Ki­lo Kilo Vin­ta­ge

When Jelle (35) suffered a severe concussion two years ago and couldn’t work, he asked himself: “What truly makes me happy?” Six months later, he started Kilo Kilo Vintage – a creative platform all about vintage fashion – with his business partner, Mustafa. They are now living their dream. “Utrecht is a city full of creative people. You can feel it in the air and its addictive”, says Jelle.

The pandemic forced Jelle and Mustafa to focus, use their initiative and turn their situations around. During lockdown, a lot of vintage clothing became available – the core of the business. Jelle explains: “Vintage clothes are for everyone irrespective of their scene, style or background. We didn’t hesitate for a moment and tested the concept with some friends.” Kilo Kilo was thus born with its unique formula: festival-style shopping. “Both of us are avid festival goers where the focus is very much on the ‘experience’. Our starting point, therefore, was to create an original and inspiring space for shoppers that has the same festival vibe where anything’s possible and nothing’s ever too crazy.”

Creativity

Utrecht inspires creativity. The city centre in particular is a great springboard for talent. In this spirit, Jelle and Mustafa handed over their shop window on Steenweg to Isabela Verhagen, a student from the University of the Arts Utrecht (HKU), whose display highlights the impact of fast fashion. “We like to support up-and-coming artists by providing a place to showcase their work in the heart of the city.”

“Skateboarding is in our blood. And the clothes on those rails there – all profits will go to 30 Afghan families.”

Charity projects

From doing no harm to doing some good – Kilo Kilo is also involved in charitable projects abroad. It works with the Concrete Jungle Foundation, which builds skate parks in developing countries. “Skateboarding is in our blood. And the clothes on those rails there – all profits will go to 30 Afghan families”, says Jelle. Kilo Kilo not only offers their shop window for young artists to display their work, but it is also a window into a better world. At the end of November 2022, Jelle collaborated with +confetti and organised an upcycling event at Kilo Kilo for visitors to make new products from old clothes. Jelle proudly says, “All types of people got involved from mums and kids to creative talents!” On January 20 Jelle and Mustafa opened their new Kilo Kilo Vintage Store on the Bakkerstraat in Utrecht. They hope to see you there!