaining matters and processes of the fashion industry to newcomers in the sector and students. Topics that are regularly discussed are the future of fashion, sustainability, circularity and legislation. Esmée is also involved in exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the newsroom.
Spotted on the catwalk: Future Snoops' colour trends for AW28/29
While the fashion industry is currently focused on the commercial finalisation of the SS27 collections and simultaneously preparing collections, trends and buying for AW27/28, trend forecasting agency Future Snoops (FS) is already looking further ahead in this second week of October. The company is sharing information on the must-have trend...
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In Pictures: AW27/28 trends through the lens of Christine Boland
During the last trade shows (SS27), it was clear that some colours have secured their place. “Aubergine, for example, or yellow, which took a long time to catch on,” says Christine Boland in a video call with FashionUnited. Looking ahead to autumn/winter 2027/28, new colour movements are emerging. Retro shades like mustard and chartreuse will...
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Combining work and parenthood: Odette Lunettes' Babies at Work initiative
What kind of employees is Belgian eyewear brand Odette Lunettes looking for? “Authenticity, alongside professional expertise as a prerequisite, is our most important criterion,” says Eline De Munck. “We want someone who is genuinely themselves.” The team is a mix of different backgrounds, ages, appearances and personalities. This diversity not...
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Karlijn Hendriks, head of HR at Hunkemöller: “A little friction can be a good thing”
How important are people to Hunkemöller? “A designer will say ‘no product, no sales’; a property specialist ‘no stores, no shop window’; and marketing ‘no customers, no turnover’. Without the right people in the office and in the stores, however, absolutely nothing happens,” says Karlijn Hendriks, CHRO of Hunkemöller. “I firmly believe that...
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Elodie Janse (HR Omoda and Assem): “Not everything needs to be put into policy”
When asked what her work day looks like, Elodie Janse, HR manager at Dutch fashion and shoe retailers Omoda and Assem, laughs: “My husband sometimes asks that too.” “It strongly depends on what we as a company are working on at that moment.” This quarter, the agenda includes the integration of a recent acquisition of Dutch fashion retailer Mijn...
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Loes Bakker, HR and coach at Tally-ho: “I have a different job every day, at the same company”
What does she enjoy most about her work? Loes Bakker, HR and coach at fashion retailer Tally-ho, does not need to think for long. “I derive real happiness from the in-depth coaching conversations with our managers,” she says. “They can even move me to tears, especially when things fall into place.” She also mentions her freedom. “I use Mondays...
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Ellen Haeser: 'Fashion needs to move from chasing trends to creating meaning'
After six and a half years in vocational education, Ellen Haeser is returning to the stage. During Masterly Milano 2026, the speaker and cultural strategist will present From Cradle to Grave – an ode to lifelong, inexhaustible sources of inspiration. This is an audiovisual work focusing on fashion and interiors. With over 45 years of experience...
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AI in fashion: How Playar uses XR and AI for immersive experiences and storyliving
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the fashion industry. While some companies are waiting, others are taking bold steps forward. For the ‘AI in Fashion’ series, FashionUnited speaks with Justin-Caine Cavanas, XR and AI lead at Playar, a company specialising in immersive experiences. 1. Who are you and what do you do? I am...
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AI in Fashion: How Hunkemöller uses AI for customer insight, price optimisation and store clustering
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the fashion industry. While some companies are waiting, others are taking bold steps forward. In this edition of the AI in Fashion series, FashionUnited speaks with Gordon Smit, the technology director of Dutch lingerie company Hunkemöller. 1. How do you view AI and what does Hunkemöller use it...
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Changemakers in fashion (part 6): Dr. Natascha van der Velden on what progress looks like
There are countless sustainability initiatives, but who in the fashion industry is truly driving the transition, whether their efforts are visible to the public or not? We interview changemakers, consultants, sustainability experts and activists in fashion. What can we learn from their work? In episode 6: Dr. ir. Natascha van der Velden, an...
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