Fitting the Story of Amsterdam

Praised for its tolerance, Amsterdam has always been a city of immigrants due to its history as a major trading hub. However, intolerance is on the rise. In response to this trend, Emma Meewis designed a dress that celebrates diversity. It’s crafted using traditional techniques and textiles employed by the 15 largest ethnic groups residing in Amsterdam. In a mini-documentary, Emma wears the dress to a local street market where it inspires conversations about multiculturalism. After every interview, she feels more connected to her compatriots. One local shopper tells Emma: “Your dress proves to me that we see each other and that we care”. Woven into the fabric of the dress is the hope that we continue to listen to and learn from one another.