BIANCA BLOM
Bianca founded her brand, Linja Shoes, in response to a void she saw in the market for intelligently designed heels – stylish footwear that’s comfortable enough to handle walking and cycling daily through Amsterdam’s cobbled streets
Every time I arrive back from a work trip, the first thing I love to do is ride my bike – in heels, naturally – along the canals to my shop, House of Artisans. This, to me, is the ultimate Amsterdam feeling. Spiegelgracht is one of my favourite canals, I ride along it to the Rijksmuseum. There’s a bike lane that goes underneath the museum and I love hearing the street musicians. On the other side, you look over Museum Square. One of my favourite places for coffee or lunch is round the corner, in the hidden courtyard of the Conservatorium Hotel. Hotel Pulitzer on Prinsengracht also has a secret garden.
ANNE VAN MIDDEN
Anne is a stylist and floral designer for photoshoots, weddings and events, who lives in a picture- perfect town called Amersfoort, 45 minutes from Amsterdam I studied in Amsterdam for four years, and every time I come back I rent a bike. It’s the best way to get around – stop for pretty scenery when you want, visit vintage shops or stroll around the flower market. Another gem is the Hortus Botanicus, a beautiful old greenhouse. It’s the perfect place to slow down in the city. I always leave inspired – and with loads of photos. But I’m more of a nature girl than a city dweller. My favourite places to explore are the forests and sand dunes in Soestduinen, De Hoge Veluwe national park and my husband’s birth island of Texel – all great for day trips or weekend getaways.
JEROEN OUDE SOGTOEN
Jeroen is the founder and creative director of lifestyle brand Zenology, whose luxury room scents and body products are available at high- end hotels and department stores around the world, as well as perfume house Maison Mona di Orio
My favourite place in town is the proeflokaal – the Dutch for ‘tasting tavern’ – Wynand Fockink. It has retained its 17th century character and