Another blow to Dutch fashion as Thom Broekman goes bankrupt

Utrecht fashion chain Thom Broekman is bankrupt, marking the third blow to the Dutch fashion industry in only a week. Thom Broekman is a 175-year-old family business and was adorned with the prestigious title 'Hofleverancier' in 2012. The title is bestowed on companies which achieve high levels of excellence for over 100 years by the Dutch royalty. Thom Broekman has ten stores under its brand name and an additional eight stores under the brand De Rode Winkel. Both labels were published in the Central Insolvency Register of Utrecht today, after being declared bankrupt by the Midden-Nederland District Court on Thursday. This week the head of Amsterdam Fashion Week Bart Maussen revealed the height of its financial trouble, and said that this year's event which starts today, may be the last. This followed the unexpected death of Dutch fashion designer Frans Molenaar last Friday. Molenaar was one of the Netherlands' best-known and successful fashion designers.