Six designers under the age of 30 have been named as finalists in this year’s PrinsjesOntwerpwedstrijd. Each maker was given an existing garment from local social concept store My Lima Lima to alter, rework, or transform around the theme of democracy.
The competition forms part of the PrinsjesModeshow, which adopts a new circular format this year. The submitted pieces address issues including disinformation, marine pollution, civil service traditions, and social pressure on the state.
Garments on democracy and climate
Roos van der Meij created a design titled Garbage is beauty from secondhand materials, featuring a skirt shaped like a rubbish bag.
Lara Kerkhof focused on ocean plastic with a dress wrapped in a green fishing net, while Juno de Raaf used an open-worked trenchcoat to highlight disinformation and filter bubbles.
Rosemarijn van den Beukel produced a blue coat representing the tension between protection and institutional pressure.
Rose Esseboom repurposed men’s neckties into a women’s jacket, and Ronja Gustavsson built a dress decorated with roughly 400 coloured balloons to represent her school’s student body.
Jury decision at Hofvijver
The winner will be named PrinsjesOntwerper 2026 on Saturday 12 September during the Prinsjesfestival at the Hofvijver. The festival is a free public event that includes live music, dance performances, market stalls, and activities focused on democracy.
The jury includes Brenda Menken of My Lima Lima, Judith Kadee of the Haags Historisch Museum, and former mayor Ria Oosterop. First prize includes 500 euros and an exhibition at the My Lima Lima shop in The Hague.
