History and development of the company

This company originally belonged to the Fam Huf. The German-born Anton Huf first arrived in the Netherlands in 1884 and began selling chamois leather gloves and gallantries with a market stall. Around 1860 he opened a ladies’ and men’s fashion store in Arnhem. In 1868 a glove store in Amsterdam on Nieuwedijk and five years later a branch in Kalverstraat.

At the end of 1879, his sons Julius and Eduard were given responsibility for the business on Kalverstraat. Business-wise, the three brothers prospered. Anton had the business on Kalverstraat demolished and had a shopping palace built. The business on Nieuwedijk had gained standing as a purveyor to the royal household of Her Majesty the Queen Widow. Nevertheless, this business disappeared because in 1894 Julius tract out of the firm and started a tailoring shop on Kalverstraat and a year later his brother Eduard also stepped out and started in the cigar business. Julius Huf specialized in gala uniforms for ministers and gowns for professors and the judiciary. When Julius felt his end in 1922, he made the remarkable decision to turn his business over to some staff members. One of whom was cutter G.J. Rhebergen.

Ten years later, G.J. Rhebergen took over the business and renamed it the firm Rhebergen v/h Julius Huf. That name remained even when cutter Josephus Theodoor de Vos became owner together with his son in 1958. In 1991 the business was taken over by . Tailor Karaman Kazanci and he is the owner until today.

In early 2004, Ms. Helin Sahin started working with Mr. Kazanci. Mr. Kazanci taught Helin the best sewing techniques. Since that time, Ms. Helin started sewing handmade gowns. Togamakerij Rhebergen still continues with gown specialist Mrs. Helin Sahin (Followers of Mr. Kazanci).

After that Helin was a disciple of Mr. Kazanci. She now has several apprentices that she teaches handmade gown making (leaving followers behind). With the idea that traditional toga craft work continues with our world development.

Togamakerij Fa.G.J. Rhebergen v/h Julius Huf since 1894 currently located at Amsteldijk 18e in Amsterdam for over 129 years guaranteeing a custom-made official costume of high quality

Personal story of Helin Sahin, current owner Rhebergen

On 23-05-2020, Kahraman Kazanci, the last (traditional) Dutch toga maker died of corona. Mr. Kazanci spent 40 years of his life working as a tailor. He was the last traditional toga maker I know!

Speaking of a true craftsman, of course I must also name Mr. Gerrit Gobert, a former toga maker from Groningen. As a toga maker, I am honored to have met both of the last (traditional) toga makers in the Netherlands. Gerrit and I shared many similar ambitions in life. For example, like me, he wanted to study law, but ended up becoming a toga maker at the request of his father.

With Gerrit, Kahraman and I had a special bond. He considered us his only successors. We felt enormously honored when, on the eve of his retirement, he offered Kahraman and me his studio in Groningen. To Kahraman he once said ‘the new generation does not want to practice this craft, they find it tiring and boring. You were lucky, because you were able to train someone who can continue this work after you.’

The first time I visited with Kahraman in studio Gerrit, it felt like coming home. That was because of the old toga molds, the materials used and the furniture that looked like it was from prehistoric times. Unfortunately, I did not get to enjoy his friendship for long. 5 years after my visit, on Sept. 30, 2018, he passed away.
Perhaps his words “I get my strength to attach to life from gowns” best describe his passion. I met Kahraman in 2002. With the precision of lace-making, he taught me how gowns are made. It was incredibly inspiring to learn something new every day. For example, every fabric had different scissors, every sewn gown had its own character and every loop had its own tricks. This is how I learned the craft as a toga maker from the master.
I am extremely grateful to Kahraman for teaching me everything he knew. And to be worthy of him, I want to practice my profession in the best way possible. I feel he is watching me from somewhere now and I am sure he is proud of me.
It was my dream to study law. However, during the admission test, I was overcome by an illness that changed the entire course of my life. As a result, I went to teaching school to become a teacher. That was not exactly my dream and at the time I could not even imagine that I would eventually become a toga maker. Looking back now, I see that I took on the responsibilities of a business that was founded 128 years ago and whose traditions I honorably upheld.
I have drawn numerous conclusions and lessons from what the tradition of Rhebergen and Kahraman have taught me. There is something I want to say about professional life: if you are not doing your work in the best possible way or at least not striving for it, you should not be doing that work. This has always been my philosophy regarding my work, and this philosophy is consistent with what I have learned.
My client’s body structure, expectations and occupation are the building blocks for the result I want to achieve. These building blocks consist of the first appointment with the client, my own experience, the choice of the fabric and of the inner lining, the color choice, the embroidery that must be in harmony with the inner lining, until the delivery of the gown.
Especially a client who trusts me and leaves some choices to my discretion gives me wings. Even I am often amazed at the dance I perform with fabrics, linings and colors. The special details that need to be added require special experience, dedication and effort. All in all, making a personalized gown is a very exciting and special journey for me.
I must mention one more thing I learned from my hero. He always told me that I should make every gown I make as meticulously as if it would be my own. Our goal has always been to offer the best quality and the most beautiful product. I am convinced that all my customers deserve comfort and quality. G. J. Rhebergen, Kahraman Kazanci and Gerrit Gobert, I remember you with respect and love and will always try to be worthy of you.

Dear Kahraman, I am still keeping my promise to you. I realize that the burden I have shouldered is very heavy and I am forever grateful to you for giving me your trust. I am intensely glad that you were in my life and that I knew you.

I love you so much.

Helin

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