Hellen van Rees is a Dutch fashion and textile designer who graduated from the prestigious MA Fashion at Central Saint Martins in London in February 2012. Before that she finished the BA Fashion design at ArtEZ Institute for the Arts in Arnhem, The Netherlands. After graduating she started her own label. Her first collection was shown during London and Paris Fashion week and was named “One to Watch” by London design platform Fashion Scout. Around the same time Lady Gaga was seen wearing an outfit by this young designer. In July 2013 she won the Humanity in Fashion Award during Berlin Fashion Week. The award, initiated by Hessnatur, recognizes young and rising designers who create clothing on the basis of sustainability. Hellen van Rees’ collections feature a signature handmade tweed fabric inspired by the classic Chanel tweeds. She reinterpreted this into a futuristic way, sometimes featuring 3-Dimensional elements, inspired by contemporary art installations. Her handmade fabrics are unique in their design and manufacturing process. A constant search for contrasts and textures keeps the work fresh and innovative. Most materials are made sustainably by using production left overs and/or organic textiles. On the side of the elaborate handmade pieces there’s a diffusion line. There are new pieces added to this line each season. Beautiful qualities of silk with a digital printed version of the handmade textile made into shirts, skirts and scarves and organic cotton shirts.