King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima’s visit to Tilburg and the King’s 50th birthday in 2017 was more than enough reason for the TextielMuseum to develop a special commemorative damask. The museum asked fashion designer Jan Taminiau to design a tablecloth and 50 matching napkins.
Taminiau’s design was inspired by the circle of life. In 50 scenes, the tablecloth tells the life story of a lion (a prominent symbol on the Netherlands’ coat of arms), from cub to adult. The story is supported by details such as budding blossoms, ripening apples and the lioness and cubs who join him. In every image, the lion is surrounded by ordinary Dutch people who both observe and are part of the scene. The white, glossy damask incorporates woven patterns and 3D embroidery to add an extra dimension to the cloth. The sample, which is included in the museum collection, went on display in the 2017 exhibition ‘Oranje Boven! Royal Textiles | Masterpieces’ in the TextielMuseum.
Taminiau (Goirle, 1975) graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Academy of Art and Design in Arnhem in 2001. His final-year project earned him the prestigious ‘Roos Gesink Award’ for the most talented student. He went on to earn a master’s from the Fashion Institute of Arnhem in 2003. Since 2007, he has shown his collections twice a year during Paris Fashion Week. The guiding principle in his work, which is expressed through his label JANTAMINIAU, is concealing and revealing the female body. His couture dresses are compelling, poetic and surprising. Although a refined, conceptual undertone is always present, he never loses sight of the elegant, feminine and wearable form. Style icons such as The Netherlands’ Queen Máxima and Lady Gaga have worn his creations. His work can be found in the collections of the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, the Zuiderzeemuseum Enkhuizen and the TextielMuseum.
