Bij Mirjam

BIJ MIRJAM No psychiatrist can match that

Bij Mirjam is a fashion boutique in Beethovenstraat with a mission to ensure every woman leaves the shop feeling more confident than when she entered. ‘Every woman has has a shape and style of her own.’

NOT MOTIVATED BY MONEY ‘Last year we celebrated our 25th anniversary in fashion. I cried all day. That’s because this line of work is so special and people are so appreciative. It’s such a joy to see a customer leave more beautiful than when she arrived. When you look great, you believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a stay-at-home mum or a lawyer, clothes can make you better at what you do and, more to the point, make you feel better. No psychiatrist can match that.’

A FASHION FOR EVERY AGE ‘All women are beautiful, but the trick is to make a person even more beautiful. Your shape determines your style. Sometimes a customer wants something that doesn’t suit her. I will tell her that if that’s what she wants, she’ll have to shop somewhere else – it’s a matter of professional pride – and then I’ll pick something from the rack that complements her. Money is not what motivates me; I want people to trust me.’

FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ‘People from all over the world buy their clothes here, and I’m not surprised. We’re quite innovative in Amsterdam. In Belgium clothing tends to be on the classic side and in Italy often just a bit tacky, with too much bling. So whenever my clients happen to be in the Netherlands, they come to me. Many of my customers are

MIRJAM, OWNER BIJ MIRJAM

only in the country on short trips. They ring me up when they have an hour to spare, so I can select some suitable pieces to have ready for them to try on. Afterwards, they leave the shop happy. Or else I send the items to them.’

Beethovenstraat is one of Amsterdam’s premier shopping streets, just a stone’s throw from Zuidas. It’s a street with a venerable history and a wide variety of high-end shops, lovely bars and restaurants. Distinguished by its tranquillity, space and first-class service, Beethovenstraat is an experience unto itself. Beethovenstraat.nl