Hiltje van Eck

Hiltje van Eck
Country of birth: Netherlands
She took in refugees after the Battle of Arnhem (1944-1945) and opened her house to veterans

Her story

Hiltje van Eck's house in Ede is spacious and warm. During and after the Second World War, it has always been a welcoming place. Hiltje, for example, has a Jewish foster sister. They shared the house with evacuees from the Battle of Arnhem, and there was also room for Allied veterans and young German soldiers. Hiltje describes the house and the time she grew up in as loving and safe. Hiltje grew up with the war. Her house, where she now lives after some wanderings, always remains that safe haven.

The design

The jacket's fabric is an eco-print of leaves and plants from her garden, created by Hiltje and "Duurzaam Goed." A house with a garden full of memories. That's why the jacket is shaped like the house. The gold interior is patterned after the floor and radiates warmth. The knitted bag references mesh clothing. Clothing was scarce and passed down from sister to sister, but it features mesh lettering. The skirt is made from old trousers, just like Hiltje's mother used to make skirts.