About Us
Welcome to King Louie, an Amsterdam-based womenswear brand renowned for its vintage-inspired designs, vibrant colorful prints, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable quality and responsible fashion.
Our Story: From the Amsterdam Markets to an International Brand
The King Louie story began in the early 1980s at Amsterdam’s famous Noordermarkt.Founders Ann Berlips and George Cramer, high school sweethearts with a shared passion for vintage clothing, started selling their unique vintage finds on market stalls.Their curation struck a chord, leading them to open their first shop, Exota, in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district in 1983.
When the demand for unique, retro-style staples (like the iconic 80s black turtleneck) outgrew their vintage supply, Ann and George began designing their own garments.Borrowing a name from an old vintage bowling shirt label they loved, King Louie was officially born in 1984. What started as a local market stall evolved into an independent, internationally recognized brand synonymous with optimism, freedom, and individuality. Today, you can still visit their flagship Exota store on Hartenstraat in Amsterdam’s famous “Nine Streets” shopping district.
The “Contemporary Vintage” DNA
King Louie collections carry the true essence of vintage—the spirit of bygone eras—anchored seamlessly into modern silhouettes, colors, and patterns. We believe fashion should be fun, expressive, and empowering.
- Unique In-House Prints: Every season, our design team handcrafts vibrant, eye-catching prints that give King Louie its distinct, recognizable character.
- The Perfect Fit: We take our time to engineer flattering silhouettes, exceptional comfort, and wearable styles—from signature dresses and soft knitwear to versatile trousers and denim.
- Clothing That Makes You Happy:Our pieces are designed to transcend fleeting trends, offering timeless charm and a long lifespan so you can wear them with joy for years to come.
Sustainability and Fair Fashion
For over 40 years, our love for vintage has gone hand in hand with a deep responsibility for the planet and the people who make our clothes. We believe true quality means looking after both style and ethics:
- Fair Working Conditions: King Louie has been a proud member of the Fair Wear Foundation since 2015, ensuring safe, healthy, and fair labor environments across our supply chain.
- Conscious Materials: We continuously prioritize preferred, eco-friendly materials and durable fabrics that reduce environmental impact.
- Traceable & Transparent: We build long-term partnerships with our manufacturers, striving for complete transparency from fabric sourcing to the final stitch.
King Louie is more than just clothing; it is a celebration of self-expression, independence, and timeless style for women of all times.