Dawn of Time: Arcatype launches Edition 001 with an intimate evening in Amsterdam

Sitting in our little attic office in Amsterdam, currently basking in the afterglow. For the past few weeks, most of our conversations start off with.. what exactly is Arcatype? That’s a more common topic than you might think when you are bringing something new into the world. Our answer is still evolving and we think that is as it should be. But there is no cleaner way to explain a vision than to show it in action. That was the spark behind Edition 001.

We gathered the new team alongside a select group of close friends and family for an intimate evening, the first mark of an ongoing series exploring independent designers and creators in new formats and combinations. Designed around the theme of spring and the awakening of the senses, the evening brought together a cross-disciplinary group from Amsterdam's design scene: makers, collaborators, and early believers in what this could become.

We could not be happier with how it landed.

The work combined beautifully in the space, the unique backdrop of Coach House 61, a historic landmark in Amsterdam’s city center, framed the pieces. The brief was simple: curate new connections, spotlight the makers whose work deserves to be seen, and create the conditions for it to land. No pitching. No panels. Focusing on the heart of why Arcatype exists.

Great work often goes unnoticed.

Arcatype exists to fix a structural problem. The brands making the most considered, most carefully constructed things, the ones worth your attention, are systematically disadvantaged by an industry built around advertising budgets and algorithmic reach. They don't get found. Not because their work isn't good enough. Because the infrastructure for recognition is not a level playing field.  

Gathering everyone together in one room.

Edition 001 brought together a carefully selected group of creators, artists and design professionals both internationally experienced but also locally grown. With our roots in textiles we selected apparel brands who valued quality and manufacturing techniques with a keen eye for design. From womenswear, Studio Rabbit presented new pieces alongside the existing collection. The work is an ongoing conversation about attention, limits, and why a kaftan is never just a kaftan. Also presenting was JSY, with Albanian roots, their design language sits at the balance between structure and softness, femininity and strength, simplicity and depth. Pieces that reflect this clear view on how to create something worth keeping and lasts.

Through a menswear lens, we presented the work of Kentroy Yearwood; a designer who trained in London after growing up in Curacao, working at the intersection of Savile Row tradition and a distinctly diasporic point of view. Showcasing two separate denim treatments displaying how with time pieces can still display distinctive style. The garments can actually be worn by men or women.  

We find the boundaries between interior and fashion blurring more and more every day. Working with architect & curator, Niek Schoenmakers from The Millen House, the gallery selected key works dedicated to uniting 20th-century and contemporary art, design, and architecture, with a curatorial focus on sculptural form, geometric abstraction, and structural integrity. Particularly the sculptural textile piece titled Diana Bitar sparked a lot of conversation. [They call it Maladaptive Daydreaming, 2025]

Supporting his work were hand crafted Kikuno speakers by Yuji Tsutsumida, a Japanese sound engineer who is all about fidelity over volume. The monitors were selected with almost flowery horns, tying back to the spring themes, and were played by the talented duo Alexia Glensy & Alex Dima, and then followed by close friends Gena & Mike Samsom.

For catering we had a collaboration with Ro Barbie, from Barbarella Creative. Her work assembled a conceptual sharing table ontop of the RVS Millen House’s piece, with seasonal & vegetable forward plating, with an asian twist. The menu highlights included, labneh shells with seaweed caviar, spring tartalettes and deviled eggs filled with a wasabi sesame. In typical fashion we closed the evening, with Netherlands cult favorite Rotterzwam Mushroom Bitterballen topped with ponzu mustarde.  

Drinks were supported by Opus Mushroom who brought an innovative idea for a ‘’No-spresso Martini’’ the experimental cocktail with functional mushrooms cordyceps & chaga served frozen. Your new go to vitamine brand, Opus produces supplements composed of various medicinal mushrooms that have special health benefits. Tying everything together was a subtle and refreshing scents gracing the corners of the room provided by Mood M. Their expertise in honest, holistic homecare and mindcare products to enhance your wellbeing by elevating mental states of mind.

We knew people would walk in not knowing what to expect – and that was the point.

With around 100 guests through the doors of the Coach House. Most admitted they didn't know quite know what would hit them, but that was precisely why they came, so our hypothesis to prove there is a hunger for newness & connection could not be more confirmed.

The feedback that stayed with us most wasn't about the work on the walls or the drinks in hand. It was about what happened between people. Unlikely connections were made. Conversations ran longer than anyone planned. Guests were still in the room well past the point they intended to leave. Several guests remarked on an energy that felt rare for Amsterdam, something felt in larger cities like New York or London.

For us, the results confirmed what Edition 001 was designed to test: that the appetite exists, that the format works, and that there are more beautiful talents & authentic people for your attention. A huge thank you to the team and to everyone who trusted us when this was just an idea.  

Edition 002 is coming.

We are already moving forward to planning the next exhibition, our official public launch; a longer and larger programming with an experience spanning a few weeks, giving the opportunity for deeper connections and more surprises.  

If you are interested to stay notified and invited for the next, you can sign up here. And if you are a brand or creator interested to learn more about the collaboration opportunities please send an email to studio@arcatype.co.