The latest brand to join the THREADS family is TOL Eyewear, an Amsterdam based design studio with an international approach to eyewear and fashion that is overseen and embodied by Linda Tol and Marieke Meulendijks.
Linda is a Amsterdam-based blogger, model and influencer who lives life in fashion’s fast lane. Her eponymous eyewear collection is the embodiment of her fresh, elegant, unpretentious personal style.
When did you begin your journey in the fashion industry?
Before I started blogging I worked in Fashion PR. Many stylists and journalists supported me to do something with my style. A blog was the perfect way to share my love, passion and inspiration for beauty and fashion. After 3 years working for the PR firm, I decided to start my own company and LindaTol was born.
When did TOL Eyewear present itself as a potential business prospect?
From the moment we proposed the project to the Italian factory who produces TOL Eyewear. They believed in the project from the very beginning.
What is the brand motto for TOL and it’s future customers?
The brand’s mission is to reach a fusion between creativity, technical innovation and traditional craftsmanship. This allows them to offer eyewear characterised by high quality materials and the typical excellence of Italian manufacturing. This combination of innovation and tradition is the principle that inspires us to create and design for TOL.
All our work derives from a deep interest in fashion, contemporary art, interiors, architecture and people. Above all, every story and every project begins with the creation of a new emotion.
If you could choose one only one category of accessory to wear, what would the category be and why?
I love sunglasses because they are the finishing touch of the look. They make me feel strong and powerful. I also wear sunglasses in winter. It’s an attitude. They make people feel confident. The idea behind TOL Eyewear is to invest in a timeless pair of sunglasses. A pair of sunglasses you buy and wear for many years. It’s a luxury product.
How would you describe your own style and how has it developed over time?
Style is all about personality; it’s an expression of your individuality, so if you don’t feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, then it won’t feel authentic. My style is quite diverse, but it’s always really recognisably me. When I was younger, I used to try a little bit too hard – I’d wear too many crazy prints or statement pieces all at once – but in recent years my look has become more sophisticated. Now, a typical outfit for me is a pair of boyfriend jeans and a T-shirt, but I’ll finish it off with some super-girly slingbacks. Comfort is the most important factor for me when I’m piecing together a look, so I live in denim.
What are your thoughts on the “influencer” industry and social media platforms as we know them today?
Social networks are the biggest source of inspiration. Billions of us are using social media platforms every day. We use it for every part of our lives. In our personal relationships, for entertainment, at work and in our studies. Social media changed the way we communicate. It’s changing the way we do business, the way we are governed, and the way we live in society. Social media is real. Influencers share their personal life, experiences and stories. And people relate to influencers.
What would be your advice to young fashion creatives looking to work in the fashion industry?
Stay true to yourself and ignore the critics.
