Suzanne Jonker originally trained as a goldsmith and through a lifelong passion for textiles, she launched her label Zoo Creatief where she teaches dressmaking and creates millinery.  Following her success being selected as part of the top 10 in the Nederlandse Hoeden Vereniging competition in 2020 Suzanne went on to win the competition in 2021.  The piece was praised for the stylish use of colour, the good sense of proportions and the neat finishing, resulting in a beautiful and wearable design.  The competition’s theme was ‘Waste not, want not’ and was supported by The Panama Hat Compan who provided seconds from which each entrant created their entry.

For her training as a jeweller Suzanne attended a vocational school in Schoonhoven before spending more than 15 years in the jewellery company as a manager and trainer.  Through this time she continued to work with many different Textiles and undertook a course to train as a dressmaker and hat maker.  In 2010 Zoo Creatief was born as a hub for sewing lessons for adults and children, workshops and creative children’s parties.

Suzanne continued to work in milliner after her training taking part in competitions within the Netherlands and creating pieces for local clients including for the Prinsjesdag in 2021 which is an iconic day for the Netherlands Parliament

See all of the entries from the 2021 Competition here.