From Denim Enthusiast to Brand Builder
Duncan Ramdas is no stranger to the fashion industry. Together with his business partner Patrick Rijtenbach, he runs PDR 2, an agency that helps both international and Dutch brands establish themselves in the Dutch market. Their portfolio includes diverse labels such as French heritage brand Armor Lux, surf-inspired Johnson Island, sustainable Armed Angels, and local initiatives like New Optimist and BANK.

Duncan explains how his love for denim and collections started at G-Star, where he also met Patrick. “We were triggered by independent retailers who felt that the market offering was becoming too uniform. We made a conscious choice to work with brands that had a genuine story and strong core values—even if they were less known in the Netherlands.”

Collaboration and Innovation
What makes PDR 2 unique is its close collaboration with both retailers and brands. Duncan explains: “We are a small team, but by leveraging the expertise and strength of our brands, we can respond quickly to the needs of the Dutch market. We act as a satellite office for our brands, enabling us to roll out marketing and activations that would normally only be possible for large organizations.”

Knowledge sharing is also a key priority for Duncan. “I enjoy exchanging ideas and moving forward together. By bouncing ideas back and forth with colleagues and brands, the best concepts emerge—concepts we can then translate back into the product offering.”

Entrepreneurship Is About Taking Action
For young entrepreneurs and fashion students, Duncan has a clear message: “If you feel the urge to start your own business, just go for it and have the courage to persevere. You’ll face plenty of setbacks, but see those as learning opportunities. By doing what you love, you’ll gain energy. And often, you learn the most when pushing against the wind.”

Trends and Tips for the Retail Floor
According to Duncan, retail spaces could use more vibrancy again: “There’s so much happening around us, economically speaking. Bring joy into your store, create attraction value. Maybe with us, maybe with one of our peers—but that would be my message: make sure your store remains engaging and inviting.”


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Source: Textilia