Rotterdam-based design studio Referenc approaches modern luxury as a holistic language – one that speaks through design, sound, and cultural nuance. With roots in high-end fashion and a philosophy grounded in refinement over reinvention, the brand is steadily building a wardrobe of elevated essentials: suede loafers, minimalist fernabees, derby shoes that wear like sneakers, and a new eyewear line inspired by Hollywood icons – subtly reworking timeless silhouettes for a contemporary feel.

“If Referenc were a genre, it would be jazz. Not just any jazz, but the London scene,” the trio behind the brand – Ferenc van der Vlies, Patrick van der Woude, and Hugo Castermans – tell us. “It pushes boundaries and explores new territories. It reimagines a time-honoured genre by blending it with contemporary elements to create something entirely its own.” Like the music that inspires them, Referenc riffs on tradition through new rhythms, presenting collections in Amsterdam listening bars, and creating events that showcase their designs alongside the musicians, artists, and designers they love.

With that in mind, we asked Referenc to curate a playlist that reflects the style of their creative world. These are the sounds that inform their process, soundtrack their studio, and echo the brand’s ethos. Read their intro – then press play.

“Music means a lot to us. It moves us come the weekend. It shapes our days and reminds us who we are where we have been, and where we are heading.

When asked us to curate a playlist our minds went first to songs tied to moments, or design. Sound informs our silhouettes, too. The Fernabee carries echoes of the Oasis era. Acquiesce holds a special place for Ferenc. The Tahoe takes cues from 90s hip-hop, like A Tribe Called Quest. Or, Reboot’s Camiando is the soundtrack to how Patrick and Hugo met.

Instead of collecting moments we wanted to create something that reflects how we build Referenc. The same way we think about sound: always in conversation and always evolving. We follow feeling.

If Referenc were a genre it would be jazz. Not just any jazz, but the London scene. It pushes boundaries and explores new territories. It reimagines a time-honoured genre by blending it with contemporary elements to create something entirely its own. Like Referenc, it moves between worlds. We strike a balance between classic elegance and modern comfort, which to us defines the new classics. Hybrids. In sound, this is jazz meeting house and garage, hip-hop and soul, and some grime.

This selection gathers UK-based artists we have been listening to often lately. It reflects our HQ rotation from morning to night. We close with two Dutch artists we admire who would feel at home in London’s scene. Jelisa and BNNYHUNNA. Watch them.” – Referenc

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