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City as Archive, Clothing as Shield takes you through the streets of Rotterdam, where subcultures are shaped by identity, creativity and resistance. In this tour, clothing becomes the starting point to explore how people express themselves, find belonging and protect who they are.

As you move through the city, different disciplines come together: from dance and freestyle football to spoken word. Rotterdam unfolds as a living archive, where everyday streets reveal layered stories within style, music and community.

Along the way, you’re invited to look differently at clothing and identity. What do your outfits say about you? And which stories are they carrying? You’ll leave with a fresh perspective on what you wear, and the people you encounter. Because behind every subculture, there is a story stitched into the fabric.

Meet your guide
Carmen Luijt is a fashion designer and the founder of Stitching Stories, a fashion practice that brings together craftsmanship, streetwear and high-level upcycling. The label uses clothing as a storytelling medium and as a tool for identity, visibility and self-expression.

Discarded materials such as second-hand textiles and deconstructed basketballs are transformed into bold, one-of-a-kind garments, each carrying its own narrative.

Stitching Stories works closely with young people through educational and cultural projects, where fashion-making becomes a way to strengthen creativity, confidence and identity. Operating at the intersection of fashion, education and community, Stitching Stories explores how clothing can function as archive, protection and cultural expression.

Tour guide: Carmen Luijt
Day: Saturday 18 April 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:30
Language: English
Transport: Walking
Accessibility: Fully accessible step-free route

Additional information:

• All tours will start at Playground, at Schouwburgplein. This tour ends at KCT Avondwinkel, located at 1e Middellandstraat 43.
• Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts.

This tour is currently fully booked. Sign up for the waiting list below.

A ‘sold out’ tour may still have spots available, as we don’t release all tickets online. Stop by our Guided Tours desk at Playground for more information if you’d still like to join a tour.

Sign up here