Vlisco
Vlisco is a Dutch textile and fashion company founded in Helmond in 1846, known for its wax print fabrics. Its designs are worn mainly in West and Central Africa and by African communities in major cities worldwide.
| Founded | 1846 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen |
| Headquarters | Helmond, Netherlands |
| Group brands | Vlisco, Woodin, Uniwax, GTP |
| Key markets | West and Central Africa |
| Website | vlisco.com |
What is Vlisco?
Vlisco is a textile design and fashion house headquartered in Helmond in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1846, when Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen bought an existing textile printing factory in the town. The company is best known for its wax print fabrics, colourful cottons printed with wax-resist techniques.
Products and positioning
Vlisco designs and produces fashion fabrics, especially African wax prints, which customers often have tailored into garments. Its prints carry names and stories that have become part of the visual culture of the regions where they are worn.
Markets and group
Its principal markets are West and Central Africa, along with African consumers in large global cities. The Vlisco Group comprises four brands: Vlisco, Woodin, Uniwax and GTP, and employs around 2,700 people.
- Vlisco: premium wax prints
- Woodin: fashion fabrics
- Uniwax and GTP: West African textile brands
Why it matters
With roots going back to 1846, Vlisco is a notable case of a European design company whose core market lies in Africa, which makes design protection and intellectual property central to its business.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Vlisco from?
Vlisco is a Dutch company founded in 1846 and headquartered in Helmond, the Netherlands.
What does Vlisco make?
Vlisco designs and produces wax print fashion fabrics, worn mainly in West and Central Africa.