PRESENT FOREVER
PRESENT FOREVER is the new go-to source for exploring the best independent clothing brands, makers and stores from across the globe.
It’s an off-beat alternative to 99% of what happens in the fashion-affiliate-influencer universe. That means it doesn’t run ads, do gift guides, use affiliate links or disguise hyper-consumerism under a cloak of objectivity. It also means that it does the only thing I’m capable of doing: combine my academic background and personal taste to cover what I think deserves your attention — whether that’s a forgotten part of fashion history, an exciting new brand, or an in-depth reflection on an upcoming trend.
Who I am
I live in a small city in the Netherlands, together with my wife and daughter. I’ve a PhD in history and philosophy, and over ten years of experience in writing books and articles that have nothing to do whatsoever with clothes. That said, I’ve loved clothes since I was our daughter’s age (5, almost 6) — and much like her, the only thing I’ve ever cared about is how they make me feel, and what they make possible, both physically and mentally. PRESENT FOREVER is my attempt to turn that feeling into words.
What I do
I publish Present Forever two times a week, on average:
There’s 1 weekly feature (on Mondays or Tuesday) where I introduce independent brands and niche makers, unearth vintage gems, identify under-the-radar trends and/or ponder questions about fashion. Running through these weekly features are two ongoing series: one about Tyroleanism and another about the New Americana.
There’s 1-2 interviews every month, where I talk to the people behind the brands — new or heritage — belonging to the Present Forever universe. Among them (17 to date) are Archie, Tuki, Xenia Telunts, and interviews with Carter Young, Kota Gushiken and Dana Lee Brown are forthcoming.
Each Friday sees a new installment of an ongoing series called Not I, where I share a curation of pre-owned items from my own favorites lists.
There are occasional long read essays. Here’s one example, about the difference between clothes and fashion. And here’s another, discussing the fashion industry’s sustainability fatigue.
Last but not least, there’ll be exclusive previews of forthcoming collections from brands I’m excited about.
Subscribe?
Yes, of course! You’ll receive all of the above directly in your inbox. For the time being, PRESENT FOREVER is entirely free, except for “Not I” to which paid subscribers have exclusive access. is reserved to Thanks for your support. It’s much appreciated.
