About us

My fashion journey began when I was 17 and enrolled in the four-year program MTS Mode en Kleding (Intermediate Technical School for Fashion and Clothing). It was a great decision that brought me so much joy then — and still does today. Fashion and clothing start with the basics: how a garment is constructed, what fabric does, and how to combine clothing. Alongside designing and making clothes, I also took subjects like fashion history, pattern drafting, entrepreneurship, and more.

I believe in the power of knowledge and in continually developing yourself. I’ve always enjoyed going to school — probably one of the reasons I became a trainer myself. Studying Fashion Merchandising in London was a true gift. It was a wonderful time that taught me what fashion and clothing can mean to people. It’s always something deeply personal — a way to express who you are. The English capital is a paradise full of designers and department stores featuring incredible creations, making it easy to explore and experience different styles and fabrics.

In 1987, I obtained my BA in Fashion Merchandising. Later, I added a qualification in beauty therapy, and in the 1990s, I completed one of the first training programs in Colour Styling and Image styling.

After completing fashion school and the Fashion Merchandising course, I started my own business designing and creating custom-made clothing. From bridalwear to coats and custom baseball jackets. The jackets were a big hit — ordered and worn by women, men, and children. Customers could choose their own colour combinations, logos, and knitted trims to make each jacket truly personal.

The perfect fit should not only look good but feel good too.

Making clothing is a challenging task. Menswear in particular is highly technical. Still, I would advise anyone working in fashion to deepen their knowledge of fit, fabrics, and colour — it enables you to give even better advice and truly help your clients shine.
Here I’m wearing cream white and beige — two of my top colours, perfect for a Spring type. It’s such a joy to understand this.

While designing and making clothes, I felt the need to better understand colour. What colours should you recommend when a client orders a bespoke piece, so they’ll enjoy wearing it for years? When I heard that a Colour Stylist course was starting — taught by an English woman who had studied in America — I signed up immediately. It was a huge eye-opener. Colour is so powerful! Since then, colour and personal styling have never left my side.

In 1995, I was asked to teach a Personal Stylist course. I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In the beginning, it was relatively simple — which necklines suit you, which skirt or trouser shape flatters your figure. By now, it has grown into a comprehensive consultation, combining colour, body shape, clothing, and styling.

Together with a colleague, we pioneered these workshops throughout the country. Even now, all these years later, I still feel completely in my element.

In the 1990s, I opened a beauty salon with a colleague, where we also offered colour and clothing advice. It was a wonderful time, where I learned that what women want most is to be themselves — in the most beautiful way possible. After five years, I was ready for something new and shifted my focus to giving one-on-one advice, trainings, and presentations.

In 2005, I wrote my first book on clothing: Kleding Genoeg (“Clothing Enough”). It served as a guide for students to keep everything organized. I never expected it to become such a hit — a second and third print run followed within three weeks!

Later, more titles followed: Kleding Genoeg Mannen, Stijlfactor5 and Mooi met Kleding .

It was the inevitable next step— I wanted to develop my own colour drapes, flags, and colour cards. As a stylist, I have a slightly different view on colour, especially since I often translate these colours directly into clothing during personal shopping sessions. Every day, I work with colour, clothing, and women. Every product must fit perfectly and serve its purpose — whether it’s colour drapes, cards, flags, books, or other tools.

New products and updated versions are released on a regular basis. I’m proud that so many colour and personal stylists choose to work with materials from Colour Analysis Academy

In 2011, I recorded my first video. Colour and clothing should be visual. You can talk about it for hours, but visuals bring clarity.

The videos are meant to inspire and help you continue developing after training. And of course, for those who are new to the world of colour and clothing or simply looking for inspiration. Take a look at the YouTube channel van Hi Style Academy.

At first, I found it a bit scary — picking out clothes for clients. What if they didn’t like it?

In the early days, I would visit 20 shops to find just the right items. Now, it’s enough to start with an in-depth colour and style consultation, and then shop with purpose in stores that suit the client. This is something I also teach during the Personal Stylist training at Hi Style Academy.

I love events — short, powerful moments to show people the magic of colour and clothing.
I’ve worked in fashion stores, jewelry shops, libraries, career fairs, and even at a riding school! Colour advice really can be given anywhere.

I’ve also trained teachers at 22 different fashion, hair, and beauty schools. The subject Image styling is an elective, and students in fashion, hairdressing, or personal care also receive lessons on the 6 colour types, image styling, and more.

Everything comes together in my new studio at a historic location in Rotterdam. It’s the perfect space to welcome clients and deliver trainings. Afterwards, you can take a stroll by the Maas River, grab a bite at a nearby café, or immediately put your colour and styling tips into practice in the city center.

My passion is sharing knowledge and helping people look their best. Teaching has always been a constant thread in my life. I’ve built warm relationships with many students — easy to do when you share the same passion. Every quarter, I give a free hands-on Masterclass at the studio in Rotterdam, as well as an online Masterclass in English. It’s a great way to grow as a stylist or simply get inspired. They’re always cheerful and inspiring afternoons — and even if you’re not (yet) working in the field, you’re welcome to join, soak up the atmosphere, and see if becoming a colour and/or personal stylist might be for you.

Traditional colour analysis was originally developed with European skin tones in mind. The basic types — named after the four seasons: Winter, Summer, Spring, and Autumn — still form a lovely starting point, in my view. But they are too limited to provide truly personal and accurate colour advice.
Today, Colour Analysis Academy works with 16 different colour types, a system I developed myself, so that everyone — regardless of background or culture — can receive colour advice that is genuinely tailored to them. After completing the Practical Colour Stylist course where you’ll learn the 6 basic types, you can move on to the Colour Stylist Advanced course, where the more in-depth colour types are covered. After this, you can take the Masterclass People of colour privately or with a colleague.
If you’d like more information about this training, please feel free to reach out — I’d be happy to tell you more.

I still get so much joy from giving colour and styling advice and from training other stylists. And I’m far from done learning myself! I’m currently developing a new range of colour drapes, specially designed for hairdressers and make-up artists. The first students from Italy have already signed up — something I consider quite an honor, given that Italians are among the best-dressed people in the world.

With our online program for colour stylists, these training sessions are now available worldwide. However, in-person training on location is of course also an option. And yes — the orange Fiat does match my colour type! That’s how far this can go.

You can find more information on this website.