The Art and Luxury fair was founded by Annette Wijdom and with H.R.H. Margarita Princess de Bourbon de Parme as Honorary Creative Contributor, brought together the best craftsmanship in an exclusive setting. After previous successful editions, including in the prestigious Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin and Hotel Metropole in Monte-Carlo under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the fair took place again on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February 2025 in Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin in Noordwijk.
On Saturday 8th February, the opening took place in the Keizerzaal (with a splendid view on the sea) of Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin. The Master of Ceremony Mr. Cees Wijburg asked some questions to the special guests, and among others introduced the Director of Huis Ter Duin, Mr. Stephan Stokkermans, who mentioned that he is pleased that it is the 3rd time the Fair takes place in Huis Ter Duin and this will be certainly a tradition. He also mentioned that he is pleased that the hotel will be booked by many guests of the next coming NAVO top. Marianne Timmer, Olympic and World Championship Speed Scating said that sport and art are parallel to each other and she herself enjoys making paintings. H.H. Princess Margarita said that for her jewel designs, she is inspired by nature. Anne Wijdom, is an authority in the international dance and entertainment world, as the owner of a company that provides services to the event industry. The former dancer, choreographer and ballet director also works as a producer for prestigious events around the world. She said that she is very happy with the fair and informed the public of her future plans and also mentioned that you can become a friend of the Art and Luxury Fair (for more information see artandluxuryfair.com) and Anne finished with the words, the sky is the limit.
Visitors could enjoy a refined combination of art, luxury and unique experiences. During the fair, artists took visitors along in their creative process, presenting the highly refined craftsmanship in a personal way. Guided tours, tastings and demonstrations by the participants completed the program. With works by famous names from the art, fashion and lifestyle world, a platform is offered where creators and the public came into direct contact with each other.
There were many exhibitors, to mention some:
From a young age, designer HRH Princess Margarita Bourbon de Parme has had a great admiration for jewelry. Because of her background, she came into contact with the most beautiful jewelry from, among others the Royal House. It is in her early youth that her fascination for jewelry, craftsmanship and design arose and that she later in life began to delve into the design and production of jewelry. De Parme Design was founded in 2014. For De Parme Design, the Princess designs jewelry, interior objects and fusion pieces. She draws her inspiration from nature and she combines different materials and always integrates a graphic interpretation of nature into her designs.
Monica Spadafora with her high-quality jewelry for generations. The Spadafora story dates back to the late 18th century, when the family developed a passion for goldsmithing. In 1955, this blossomed into a renowned jewelry store in San Giovanni in Fiore, Italy, founded by Monica ‘s father. To-day, Monica Spadafora brings this heritage to The Hague. Each piece, meticulously crafted using ancient Byzantine techniques, embodies timeless elegance. Discover stylish earrings, delicate necklaces and enchanting rings – all infused with the stories of a family dedicated to their art.
The Royal Blue Collection by Sabine Struycken, this is a perfect translation of traditional Delftware to ceramic pieces of art in a contemporary design.
The Apples are each unique pieces of art and unite traditional Delftware with a contemporary design. Each of these creations holds a rich history and is crafted by hand, hand painted by Royal Delft.
Sculptor Jos Dirix creates expressive bronze sculptures full of dynamics: horses, bulls, men, women and predators. Pure life force, respect for life, captured in bronze sculptures. Jos Dirix’s entire oeuvre is a bronze stillness of action. Every sculpture has a fascinating combination of observation and imagination. There is worldwide interest in his bronze sculptures.
It was most spectacular to admire THE 8 X JEFF KOONS, created by Jeff Koons and BMW. This BMW car will be available in a limited edition of just 99 units. This specially designed version of the M850i xDrive Gran Coupé will be assembled at the BMW plants in Germany. The expressive and striking design combines eleven different exterior colours, from blue to silver and from yellow to black. The energetic and powerful design incorporates both pop art elements and geometric patterns that pay homage to the complex contours and shape of the sporty 8 Series Gran Coupé. The artist’s signature is inscribed on the cup holder panel, and the car also comes with a certificate showing his signature and the production number.
The paintings of Robert Daalmeijer are always recognizable, both by his own style and by the use of colour. People are also represented in his paintings now and then, sometimes as a portrait and regularly as just one single eye, which he calls eye portraits. Recognizable in his work is the stillness of the subject, a magical atmosphere (magical realism).
Sidi Olive Oil, I tasted the olive oil and I liked it, it was my first experience with Tunisian oil. Sidi brings the purity and richness of Tunisian olive oil directly to the Dutch market as an organic and Fairtrade certified brand. Sidi supplies authentic, unmixed olive oil of exceptional quality, thus guaranteeing both a fair reward for the farmers and a premium product for the consumer.
Cigar maker Ria is the only woman in the Netherlands who makes cigars by hand. After gaining 20 years of experience at cigar factories “Oud Kapen” and “de Olifant” she took the step in 2004 to start her own business. Now she shows the old craft at the Art and Luxury Fair, albeit in a modern guise. She has also put the craft of making cigars on the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Anat Ratzabi with her amazing chocolate sculptures. She is the winner of the Belgium Chocolate Award 2023 and 2024. She makes beautiful chocolate creations from Dutch master collections, like Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer.Her special creations will enchant you with a symphony of craftsmanship, infused with artistic elegance. You will enter a world where tradition and contemporary chocolate art merge into an experience that reflects the atmosphere of “Joie de Vivre”. Each creation is made from high-quality Belgian chocolate, decorated with a beautiful, edible bronze patina that exudes refinement.
I could go on and on with all the exhibitors, there were so many exhibitors to admire, just to mention a few more:
Wendy Alblas, with her paintings and sculptures. Her work is characterized by a strong, powerful total composition. She searches for color, power movement, use of materials, which creates an almost iconic image, in addition she has found her theme with her love for horses, fish and crayfish. Berry Rutjes with her hats. She says, each hat is not just an accessory, but a masterpiece that completes an outfit and embodies the essence of “from heart to hand,” as Berry’s work celebrates expert craftsmanship inspired by the philosophy of Dolce & Gabbana. Bouk de Roeck, he creates special sculptures that capture the beauty of nature in a special way. His works are often presented in acrylic glass boxes.
We also could taste the oysters from Koninklijke Schmidt Zeevis Rotterdam. They have been around for over 100 years and is a household name in culinary Netherlands. They supply to almost all leading chefs, hospitality establishments, wholesalers and catering companies throughout the country. And this to accompany with a glass of champagne of Champagne Perrier-Jouët. This is a renowned champagne house known for its elegance, refinement and exquisite craftsmanship. Located in the heart of the Champagne region, in the picturesque village of Épernay, the house was founded in 1811 and has since built an unparalleled reputation.
The Art and Luxury Fair was a beautiful, successful Fair in the magnificant Hotel Huis Ter Duin and both days were very well visited. I am anxious to look forward to the next edition of the Art and Luxury Fair in 2026.
Written by Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro