This last point might come as a surprise but, if you take a closer look at the city and its culture, it is in fact extremely unsurprising: the Netherlands have a historical tradition in arts and crafts, fusing artisanal manufacturing with artistic research. In Amsterdam there are several incredibly creative fashion academies where creativity is highly encouraged. Fashion here is strictly connected to art and most of both the local and the international brands sold in Amsterdam feature an artistic twist. But the Dutch are also practical people, whether it comes to buying everyday denim, a raincoat that will keep them biking all through the –very long– cold season, or a fancy dress to wear for important occasions, you can be sure that they will not settle down for anything: even if their wardrobes are unlikely to be crammed, they are probably filled with top quality garments. To prove our case, here is a small list of the best fashion boutiques you can find in Amsterdam.