Hester From The Netherlands

Our Andiata woman this month is Hester Middelweerd, an Amsterdam-born Gallery Director currently residing in Paris. Hester enjoys good company and great food, but the real inspiration in her life comes from art. "Art is my biggest passion and I am grateful that my job allows me to be surrounded by it every day." Art aficionado and also adventurous, let's hear Hester's top tips for a perfect time in her hometown Amsterdam.

The perfect day begins over a big breakfast at the Buffet van Odette. After the best truffle cheese eggs in town, the day continues at Rijksmuseum or Stedelijk Museum for the daily dose of art and culture. And what would a trip to Amsterdam be without heading out to the picturesque canals? Breathing in the beautiful scenery, strolling around the area for some shopping, then stopping for a drink at Cecconi's at the Soho House. After that, the day gets its perfect ending with a fabulous dinner at Maris Piper.

For a fabulous dining experience, Hester recommends the elegant Maris Piper or cozy Brasserie Lolita. The Italian restaurant Cecconi's is great for drinks and people watching in a spectacular, romantic setting. For wine lovers, Hester recommends the more relaxed GlouGlou and during the summer, the terrace of Morgan and Mees Hotel is the place to be. A glamorous night out calls for dancing at The Dutchess, in its elegant, Belle Époque inspired ambience.

Maris Piper Frans Hallstraat 76 1072 BV Amsterdam

Brasserie Lolita Ferdinand Bolsstraat 76 1072 LM Amsterdam

Cecconi's Spuistraat 210 1012 VT Amsterdam

Hester recommends visiting the Noordermarkt -market, which takes you right back in time. The market is not only great for shopping vintage finds but having the best apple pie in town at Winkel43. The Galerie Zebregs & Roëll offers exoticism and beauty for art connoisseurs, but when in Amsterdam, there is really one thing one ought to do: rent a small boat, go through the canals and admire the city from the water.

To Hester, Andiata represents independent women, who dress for themselves and are sexy yet elegant all at once. Overall, she admires the impeccable tailoring and versatility of Andiata pieces – but it is the Janis K Trench Coat which has become her ultimate favorite. "It's a timeless piece that instantly makes me feel like a movie star", she says.

City: Paris / Amsterdam

Occupation: Gallery Director at Gallery Jacques Barrère

Instagram: @hestermiddelweerd