STUDIO DONGE: A CELEBRATION OF CRAFT, COMMUNITY, AND CREATIVITY IN AMSTERDAM
words by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
On 9 November, Studio Donge opened its doors in Amsterdam. This vibrant space brings together a community of young, passionate creatives, each offering something special—from vintage interiors and personalised wine labels to product design and photography. But beyond the work they do, it’s about the people behind it—a shared way of thinking that embraces sustainability, beauty, and the magic of craft. Filled with energy and warmth, Studio Donge draws you in, making you want to stay and connect with the people shaping its unique spirit.
Discover the talents behind Studio Donge
Chris Brouwer - Sustainable pieces made by reusing materials
Chris is all about turning forgotten materials into something beautiful. She told me about her process—cycling around the city on her bakfiets, finding pieces of wood and random items left on the streets, and then taking them back to her studio to give them a second life. Each piece she creates is unique, shaped by her creative vision and by collaboration with clients on color, form, and design. Talking to Chris, you realize that for her, sustainability isn’t only a concept; it's imbued in her art, giving new purpose to what others might overlook.
Donna Design - Vintage interiors
Donna’s collection of vintage interiors is seriously hard to resist. At the opening, she had an incredible display of everything from 90s PVC magazine holder to the Panthella lamp and sleek, minimalistic coffee tables you see in your favorite Pinterest boards. Donna has an eye for curating pieces that feel iconic, yet are affordable enough to bring into your own home. Her selection at Studio Donge was a temptation in every way, and yes, I couldn’t resist myself and came back home with a set of three aluminium candle holders.
Flessie - Personalised wine labels
Meeting Beer and Daaba from Flessie was a delight. This Amsterdam couple turned their love for wine and storytelling into a business, creating personalised wine labels that capture special memories. They started with just friends and family, and now their beautifully hand-drawn labels are perfect for weddings, events, and gifts. Every label feels like a keepsake, a way to share a memory over and over with each pour.
Magasin plus Couleur - Vintage tableware & rentals
Merlijn’s tableware collection was impossible to miss. Not only were we sipping cocktails from her gorgeous glasses, but her pieces were displayed like treasures on aluminum shelving during the opening, each one more tempting than the last. Her journey started in France in 2022 when she stumbled upon an old shed filled with vibrant tableware. Now, she brings that joy of discovery to Amsterdam, selling her pieces, offering rentals for events, and even curating sets for restaurants. I peeked into her storeroom and felt like I was entering Murano, that legendary Venetian island known for its glassware.
Manon Dijkman - Photographer
It’s always exciting, as a Fashion Editor, to meet a photographer like Manon. Her work feels alive; you can sense the textures—the fabrics, the movement of hair, the pleats of the styling… Manon is a visual storyteller with an eye for couture, and her skill lies in capturing the essence of her subjects in every frame. Her perspective as a visual storyteller shines through and her talent makes her one to watch!
Julie Harmegnies - Product-Interior & Set Designer
Julie, originally from France, truly added the perfect “cherry on top” to the evening (literally, as she added candied cherries to the guests' cocktails!), but it was her design work that left a lasting impression. To showcase her artistry, she presented her “Series: Vestiges” through postcards, carefully arranged on a piece of raw wood—a display as thoughtful and grounded as her work itself. Inspired by her travels in Asia, each piece carries a sense of balance and beauty. As she was offering the postcards among the guests, I chose “Object 01: Kyoto,” a pair of chairs that feel both royal and harmonious. Julie’s style celebrates purity and alignment, and seeing her work was almost meditative: a reminder that design can feel both personal and deeply inspiring.
Studio Donge is a community, an idea, a shared commitment to craft and sustainability. Each creative here brings their own perspective, making this space a living gallery of dreams, passion, and artistry.
