Faces of the City is a series that highlights people who share our values and bring the same kind of intention to their own work that we bring to ours. It’s a way for us to spend time with individuals who are passionate about what they do, who shape their day through dedication and curiosity, and who choose to wear Benzak as part of their daily rhythm.

We meet up with Bonne Reijn at his home in Amsterdam, where Bonne Suits first began. The house was bought by his mother and grandfather in the late 1980s. After inheriting half of it at a relatively young age, Bonne bought the remaining half when he was just 24 and spent several years restoring it. Today, the house reflects his character, from carefully collected objects to the hobbies and passions found in every corner.

Bonne Suits started in this house. What did those early days look like?

"It all started here. Together with Justus, we sold the first Bonne Suits from this house and from his student apartment on the Nieuwe Herengracht. For the first ten years, we focused on one suit in different colours."

You were also working at Patta at the time. How did that period influence you?

"I worked there as a stylist and art director, and Guillaume 'Gee' Schmidt, co-founder of Patta, played an important role in getting the first hundred Bonne Suits off the ground. But more importantly, it showed me what independent businesses can mean to one another. They don't only sell products, they can also create opportunities for other people."

Your work today reaches far beyond fashion. Where did that start?

"When I was younger, I was already organising exhibitions and cultural initiatives because I wanted to contribute to the city. I always felt there should be a stronger relationship between young entrepreneurs, cultural makers and the municipality. At the time, not many people were paying attention."

Years later, the municipality approached you instead. What had changed?

"They had started recognising that Amsterdam's city centre was changing. More and more independent businesses were disappearing, and entire streets were becoming increasingly focused on tourism. They had also seen what local entrepreneurs had contributed to places like the Zeedijk, and asked how we could work together."