Tulip Mania is the story of the first major financial bubble which took place in the 17th century. Investors began to madly purchase tulips, pushing their prices to unprecedented highs.

 

In the 1630s when the Netherlands was the richest country in the world, single tulip bulbs would sell for more than ten times the annual income of a skilled worker. However, the market crashed dramatically in 1637.

 

My inspiration for this dress came from my heritage Dutch roots. I am inspired by the Golden age, 17th century—the time of big masters Rembrandt and Vermeer. Art and the tulip, icon flower for the Netherlands, were flourishing.

 

I incorporated books, letters and reading because there is a mad excess of information/ stories in this world that are often overwhelming and confusing. Instead of going out to find truth, I wanted to go within. What is written on your own body? Your body and your dress communicate a lot about who you are.