hai SS22 Launch at CARMEN AMSTERDAM
Never ones to let the January Blues get us down, at the end of last month we decided to pack our bags (sadly non-hai bags- we haven't moved into the realm of luggage...yet) and head over to Hai founder, Tessa's, homeland in Holland for a Hai Homecoming, hosted at one of Amsterdam's hottest new haunts: the concept store, guest house and kitchen, CARMEN.
Keep reading for our diary of the weekend's events from Tessa and our creative partner Lara.
How does it feel to take Hai to the motherland and why Carmen?
T: It’s a Hai homecoming! Even though I haven’t lived in Holland for a very long time I have wanted to take Hai to Amsterdam for a while. Carmen is a dear friend of both Lara and I and CARMEN, the store, guesthouse and kitchen, is run by her & her husband Joris- it’s truly the most wonderful place in Amsterdam.
L: Carmen is a newly opened guest house and shop situated in the heart of Amsterdam, Carmen herself also happens to be a good friend. It seemed like a match made in Hai heaven
What was your Hai-light of the pop-up?
L: Too many to choose from but collaborating with such an incredible group of women has to be the top. Sabato Amsterdam (our wonderful caterers) outdid themselves and Carmen was the perfect hostess.
T: Bringing hai to my homeland and seeing so many old and new friends together.
What did team hai eat in Amsterdam?
L: What didn’t we eat! One of our muses Anousha Payne came with us and cooked an incredible feast on our first evening, pani puri with chickpeas and tamarind spiced soup with prawns and both aubergine and beetroot curry!
At the event we feasted on Dutch classics with a Hai twist; Prawn croquettes, cabbage parcels, pretty pink smoked eel, and crystallised orange bows to name a few.
T: Everyday was a feast, as Lara said we had some incredible meals at CARMEN. We also managed to have a few meals out during our time there - my current favourite places are; Twee Prinsen, Oficina, Binnenvisser & Bambino.
Favourite spots in the city?
L: I have a soft spot for the Jordaan where I used to live. It feels like living in a fairytale.
What do you miss most about Holland when you’re living in London?
T: The ease of getting around, my nephew and the food no matter how bad of a reputation it might have!
L: How small it is and not being scared on a bike! Also vintage is affordable!
What was your outfit of choice for the pop-up?
T: Our Greta trousers & Joni top in gingham - we made this from deadstock fabric I found in Seoul and only have very limited pieces available. I love wearing it paired together with our Dora ruffled blouse and Opa shoes.
L: I wore the pink Elisabeth in dupion silk, layered over the lace Amelie blouse which is coming soon for AW22
Is there a particular piece in the new collection that feels very Amsterdam to you?
T: People in Holland like to dress quite practically, especially since everyone moves around by bike. I think our SS22 collection is a perfect mix of classic practical garments with a silky finish to brighten up the day.
Who did you love seeing in Hai this weekend?
T: Our dear friend Carmen and her husband Joris; my two oldest friends from my hometown, Anne & Maud, plus so many other familiar and new friends.
What was the song of the weekend?
What is your favourite thing about Amsterdam?
L: How beautiful it is, I think it has a very special picturesque charm to it. And apple pie!
T: My friends, the nostalgic feelings it gives me being there & all the sweet and savoury snacks.
Do you plan to return any time soon?
T: Always! I feel like I only truly started to appreciate my homeland in the past two years. But lately I have been really enjoying spending more time in Holland.
How does it feel to take Hai to the motherland and why Carmen?
T: It’s a Hai homecoming! Even though I haven’t lived in Holland for a very long time I have wanted to take Hai to Amsterdam for a while. Carmen is a dear friend of both Lara and I and CARMEN, the store, guesthouse and kitchen, is run by her & her husband Joris- it’s truly the most wonderful place in Amsterdam.
L: Carmen is a newly opened guest house and shop situated in the heart of Amsterdam, Carmen herself also happens to be a good friend. It seemed like a match made in Hai heaven
What was your Hai-light of the pop-up?
L: Too many to choose from but collaborating with such an incredible group of women has to be the top. Sabato Amsterdam (our wonderful caterers) outdid themselves and Carmen was the perfect hostess.
T: Bringing hai to my homeland and seeing so many old and new friends together.
What did team hai eat in Amsterdam?
L: What didn’t we eat! One of our muses Anousha Payne came with us and cooked an incredible feast on our first evening, pani puri with chickpeas and tamarind spiced soup with prawns and both aubergine and beetroot curry!
At the event we feasted on Dutch classics with a Hai twist; Prawn croquettes, cabbage parcels, pretty pink smoked eel, and crystallised orange bows to name a few.
T: Everyday was a feast, as Lara said we had some incredible meals at CARMEN. We also managed to have a few meals out during our time there - my current favourite places are; Twee Prinsen, Oficina, Binnenvisser & Bambino.
Favourite spots in the city?
L: I have a soft spot for the Jordaan where I used to live. It feels like living in a fairytale.
What do you miss most about Holland when you’re living in London?
T: The ease of getting around, my nephew and the food no matter how bad of a reputation it might have!
L: How small it is and not being scared on a bike! Also vintage is affordable!
What was your outfit of choice for the pop-up?
T: Our Greta trousers & Joni top in gingham - we made this from deadstock fabric I found in Seoul and only have very limited pieces available. I love wearing it paired together with our Dora ruffled blouse and Opa shoes.
L: I wore the pink Elisabeth in dupion silk, layered over the lace Amelie blouse which is coming soon for AW22
Is there a particular piece in the new collection that feels very Amsterdam to you?
T: People in Holland like to dress quite practically, especially since everyone moves around by bike. I think our SS22 collection is a perfect mix of classic practical garments with a silky finish to brighten up the day.
Who did you love seeing in Hai this weekend?
T: Our dear friend Carmen and her husband Joris; my two oldest friends from my hometown, Anne & Maud, plus so many other familiar and new friends.
What was the song of the weekend?
What is your favourite thing about Amsterdam?
L: How beautiful it is, I think it has a very special picturesque charm to it. And apple pie!
T: My friends, the nostalgic feelings it gives me being there & all the sweet and savoury snacks.
Do you plan to return any time soon?
T: Always! I feel like I only truly started to appreciate my homeland in the past two years. But lately I have been really enjoying spending more time in Holland.