Francisco van Benthum

Since 2003 Francisco van Benthum is the leading force behind the luxury men’s fashion label Francisco van Benthum. His vision as a designer shows itself in elegant men’s collections that take traditional menswear wardrobe as a starting point. Within the outline of the traditional menswear silhouette, van Benthum shifts proportions and adds alienating elements based on male stereotypes. Earlier collections integrated sailor-, cowboy- and racing driver details in the clothes.

Both press and buyers seem to appreciate his attitude. His fully featured collections including formal and casual wear and a range of accessories and shoes were well received. Francisco van Benthum is on sale at a few selected shops worldwide and in his store in Amsterdam to be opened in September 2008.

Pre-selection committee

To gain an indirect, objective and independent vote the Dutch Fashion Foundation has invited a select group of national decision makers and key-players with a cultural and economical background into the Academy of Dutch Fashion Design. The members of the Academy have all individually listed their top ten of most promising Dutch fashion designers, with a result of 30 designers. Looking at the ranking in which they were chosen and the criteria set up for this award, a selection was formed of 10 designers. From an international point of view the honorary member of the jury will then choose 7 designers as the Mercedes-Benz Dutch Fashion Award 2008 finalists.

Members of the Academy of Dutch Fashion Design: Amsterdam International Fashion Week - Arnhem Fashion Biënnale - Dutch Fashion Foundation - Fonds voor Beeldende Kunst Vormgeving en Bouwkunst - HTNK - Intres – Klavers van Engelen - Modefabriek - MODINT - Orson+Bodil - Prins Bernard Foundation - World Fashion Centre

Regulations

Each fashion designer to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Dutch Fashion Awards is selected by the criteria that he/she: 

- is graduated from an (inter)national fashion academy, 
- has the Dutch nationality, 
- has its own registered enterprise, 
- has developed at least five collections under his/her own label, 
- has distinguished talent, a unique style and knows
to present this convincingly, 
- has already taken strategic steps to imbed in the international fashion field.