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According to Elza Wandler, the of-the-moment neighborhood to know in the city of Amsterdam is the Noord. Wandler’s to be trusted: she’s lived in Amsterdam her entire life. And as the designer behind leather goods brand Wandler, she’s got an eye for stylish spots. The neighborhood she’s referring to was the location for the brand’s first-ever physical presentation.
The installation, titled “Without Light There is No Color,” took place at an abandoned gas station that the team completely transformed with silver metallic siding and a fresh paint job in the brand’s signature color, crisp apple green. On the way to the presentation, even local Amsterdam guests noted how much the area has exploded with new bars and restaurants. Elza herself is still exploring. “Every week there is something new opening up its doors. It still has so many hidden gems that have yet to be discovered.”
Apart from the Noord, there are plenty of areas and aspects of Amsterdam that Wandler adores and recommends. The first? “It’s designed for biking—everything is not more than a 20-minute bike ride away, and you don’t need a car,” she says. Wandler resides in the Amsterdam West neighborhood, an area flush with restaurants and shops. And as the slow process of decorating her new home has re-ignited an obsession for interiors and decor (including the creation of her own capsule collection of objets d art), she’s found inspiration in the design and architecture books she finds at one of her favorite shops in town, Mendo.
Overall, Wandler describes the vibe of Amsterdam as a “really easygoing atmosphere.” So when it comes to dressing for a day there, Wandler suggests a focus on comfort. Layerable knitwear and light jackets will prepare you for the bouts of sunshine and cloud-brought chills, and a flat shoe is a good item to plan your outfits around—you’ll be biking everywhere, after all! As for the rest, Wandler says the most dressed-up you’ll need to get is a pair of leather trousers or well-tailored denim. Fittingly, the designer has recently moved into the ready-to-wear space with a sleek range of leather and denim trousers, all of which will surely be loved just as much as the brand’s handbags and shoes.
For more of where to go, what to do, and what to wear for your next trip to the Netherlands’ capital, Wandler shares her insider travel guide.
Where to Eat
“Toki is run by one of my friends Jeff Flink and hands down, it’s the best coffee in town. A great hangout place to meet up with friends on the weekends, but also to do work meetings. Stay for their lunch menu, it’s very tasty. They also just recently expanded their concept with the opening of Toki Berlin at VooStore.”
“It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I honestly recommend it for lunch and dinner. It’s in the Jordaan area, it can’t get any more Amsterdam than this.”
“Recently opened its doors, with a super nice concept, great food, and superb selection of wines. The interior is well done with light art by Nikki Hock. They don’t do reservations. My advice: come early.” (Hock also created the light installation for Wandler’s presentation, “Without Light There is No Color.”)
What to Do
“There are so many great museums in Amsterdam. Most of them are situated around Museumplein. You definitely need to visit the Rijksmuseum, not only for the building and the art itself but also the garden surrounding the museum is worth a visit. This season there is an exposition of the modern artist Ellsworth Kelly. Eight of his sculptures are placed in the classical garden of the Rijksmuseum, creating an unexpected contrast. I love it!”
“A new museum, Nxt just recently opened in Amsterdam Noord with a focus on multimedia.”
Where to Shop
“Being a designer and having a business in the creative industry, it’s important to stay in the know. I try to buy magazines every month to stay updated and Athenaeum has the best selection of magazines including Vogues from all around the world.”
“If you’re a lover of designer vintage, there is just one place: Salon Heleen Hulsmann. Heleen is a close friend who has a talent in curating the best designer pieces. It’s a walhalla for preloved luxury fashion. Every time I’m there, I see something new that I want to buy. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.”
“Bijenkorf is a luxury department store located at the Dam Square. It houses everything you could possibly need—including Wandler!—and it is the biggest department store in Amsterdam. I love to visit especially during Christmas time when the windows are decorated and the Christmas lights have been turned on.”
“I recently moved to a new house and was obsessed with interior design. I read so much about architects, interior designers and midcentury design books. Most of them I bought at Mendo—a bookstore and publisher with the most beautiful books. They curate on very specific topics: photography, fashion, travel, lifestyle, interior, architecture, and design. It’s aesthetically pleasing and the perfect place to browse around, but also to find the perfect gift.”
“Great boutique with a collection of selected high end designers including yours truly. Monique, the owner of the boutique, has impeccable taste and a distinctive vision for her store. I would definitely recommend it if you re looking for timeless investment pieces.”
Where to Stay
“It’s the oldest luxury hotel of Amsterdam and recently reopened its doors after a complete redesign by the Amsterdam-based renowned design studio, The Nicemakers. The results of the redesign are stunning and really tastefully done. The Nicemakers even live in one of the suites during the week and go to their home in the countryside during the weekends. Next to the hotel, you can have lunch/dinner at one of their restaurants. The amazing bookstore Mendo is also part of the hotel, just like the high-end florist The Wunderkammer. Fun fact: you can even rent out creative spaces. Mendo even has an office upstairs.”
