( The Black Boots )

“Normally I don’t really get attached to garments that much. In those sporadic moments I have the urge to clean up, I get serious about it and bring tons of things to the nearest textile recycle container. But, there is one important exception that I’ll never get rid of: my black boots.”

Two years back, my uncle Hans who was very dear to me, passed away during a fatal accident. Hans was such a cool guy; he did things his way, was a passionate cyclist and -like me – an enormous fan of music. If anyone has had influence on my knowledge of and interest in music, it’s him. Herman Brood, Willy Deville, Tom Waits, you name it. There wasn’t a band or artist he didn’t have an interesting anecdote about. Any serious musical journalist would find competition in him.

When he died, I wondered through his house, trying to find something to remember him by. It didn’t take long to find it. Apart from a framed poster of Tom Waits and a postcard of Dirk de Zwerver (Van Kooten & De Bie), I chose these boots. I can actually wear them; my uncle wore just one shoesize bigger than mine. Recently I had the soles replaced, so that I can keep on wearing them. In this way, if I go anywhere he would’ve like to come along to – a visit to the record store or a cool concert – he’s there with me in a way.

( Celine )
( The Netherlands )