Story CV – Diederik Verbakel
Diederik Verbakel is a Dutch fashion designer, creative director, and co-founder of Bright White Studio, an international design studio based in Aalten, the Netherlands. His work combines fashion, textile design, printmaking, interiors, and product design, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability.
He studied Fashion Design at ArtEZ University of the Arts, graduating in 1999. During his studies he met fellow designer Marieke Holthuis, who would become his long-term creative partner.
After graduation, Verbakel spent several years working in Italy for established fashion companies. Living and travelling internationally exposed him to different cultures, traditional craftsmanship, and artisanal techniques. These experiences became the foundation of his own design philosophy: creating clothing with authenticity, character, and a story behind every piece.
In 2010, Diederik Verbakel and Marieke Holthuis launched the fashion label DIED. The brand became known for its hand-printed textiles, silk-screen printing, natural materials, and limited-edition garments produced in the Netherlands. Every collection reflects their belief that fashion should be personal, sustainable, and made with respect for traditional craftsmanship. Their own screen-printing workshop allows them to produce unique fabrics and garments by hand.
Alongside the fashion label, Verbakel co-founded Bright White Studio, expanding his work beyond clothing into costume design, interior concepts, textile installations, branding, ceramics, and creative consultancy. The studio collaborates with cultural institutions, fashion brands, and commercial clients both in the Netherlands and internationally.
One notable collaboration was designing costumes for the Dutch dance company Introdans. Verbakel has described costume design as a discipline where aesthetics and movement must work together, creating garments that enhance a dancer's performance while remaining visually striking from the audience's perspective.
Today, Diederik Verbakel continues to work as a multidisciplinary designer, combining fashion, printmaking, sustainable textiles, and creative direction. His designs are recognised for their bold graphic language, handcrafted quality, and commitment to giving every object or garment "a soul and a story."
