René Strolenberg
Co-Founder Tenue de Nîmes
I am co-founder at both Tenue de Nîmes and Red Wing shoe store Amsterdam. Before I started my 'blue journey' I worked at Dutch denim pioneer G-star for 6 years. At G-star my love for jeans became more and more intense. As a sales manager I experienced the intense growth of Holland’s most successful fashion company. During my time with G-Star I was introduced to what now feels like my second home: Japan. Over the course of my numerous trips to the Far East, I was blown away by the Japanese love for denim, for authentic products in general and how they express this love.
It should therefore not surprise you that Japan is where my passion got a bit out of hand. My collection of jeans alone consists of around 1000 denim pieces. Together with my partner in crime Menno I also collect stuff like vintage watches, books, 20th century vintage and design at the Tenue de Nîmes Archive. Between Tenue de Nimes' walls I am the head buyer and responsible for all the lovely stuff you will come across. Last but not least, the love of my life is my three year old daughter by the name of Pixie Jazz.
Favorites
G-Star US First Jeans
The G-Star US First was my first ever raw denim 'project', as we like to describe it. I wore it for years and never did anything with it. I guess the result speaks for itself.
Ford Mustang
If I could have something like a wish list, this car would cover the entire top 5. This is my dream car. I hope I will be able to drive it one day.
Braun Record Player
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in my leather chair next to my record player and listen to music from the 60s and 70s. I am a big Jazz and Blues fan and collect records since the age of 16.
Bullitt
This movie features the longest car chase ever filmed. It is such an incredible feeling to only listen to the sound of the fighting engines. I must have seen this part well over a 1000 times.
1966 Tudor Submariner
One of my true passions is vintage watches. My Tudor Submariner has a 390 FEF 17j movement. It is a specific caliber that was designed and modified for Tudor by Rolex somewhere between 1950 and 1968.
My Marlboro's
My Marlboro's are not the healthiest among my favorites but I go nowhere without a proper stack of soft packs.