Arnhem through the eyes of Veronique Gallé
Owner Reset Fashion
Veronique was born and raised in Arnhem. She travels all over Europe for her work in the fashion industry, but Arnhem always feels like coming home. With her own shop, Reset Fashion, in the Rozetkwartier in Arnhem’s city centre, she is the perfect person to tell more about Arnhem.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ARNHEM?
“In four words: green, compact, creative and fashionable. Together, these four factors establish Arnhem’s vibe. Everything a city has to offer can be found close together here. The beautiful old buildings create a cosy atmosphere; it feels homely here. We also have a large LGBTQ community in Arnhem, which you can feel in the city; it makes me feel safe that people can be themselves here.”
What is something you absolutely should not miss in Arnhem?
“Be sure to visit the side streets! Local retailers provide a great mix with the big chains. I strongly recommend the Zevenstraatjes. One of Arnhem’s biggest highlights is the Eusebius Church’s glass lift. If you want to see Arnhem in a different way, I recommend the various themed routes you can get for free at Citystore Arnhem and other places. I would obviously choose the fashion route, but the historical route is also very nice.”
Why is Reset Fashion a perfect fit for Arnhem?
“Being from Arnhem myself, I know the Arnhem audience very well. This allows me to approach my fellow townspeople in a personal way. I have been working in fashion for over twenty years. The city has visibly changed from a place to buy to a place to be in recent years. People come here for shopping, lunch and walks. When people come here to shop without buying anything, I can tell them all kinds of things about the city. I love telling people more about my city.”
WHAT MAKES ARNHEM UNIQUE?
“Everything is within walking distance in our compact city centre, but Arnhem has so much more to offer than just the city centre! It’s easy to leave the main streets to visit the Modekwartier or the Steenstraat in the Spijkerkwartier. You can walk from museums to great shops. If you have time, take a detour along the Rhine. You can also explore the city by bike, but walking is the best way to get to know the city.”
“Arnhem is divided into ‘kwartieren’, or districts, which makes the city unique. Every district has its own atmosphere. The Rozetkwartier, where I work, has a very different feel to the Korenkwartier. Walking from district to district allows you to experience the amazing combination of different atmospheres in the city centre.”
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO EAT OUT?
“I am married to an Italian man, and food is very important to us, so I have a few tips. For a quick and tasty bite to eat, I recommend Bistro de Bok in Duizendsteeg. It feels like a second living room. If you want to dine a little longer, check out Café Verheyden. For an upmarket dinner, I recommend La Rusticana or Il Boconne.”
WHERE DO YOU FIND PEACE IN THE CITY?
“That’s easy: Sonsbeek Park. Just cross two streets from my shop, and you are there. The park is easy to get to and is the perfect place for a hike. You can also sit on a bench along the Rijnkade for a little peace and quiet.”
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO FOR A FUN NIGHT OUT?
“Stan&Co is a good place for drinks to start the evening. Afterwards, go dancing at Luxor. If you’re still not tired by then, I recommend De Schoof for a nightcap.”
Portrait photography: Elise Photography
