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How we translated the world of Casper Reinders into a book

Made by MENDO

In this photo

Casper Reinders, a rare phenomenon. Image by Kwabena Appiah-Nti.

This book is unlike any other. And although there are more publishers saying that, we promise you, there’s absolutely nothing like this. Casper Reinders greatest interiors are collected in our newest book: Rock ‘n’ Roll Interiors.

How many 21st century businessmen without email do you know? And how many successful businessmen without email do you know? Probably a rare phenomenon. Insert, Casper Reinders; definitely a rare phenomenon.

Casper is the (co-)owner and interior stylist of more than ten wonderful places in Amsterdam serving the best drinks, food, and tunes in the city. None of them look alike, but they all have one thing in common: Casper’s way of collecting curiosities, antique, and overall coolness. As if that wasn’t enough, Casper now has his very own MENDO book: Rock ‘N’ Roll Interiors – The Eccentric World of Casper Reinders. A whirlwind of a book which features twelve interiors that reflect the eclectic style of one of Amsterdam’s leading interior designers. Here’s a small introduction.

Libertine Comptoir de Cuisine & Joya

Taxidermy animals, Skulls, Japanese porn, Asian antique.
Taxidermy animals, Skulls, Japanese porn, Asian antique.

“I don’t think you understand me correctly; there is no line. I never work with a plan.” According to Casper, his work literally consists of finding a venue and freestyling along the way. After having several meetings with cappuccinos at Libertine, I can tell you it isn’t. Yes, his work methods are somewhat unusual – For example: he doesn’t use email or a computer, and for someone who owns ten restaurants, he knows remarkably little about food – but still, there is consistency in his work. Every place built by him has a one-of-a-kind signature.

You could describe his work as eclectic, or rock ‘n’ roll (which he doesn’t like), but you can certainly describe it as Casper’s own. Taxidermy animals, skulls, Asian antique, Japanese porn, Russian curiosa, neon, a Skulljan graphic, and a canoe on the ceiling. “I just do what I like, and preferably, something that most people don’t like. If I made something everyone would love, it would feel as if I did a bad job.”

Bumbu

One of Casper's latest venues: Bumbu

So how would you translate this easy-go-lucky style into a book? Our art-director Joost Albronda explains: “When asked about his style, Casper would respond with something like “I just try something and see if it works” or “I don’t really stick to a formula.” So when we started on this book, we wanted it to reflect the way Casper works. It’s freestyling with a purpose. And that’s exactly what Casper does.”

This results in a book that goes in many directions at once. An a-typical entrepreneur deserves an a-typical book. That’s why there were three of the best photographers of Amsterdam involved to create a book that captures a mood, rather than just interiors. Joost: “Casper uses different interior styles at once, and with the photography of Roel, Kwabena, and Sharon we’ve used the styles of three great Amsterdam photographers to recreate his eclectic style in the book. No chapter is the same, just like none of Casper’s businesses is the same. I think we managed to surprise with every page.”

"We wanted it to reflect the way Casper works. It’s freestyling with a purpose." Joost Albronda

The book is filled with extraordinary things and wit, and functions almost as a journey through all of Casper’s venues. If there is a line to be found in his work, it would be its versatility. Wherever you look, you’ll find something weird or beautiful that inspires or intrigues. This book is a reflection of that feeling. With an unusual style, with surprising as well as confusing images, and a cover design by Casper’s friend and long-time collaborator Skulljan which hints to the classic with a unique contemporary twist.

So “this is not a fucking interior book,” but since we already have a book with a similar title, we chose for Rock ‘n’ Roll Interiors: The Eccentric World of Casper Reinders. He doesn’t like that name. He doesn’t consider himself Rock ‘n’ Roll at all, nor eccentric. That’s probably because in the world of Casper Reinders, everyone’s weird, and he’s the normal one. How that translates into his work, you’ll have to see in the book. Let’s just say that in our opinion, it’s not exactly normal.

‘I collect everything. It’s really just a pile of junk.’
‘I collect everything. It’s really just a pile of junk.’

Casper Reinders

About the book
Rock ‘n’ Roll Interiors is a book that tells the compelling stories of Casper Reinders: one of the most well-known Dutch entrepreneurs, collectionneurs, and interior designers. Distinctively different from other clubs, bars and restaurants Casper’s interiors are always exotic, Rock ‘n’ Roll, classic, bohemian, unique, rugged, and hedonistic.

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This MENDO publication is a captivating selection of interiors by Casper Reinders, on of the most well-known Dutch entrepreneurs, collectionneurs, and interior designers.

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