Ratna Ho
Project
Tribal,
Inspired by the so-called bad taste I started searching for something that normally annoys me. By investigating its origin and looking for the deeper meaning of its shapes I gradually discovered that tribal tattoos were a grateful subject to begin the process with. Whereas tribal tattoos are normally associated with tough muscled men, I translated them into fantasy panty hoses and pleated skirts. The use of a My Little Pony color palette creates an even bigger gap between the inspiration and the outcome of the collection.
Raised by parents with both different cultural backgrounds I have always been interested in cultural phenomena. There was always room for imagination and creativity: as a young kid I started sewing mermaid-tails out of left-over fabric my mother gave me, as well as animal dolls. From my 12th birthday on, after getting a sewing machine for a present, the real work could commence: dresses, skirts, t-shirts and so on. I can’t remember a day without wanting to create.
Over
About,
Ratna Ho and Pascal Mulder met while studying at the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design in The Netherlands. They began working together upon the graduation of Ratna Ho, where Pascal Mulder was responsible for the accessories of the collection. During her studies Ratna Ho received the ‘Triumph Inspiration Award’ for her lingerie design. The international finals took place in Beijing.
After graduation, Ho and Mulder were nominated for the Lichting 2009 Award and the Frans Molenaar Prize for their ‘Tribal’ (SS2010) and ‘Mermaid Madness’ (SS2011) collections respectively.
Ho decided to continue studying, this time at Central st. Martins, MA Fashion Womenswear, under inspiring leadership of Louise Wilson, OBE. After graduation in 2013 she was chosen to participate at the Mittelmoda Fashion Awards.
Once returned, the collaboration continued, this time Ho and Mulder started working closely together at a more wearable collection (AW2014), presented during Mercedes-Benz Amsterdam Fashion Week, January 2014. This is where they met their future business partner Buitink Technology, providing technical textiles and specialised techniques for the accessories of the collection.
From september 2014 Ho and Mulder have been focussing on creating two accessory labels, RATNA HO and STUDIO MULDER. The RATNA HO collection targets women young at heart, with colour- and playful bags and accessories. STUDIO MULDER focusses on bags and accessories for every occasion, with a more minimalistic and functional angle. All items are created using technical textiles and a part of the collection with specialised techniques as high frequency and ultrasonic welding, techniques available at the manufacturing facilities of Buitink Technology in Duiven, The Netherlands.
Credits; Showphoto's Team Peter Stigter - Portrait by Pascal Mulder.