You’ve probably already seen her face or her colourful outfits. Scottish-born Hollie Mercedes now lives in Amsterdam. On her Instagram, she shares whatever’s beautiful, delicious or stylish — and whatever she falls in love with — in the streets of the Dutch capital. We invited her to discover our favourite haunts and took the opportunity to ask her a few questions. Kom op (“Let’s go” in Dutch)!
Photos: Hollie Mercedes for American Vintage
What can you find in Amsterdam and nowhere else?
The bike culture! It’s a lifestyle here, a real part of daily life. I’ve never seen this anywhere else.
What’s the next trip on your list?
I’m actually in Japan right now. But I’m about to visit Naoshima Island. And, one day, I’d love to go to the Antarctic. In my mind’s eye, I imagine an untouched landscape, where it feels like you’re cut off from the rest of the world.
What destination would you love to return to?
Nepal, definitely! I still have an extremely vivid memory of the mountains there, which seem surreal. The locals are very friendly, which makes it even more special. It’s a place that remains etched in my memory, even today.
What’s your ritual when you arrive in a new city?
I hunt down the best café in the city. In fact, that’s one of my hidden talents. And when I find it, I often take out my notebook and pens, which I always have at the bottom of my bag, to sketch what I see around me.
What’s your go-to outfit for the airport?
I dress the way I always do, because my wardrobe’s super-comfy: baggy jeans and a jumper, with a nice bag :’).
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.