It requires someone who can not only honor the rich history of their craft but also bring a fresh perspective that pushes boundaries. This delicate balance results in creations that feel both timeless and contemporary, resonating with people on a meaningful level.
Sabine Struycken, Founder of Royal Blue Collection, exemplifies this approach. Her passion for luxury and meticulous attention to detail are evident in every piece of the Royal Blue Collection. Through her work, Sabine has successfully blended heritage with innovation, creating designs that tell a story of elegance and enduring craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impact on all who encounter them.
A Heritage of Elegance and Craftsmanship
Sabine Struycken’s journey began with a deep desire to create something uniquely her own one final time. After years of designing and furnishing beautiful, luxurious homes and apartments, she envisioned a Delft blue apple on a cupboard inherited from her grandmother. Even as a young girl, Sabine felt a strong pull toward elegance, luxury, and perfection, qualities embodied by her grandmother, who lived in a house filled with Delft blue vases, plates, and antiques.
This environment of grandeur nurtured Sabine's innate appreciation for limitless craftsmanship, quality, and the rich history behind these elements. The determination to finish what she started came from her mother, while her father instilled in her the drive to rise above mediocrity. These influences and experiences ultimately led to the creation of the Royal Blue Collection.
The Path to Perfection
All she had done up to that point in her life led Sabine to the elite route of the ceramics world. She knew that to achieve her dream, she could only do it with one factory—De Porceleyne Fles in Delft, the oldest Delft blue pottery still running today since 1653. It's history and high-quality craftsmanship mesmerized her.
Preserving Tradition with Modern Excellence
Sabine's daily work and long-term objectives are deeply rooted in the mission and vision of the Royal Blue Collection. She is committed to preserving the rich tradition of Dutch craftsmanship while showcasing its relevance in contemporary art. Her focus is on highlighting the importance of locally produced goods.
Sabine is constantly looking for ways to refine the brand, whether that involves product quality checks, updating packaging, or improving certificates. She is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring every customer feels valued, no matter the size of their purchase. Presently, she is collaborating with Samuel Dejong, the artist behind the Golden Insects on the Apple, and Marleen Hengeveld, Goldsmith, creator of the Filigree Leaf on the Apple. For the future, Sabine actively seeks partnerships with artists who align with her vision.
Navigating New Beginnings with Patience and Perspective
Sabine faced a significant challenge when she entered an entirely unfamiliar world, bringing her own ideas about quality and design. She acknowledges that starting this journey later in life was a huge advantage. It gave her the patience to let others grow into her vision, even if it meant taking some unexpected turns.
Sabine admits she couldn’t have done this 20 years earlier. Throughout her life, she’s learned that everything is relative and that everyone has an equally important role to play in the bigger picture. This lesson is something she carries with her every day—never giving up and always believing in herself.
Embracing Technology and Teamwork
Sabine recognizes that technology plays a crucial role in today's retail landscape. She's proactive in seeking advice and fully understands the impact of social media, among other tools. With a mature approach to her business, she's well aware of her strengths and limitations.
To complement her abilities, she's built a strong team, each member contributing their own expertise. While much of the production process is handled through partnerships, this allows Sabine to focus on sustainability, ensuring her efforts contribute to a cleaner world.
What Makes Royal Blue Collection Stand Out
She never brags it in the face that the Royal Blue Collection is better and more luxurious than the next brand—every brand has its character and market. However, Sabine does feel her brand is special; she has managed to perfect the quality, handiwork, uniqueness, look, and service. The efforts on marketing and presenting the brand are very detail-specific to resonate with the target audience.
Valuing Customer Appreciation
Sabine deeply values the recognition she gets from her customers, whether they’re royalty or everyday patrons. What matters most to her is when someone purchases her “Apple” creation, as it shows their appreciation.
It’s especially meaningful when customers buy the smaller apples for sentimental reasons, like holding a loved one’s ashes or as a statement piece. Additionally, the acknowledgement from the factory “Porceleyne Fles,” which has been featuring part of her collection for two years, is the cherry on top.
The Significance of "The Apple"
Sabine sees her principles echoed in everything she does. She chose “The Apple” as the symbol of her work because it’s a universally recognized fruit, deeply rooted in stories and legends across the globe. The Apple stands for love, happiness, prosperity, and health, making it an ideal conversation starter that resonates across cultures.
Currently, Sabine is refining an existing design with gold. She’s also working on an entirely new “Art Deco” design, which is set to be released in 2025.
Embracing Timeless Values in Craftsmanship
Sabine recognizes that predicting trends can be difficult, but she has noticed a growing appreciation for items that come with a meaningful story, especially those that emphasize durability and responsible manufacturing. She understands that these qualities can lead to higher costs.
Sabine has also observed that her incorporation of gold into Delft blue ceramics has influenced other ceramists, even though this was never her original goal.
Staying True to Your Passion
Sabine encourages anyone and everyone to stay true to themselves and not chase opportunities just for the money. She believes that passion and alignment with your work are essential, as challenges are bound to happen. Putting your heart into what you do is the only way to keep going when things get tough.
Inspiration and New Horizons
Sabine finds inspiration in the people she meets, particularly those in the art world and through her collaborations. Her clients and family play a crucial role in fueling her creativity. She stays attentive to the small, beautiful moments that uplift her and spark new ideas.
As a designer, not just a ceramist, Sabine is eager to explore new possibilities. She is thoughtfully considering expanding into a lifestyle brand that aligns with her Royal Blue Collection. The first product from this potential expansion will be unveiled at a trade fair in November in partnership with a skilled designer.
Building a Legacy for the Future
Sabine dreams of creating a brand that's both beautiful and elegant, something that inspires others to carry their own stories forward. She wants to show her children and grandchildren that with determination, anything is possible, encouraging them to carve out their own paths in life.
