In 'Stjerren oan it Firmamint', Winde Rienstra returns to her Frisian roots. Her main source of inspiration was Eise Eisinga’s 18th-century planetarium in Franeker, the oldest working planetarium in the world. However, she was also fascinated by the planetarium’s founder himself.
A self-taught astronomer and wool comber by trade, Eisinga’s dedication to building the planetarium, his attention to detail and use of natural materials were a great source of inspiration for Rienstra. She incorporated these aspects of his character into her collection, combining precise, mathematical shapes with the use of soft fabrics. With references to the infinity of the universe and man’s cosmic insignificance, Rienstra wanted her work to shine like a twinkling light in the dark, like a star in the firmament. The details are incredible, from the subtle use of pure silver thread and crystals in a wool setting to silk that echoes a star’s faint glow.
The ‘Stjerren oan it Firmamint' collection consists of three pieces. Cords for various components were made in the TextielLab’s passementerie department. Thick, white cords interwoven with Swarovski crystals were made for the ornamental bodice (plastron). The dress is also made from hand-crocheted and twisted thick woollen cords.
After graduating from the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Utrecht in 2009, Winde Rienstra founded her own label. Her work seems to capture the time in which it evolves, as it were. She designs slow fashion, a movement within the fashion world that encapsulates her core values: sustainability, timelessness, uniqueness, quality, craftsmanship and a strong eye for detail. In 2019, Rienstra switched from fashion to art, producing installations and performances that focus on spirituality, nature and human interaction. She continues to use natural materials, experimenting with them and incorporating traditional handicrafts and techniques to express her vision.
