The
Closet Of
Karin
Amatmoekrim Writer
The Closet of
Karin Amatmoekrim Name a few of your favourite things New books, lazy sundays in the garden, my children, my husband, wine. All of this combined if possible.
myself from the world and start with the actual writing. The writing itself is hard labour. It usually takes about 4 or 5 months and during this fase I can be difficult to talk to because all I long for is solitude. I’m not much fun then, haha. If I wouldn’t have had my family, I would probably be alone during the months I’m writing on a book.
Tell us something about your latest work? And what can we look forward to? My latest book is called The man of many. It’s based on the true story of Anton de Kom, a What role do reading and writing have in black freedom fighter in the 1930’s. He lived your life? What started first? Could you go in Holland and was convicted by the Dutch without both for a while? government for his ‘socialist’ and anti-colonial I started as a reader. I would passionately read ideas. During World War II he joined the anything I could get my hands on. The reading resistance, but was captured by the Nazi’s has changed since I started writing, for writing in 1945. He died in a German concentration and reading are very closely connected. But the camp, only weeks before the war ended. pleasure of a good read has not changed a bit. It’s such a tragic and bizarre story, yet it also I could never go without reading. Never. I speaks of humanity and courage. I had to write could do without writing for about a month or a book about it. Also, I could not get myself two. But I would catch up after that, and start to get over the fact that the Dutch have never writing twice as hard. honoured this man, Anton, for his fight. He is a hero in the black community, yes, but in Could you describe/share with us the the white Dutch community he is still widely creative process you go through when unknown. writing a book? Writing for me is trying to shape some sort of Returning/intriguing theme that runs understanding of the world. A new book usually through your life or work? starts with a question. The book should be an A journalist once told me that all main answer to it. An extremely subjective and long- characters in my novels are outsiders. I have winded answer, but an aswer non the less. I take always been drawn to people who fall just quite some time to ponder on the subject, too. outside of the group. It’s the natural position Maybe even a year. I make notes, read books for a writer, too. If you never completely that have something to do with the subject, I participate with the rest of your environment, visit art exhibitions, I travel and I listen to loads you can observe better. Watching is the most of music. All of it eventually builds up to a tiny important thing for any writer. There has to be but fertile place where I can safely withdraw a certain distance between you and the other. Yourself in 3 words Always watching, writing.
Who or what is your source of inspiration? Well-written books are the biggest source inspiration. Books that ooze the joy of writing, or that carry the most original ideas, or tell universal stories that travel beyond time, place, race. Those books or poems immediately evoke the need to write.
different colours, but am now more into the Pigalle and the So Kate model. I have very narrow feet so I don’t have trouble walking in them.
In what way are you conscious about recycling or sustainable fashion? I definitely buy less at high street stores than I used to when I was younger. This is also because Ultimate dream? when you grow older, and when you have more My ultimate dream is to die at a respectable money to spend, you learn to appreciate the age and leave behind an impressive oeuvre that quality of designer fashion. I spend my money will be read long after I’m gone. on more or less timeless items, and when I like something that will last one or two seasons, I You and fashion? wait for the sale. I try not to go to H&M and Fashion is my biggest guilty pleasure. Beauty is Zara, because I know that when I do I will leave something that’s better shown than described, with at least three or four items. I love some of so as a writer I stand powerless before a their designs, but hate the fact that they, as beautifully designed dress or shoe. I can only main players in the field, do so little to change surrender to it’s aesthetic. Also, when I dress the game for the better. I will support any steps well, I feel powerful. It’s the best feeling. these companies make in developing a more conscious collection though. I wore a gown by How do you define your style? H&M Exclusive Conscious to the annual Book I would say I try to be feminine, but I’m always Ball this year. It felt great. drawn to the more cool or boyish styles. An outfit has to have that je ne sais quoi. If carried Who would you pass The Next Closet shoot out well, a certain coolness will enhance a on to? woman’s beauty. Natalia Aquino is one of the pr-girls at my publishing house Prometheus. She’s latina Who is your favourite fashion designer? and I like her ultra feminine style that makes I think Alexander Wang is great, not only in her stand out in any Dutch crowd. She is clothing but also in shoes and bags. I really feel unapologetically sexy. like eighty percent of his designs were made for me. Also, I think Alexander should adopt me. I’ll bet Maria Kooistra has an amazing We even look alike! wardrobe. I would love to take a peak. She For more formal wear, I love Victoria Beckham. also makes the most beautiful jewellery. Too bad I her dresses are so ridiculously We met once over a bottle of wine in the overpriced, even for a designer label. Conservatorium Hotel, and exchanged books I turn to Christian Louboutin for timeless for bracelets. She is a very sweet and warming pumps; I have a range of his Decollete’s in person.
Starring: Karin Amatmoekrim By TNC Creative Kim Erich Photography: Iris Duvekot