JEROEN
We are excited to feature Jeroen aka @ruggedrookie from the Netherlands. He said he is still a "rookie" to the Instagram denim community but he has shared a lot of cool contents that attract the community. We are so amazed he read "Ametora" book!! Now, onto his story to discover how social media plays a role in what he does.
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Jeroen. I'm 50 years old and live in a village between Rotterdam and The Hague with my lovely wife and son (7) and daughter (5). I work as a business partnership developer for UNICEF The Netherlands.
Home inprovement projects, darts and cycling are other hobbies. Other interests are strolling along flea markets and thrift stores, music, nature and more.
Home inprovement projects, darts and cycling are other hobbies. Other interests are strolling along flea markets and thrift stores, music, nature and more.
How did you start your Instagram?
Actually I am a newcomer on Instagram and the denim community. I started a year ago when I discovered Red Wing shoes and The Heritage Post. So, that is where my name @ruggedrookie comes from. Besides the fact that as a middle-aged man I try to stay rookie-minded. Which means hungry and relentless to discover, like frontiersmen.
What does social media mean to you?
Social media is nothing more than a infotainment tool for me. Off course, I had my fair share on FB at first, basically to share snapshots of my life with family and fiends. Now, I am much more selective and use it for real conversations with like-mindeds. IG gave me a platform to combine my love for photography, rugged style and connecting with others.
Any interesting encounters/stories through social media?
Yes, just recently I got in contact with Gerard via the Dutch e-bay called Marktplaats. Turned out he lived nearby and owns 25+ Red Wings and over 100 selvedge denim jeans. We are going to see a lot of each other in the future.
An other funny thing is that I found out on IG there is a small denimmaker in my village who uses japanese selvedge denim. (@tulpdenim)
And thanks to @rikslvdg and @selvedge_smitty, I will attend my first The Hague Denim Hang soon.
An other funny thing is that I found out on IG there is a small denimmaker in my village who uses japanese selvedge denim. (@tulpdenim)
And thanks to @rikslvdg and @selvedge_smitty, I will attend my first The Hague Denim Hang soon.
What accounts do you like to check out?
Any recommendation?
In my rookie year, I came across so many inspiring accounts. But @leindersjo helped me a lot during my babysteps. I also love the style of @sel.vage, alhough sadly he did not post for over a year, now.
The clean shots of @niftee_thrifteee made by his wife @robinclairefox are something else.
Finally, I would like to mention @Nordfolke and @thomas.wijk_ . Their journeys through the rugged outdoors take me on a digital journey and life that I secretly envy.
The clean shots of @niftee_thrifteee made by his wife @robinclairefox are something else.
Finally, I would like to mention @Nordfolke and @thomas.wijk_ . Their journeys through the rugged outdoors take me on a digital journey and life that I secretly envy.
What feelings do you have for "Made in Japan" jeans/fashion products?
A lot of good feelings! I read the book Ametora - How Japan saved American Style. Ultimately, you may say that Japan started the vintage denim scene. The Osaka Five and the horde of brands that followed them facilitated it.
The only thing I have to pay close attention to as an European are the size charts ;-)!
The only thing I have to pay close attention to as an European are the size charts ;-)!
