Daphne Gerritse’s story begins in the rain-drenched streets of Bergen, Norway, where early mornings on her bike taught her the value of resilience. Surrounded by practical, weatherproof gear that lacked charm, Daphne’s imagination was stirred by a simple question: Why couldn’t rainwear be both functional and beautiful? This curiosity stayed with her as she moved to Amsterdam, the city that would later become the heart of her dream.
With a degree in Business Administration and a master’s in Marketing Management from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Daphne’s academic path laid a solid foundation, yet her heart was always tethered to fashion. Early on, she worked in marketing for Mexx, where she absorbed the intricacies of branding and consumer engagement, but the idea of transforming rainwear into something more meaningful took root and grew.
The spark for Rain Couture came during a particularly soggy commute in 2011. Daphne found herself soaked and frustrated, envisioning a raincoat that did not just shield but celebrated the rain itself. This moment marked the beginning of her mission to blend elegance with practicality. Returning to Amsterdam, she launched Rain Couture with a vision to reinvent rainwear as a symbol of style, comfort, and sustainability.
The path was far from smooth. Daphne faced numerous setbacks that would have discouraged many. Early crowdfunding efforts, while promising, soon met with manufacturing challenges, including a crushing blow when a production partner went bankrupt. Retailers rejected her designs nearly a hundred times, and her first pop-up store saw dismal sales. Even after opening her first store in Amsterdam, another manufacturer folded, leaving her shelves nearly empty. Each obstacle tested Daphne’s resolve, yet her spirit remained unbroken.
Determined not to surrender, Daphne made pivotal decisions that shaped her future. She embraced the slow fashion movement, focusing on quality over quantity, and found reliable, ethical manufacturing partners. Her commitment to producing limited, sustainable collections allowed her brand to grow steadily. In 2021, despite the challenges of the pandemic and with a newborn baby at home, Daphne boldly expanded her flagship store, a gamble that soon paid off with record-breaking success.
Today, Rain Couture stands as a beloved brand with two flagship stores in Amsterdam’s iconic Nine Streets and a growing international presence. Daphne’s collections, from iconic waterproof down jackets to versatile wool trench coats, reflect her unwavering commitment to marrying style, sustainability, and functionality. Her approach to fashion is deeply personal, influenced by family memories and a strong desire to reduce waste and promote ethical production.
At the core of Daphne’s philosophy is perseverance. She lives by the belief that setbacks are temporary and that trusting one’s instincts and taking risks are essential to growth. This mindset has not only shaped her career but inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs and women in business. Her dedication to sustainability and slow fashion has made Rain Couture a beacon for conscious consumers seeking timeless elegance in every raindrop.
Looking ahead, Daphne’s vision is clear and ambitious. She plans to expand her reach across Europe, particularly targeting Scandinavian markets where rainwear is a lifestyle necessity. Future collections will further embrace recycled materials and innovative designs, continuing to tell the story of resilience, creativity, and embracing nature’s elements.
Daphne Gerritse’s journey from a soaked cyclist in Norway to a trailblazing fashion entrepreneur in Amsterdam is a testament to the power of vision and determination. Her story reminds us that true style is not just about appearances but about the courage to transform challenges into opportunities and to create beauty that endures through all seasons.
