Hendrik Vermeulen

Life

Hendrik Vermeulen was born on 7 April 1982, in the small town of Fauresmith, Free State, South Africa. He spent most of his childhood with his mother, Gerbrecht Christina Naudé, in her sewing room, learning the basics of dress making. At age of 15, Hendrik Vermeulen sold his first evening dress. He started to focus all his attention on the fashion industry by attending various related workshops and classes. In 2001 he enrolled in an intensive Haute Couture course at FDI in Pretoria. At the end of 2002 he received a diploma in Haute Couture and was presented with the coveted 'Student of the Year' award. Shortly after finishing his studies, Hendrik Vermeulen relocated to Cape Town where he worked for various fashion designers to gain real-world experience. At the same time he was building his own business on the side.

Business

Shortly after finishing his studies, Hendrik moved to Cape Town where he worked and gained experience as an Atelier Manager for an internationally renowned fashion designer. He worked for several designers throughout the period between 2002 and 2008. In 2009 Hendrik Vermeulen relocated to Simon's Town, in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, and opened an upmarket Atelier in the Westlake Lifestyle Centre, in Steenberg. In 2012, Hendrik Vermeulen's business brought him into the Cape Town CBD with the opening of his flagship store.

In March 2011, Hendrik Vermeulen was appointed as a board member of the World Fashion Council to endeavour to make a difference by empowering women through skills development for the future of the World Fashion. In 2012, he was also appointed as a board member of the South African National Chapter of the World Fashion Organisation. Also in 2012, Hendrik Vermeulen Couture showcases at the first edition of the Perth Fashion Week.

Hendrik Vermeulen's work has been featured locally in One Small Seed Pop Culture Magazine, Konfetti online magazine, Fair Lady Bridal Magazine, Full Circle Magazine; internationally in Swiss and German Lifetsyle Magazine, Faces; as well as the following exclusive fashion shows, Style In The City with Trinny and Susannah, Cape Town Carnival Couture Show and Bear to be Vogue (for Tygerbear Foundation).

Hendrik Vermeulen has been described as the best example of young talent in the South African Fashion industry by Swiss and German lifestyle magazine, Faces.

Hendrik Vermeulen's garments have been worn by several prominent and celebrated South African celebrities, including political figures, TV personalities, several Miss South Africa winners, models and public figures. He also has a large contingent of brides who order Hendrik Vermeulen designer wedding gowns to be sent to the USA, UK and Europe. Hendrik Vermeulen is especially involved in his community, participating in various events with the MyLife foundation, and is an Ambassador of Hope for The Sunflower Fund