Textile & Fashion alumnus Erik Frenken wins Mode Stipendium 2019

5 April 2019

News nomination/award

Erik Frenken, alumnus Textile & Fashion (2002), is the winner of the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium 2019. In this 9th edition of the award, Frenken receives 50.000 Euro which he will invest in the further artistic development of his own brand.

​“Everything in my life is all about 'Frenken'. This price comes at a perfect timing.’’

Erik Frenken graduated cum laude with a BA Hons in Fashion Design from The Royal Academy of Art The Hague and in 2004 he completed an MA with distinction from Central Saint Martins in London. After completing his master studies he started working as Head Designer of Women’s wear at Victor & Rolf. In 2010 he took over Avelon's fashion label as Design Director till 2015. In 2017 he launched his own brand under the name Frenken.

According to the jury report of the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Mode Stipendium, Frenken has managed to set up a female image that is stylish and personifies the liberated, fashion-conscious woman.

"He has a potentially great opportunity to demonstrate a lasting international success in the top of the fashion chain. He shows willpower, talent and perseverance".

Previous winners of the Stipendium are Ilja Visser (2011), Francisco van Benthum (2012), Truus en Riet Spijkers (2013), Jan Taminiau (2013), Youasme Measyou (2015), Iris van Herpen (2016), Ronald van der Kemp (2017) and Bas Kosters (2018).