Mylo Freeman

Solo exhibition 'ReLabeled" 

01-11 Feb 2024

Amsterdam - On the occasion of Black History Month, illustrator Mylo Freeman launches her new series of large-format fashion drawings, entitled 'ReLabeled', which explores the role of the black woman as model, designer and influencer.

Freeman found the inspiration for this series in the portrait of a black woman painted by Annibale Carraci in 1585. This remarkable portrait depicts a woman of color with an authentic expression and prosperous clothing, suggesting that she may have been a seamstress, although she was not is certain. 'ReLabeled' brings fashion and art together like a time machine that tells a profound social story. Striking is the recurring image of a gold clock in the woman's hands, which appears as a motif in other works.

In addition to exploring the story behind the said portrait, other notable women will also be featured such as Ann Lowe, the designer of Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown, Elizabeth Keckley, a formerly enslaved woman who founded a sewing shop for ex-to enslaved people and designed clothing for Mary Lincoln, wife of Abraham Lincoln. The South African Palesa Mokubung and our national pride Marga Weimans will also be part of this inspiring exhibition.

The 'ReLabeled' exhibition celebrates the influence of black women in the world of fashion and art.

About Mylo

Mylo Freeman is of Dutch/American descent and grew up in The Hague. She attended the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, where she completed her studies in illustration. After a brief singing career and the birth of her eldest son, she took up illustrating again and started creating illustrations for children.

Mylo's talent was quickly recognized when her first picture book, entitled "Potje!", immediately won the Kiekenboekprijs. She now has approximately 70 picture books to her name, including the series about the dark princess Arabella. With these books she fills an essential niche, namely picture books that reflect more diversity. Mylo now also writes/illustrates for (young) adults with books such as 'About Ladies and Jewelry' and 'About Ladies and Bags', which will also be published in the UK and America in 2024. Mylo Freeman not only contributes to the literary world but also to increasing diversity and inclusivity in (children's) literature and art.

Book launch + exhibition

29/30 October 2021

About Ladies and Bags

He never leaves her side. He has everything in him that she needs. She caresses him lovingly and sniffs his scent in an unguarded moment. And yet in time she will exchange it for another: the lady and her handbag.

Mylo Freeman introduces you to fifty inspiring women from all over the world. From household names like Queen Elizabeth II, Jane Birkin and Paris Hilton, to South African fashion designer Palesa Mokubung, Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi and journalist and adventurer Nellie Bly. For each of them, the bag has a different meaning: fashion accessory, practical tool, feminist manifesto. But no matter how different the women and their bags are, they are all unique and quirky. This book recently received the honorable 'Vlag en Wimpel 2021' prize.

About Ladies and Jewelry

They decorate, protect and transform her. They give shine to its existence, but never determine its value. The lady and her jewelry.

As a follow-up to 'About Ladies and Bags', the subject of jewelry seemed a worthy successor to Mylo Freeman. Here again she presents 50 women from all over the world and through the ages, this time in relation to their jewellery. From African, Asian ethnic jewelry to the diamonds Marilyn Monroe wore in the movie 'Gentlemen prefer blondes'. Just like all the special women in this book, jewelry will always charm us!

“In the book 'About Ladies and Jewellery', everything I love comes together again: Fashion, color and diversity!”