At just 19 years old, Myrthe van Adelsbergen is already proving that fashion can be more than fabric and form — it can be testimony.
Originally from the Netherlands and currently studying Fashion Design in Düsseldorf, Germany, Myrthe is living out one of her biggest dreams: studying abroad and immersing herself in an international creative environment. But her journey is not just about location. It is about intention. About meaning. About building collections that speak where words often fail.
Her work does not begin with trends.
It begins with truth.
Myrthe specializes in fashion design that merges storytelling, emotion, and film. For her, clothing is not just worn — it communicates. Every piece she creates carries layers of narrative, often rooted in deeply personal experiences. She once designed an outfit made entirely from dog hair, a bold and unconventional project that gained recognition and was featured in a magazine. That moment affirmed her courage to explore the unexpected and transform vulnerability into art.
But her newest collection may be her most personal and socially urgent work yet.
Titled “Initium” — meaning “the beginning” in Latin — this collection addresses the theme of bullying. A topic often discussed, yet rarely examined with emotional depth and nuance. Inspired by someone very close to her who experienced bullying, the project reopened memories from Myrthe’s own past — moments of feeling isolated, unheard, and invisible.
That pain did not disappear with time.
It simply changed form.
She began speaking with people from different roles within the bullying dynamic: those who were bullied, those who bullied others, and those who internalized their suffering. These conversations were heavy. Emotional. At times overwhelming. Listening to these stories meant revisiting her own memories — memories she sometimes wished she could rewrite.
But instead of turning away, she leaned in.
From these real-life narratives, Myrthe developed three outfits — each representing a different perspective within the bullying cycle. The garments are not just visual statements. They are emotional embodiments. They reflect conflict, shame, power, silence, and resilience.
Her inspiration was also shaped by the Dutch film Spijt (Regret) — a story that stayed with her since childhood. Combined with real-world testimonies, it became the foundation of Initium.
For Myrthe, fashion is about creating safe spaces.
She describes her creative identity as raw, honest, and emotionally driven. Her goal is not just to design beautiful garments, but to make people feel seen. To create pieces that invite connection. To encourage others to share their own stories without fear.
Her journey into fashion began in high school, when she designed the villain’s costume for a school musical. Watching the actress put on the costume and visibly transform — standing taller, embodying power — was a pivotal moment. It showed her that clothing could change how someone feels. That fashion could give confidence. Could give voice.
That realization shaped everything that followed.
Of course, the path hasn’t been without challenges. Beyond the emotional weight of this collection, she has faced moments where not everyone understands or trusts her creative process. When you design from emotion and social commentary rather than commercial expectation, skepticism can follow.
But she remains grounded in her vision.
She is most proud not only of her magazine feature, but of the fact that she continues to do what she loves — supported by friends and family who believe in her journey. And perhaps even more meaningful than recognition is the hope that her work will truly impact someone.
Her message is clear: you are not alone.
She wants her collections to encourage empathy. To replace hatred with understanding. Each design holds three layers — first as clothing, second as a reflection of a theme like bullying, and third as a deeper symbolic meaning waiting to be discovered by the right person.
What keeps her motivated is that third layer.
The quiet understanding that fashion can hold meaning beyond what is visible. The dream of continuing to tell stories that matter. The belief that art can heal.
Currently, she is expanding Initium through a video shoot, deepening its message beyond the runway. Afterward, she will begin a new collection — one that continues the narrative thread that started with bullying. Because Initium is not the conclusion.
It is the beginning.
Looking ahead, Myrthe’s ambitions extend far beyond traditional fashion. She dreams of merging design with film, music, journalism, podcasts, architecture, and even biology. She is fascinated by how disciplines intersect — how everything connects through storytelling and structure.
For her, fashion is not an isolated art form.
It is a bridge.
And through that bridge, she intends to carry stories that deserve to be heard.
Follow & Connect
Instagram: @myrthe_van_adelsbergen