Gijs' other name must be Open Sesame ... we arrived at the start of Amsterdam Fashion Week and via a series of texts and GPS locations arrived at Westerpark. The tall, stressed, brusque woman at the door practically threw us out when we asked where we might find tickets that would have been left for us to pick up (and I quote 'it never happens, there are none left.'). Yet when I returned five minutes later and said we were guests of Gijs Stork her demeanor changed and her response was 'ah yes, that's a good name to quote here'.

We certainly hadn't planned to attend the key catwalk shows or visit the Salon Kant exhibitions. I'd just picked Gijs's house because it looked interesting and we have a few other interesting people in common from across the Creative Industries.

We were however treated to superb hospitality from Gijs, Angelo, his daughters and various artists who came and went across the 24 hours we were there. Gijs is a superb host .. full of suggestions and invitations to join in but equally happy to let you come and go as you please if you have plans or just a need for a lie in.