August 20th, 2008 
We Have Lost A Friend, A True Dutch/Aruban Celebrity
Aruba’s sweetheart, the “darling of Dutch couture,” fashion designer Percy Irausquin, who just recently celebrated his 39th birthday among friends and family members on Aruba, was found dead in his house in Amsterdam, The Netherlands today.
His spokesperson made the announcement to the press in The Netherlands today, after family and friends had been notified on the island. It was reported he had slipped in the bathroom and hit his head on the floor, the blow was fatal.
Dutch police stated to the press, “There are no indications that a crime has taken place, but to determine the exact cause of death the public prosecutor decided to have an autopsy done.” According to Amsterdam police, the accident happened this morning, a spokesperson said that police were informed around 1:30 in the afternoon (Dutch time) that he was being resuscitated. No further details were available at time of print of this NEWS edition.
Percy Irausquin won the prestigious Frans Molenaar young designers’ prize in 2001, propelling his career, with countless milestones following. His most famous work includes designs for Disney Princess Belle for Disneyland Paris’ anniversary auction, Dutch star Katja Schuurman’s wedding dress, a t-shirt for Designers Against AIDS, a bag for ArtBag, the design on the roof of a BMW Mini, the dress that was worn to the Oscars by Academy Award Winner Suzy Templeton, and many more. A particularly nice highlight in his career were the 31 pages that magazine Beau Monde dedicated to him recently, having traveled with him to Aruba to experience his take on the island he so much loves and to photograph models wearing his creations at various of his favorite locations.
His Summer 2009 collection, presented at the Amsterdam International Fashion Week recently, was the last time Percy presented his creations to his fans, with “beautiful dresses and coordinated sets,” and was much praised. “His passing is an enormous loss for the Dutch fashion industry, a dark day for our branch,” spokesperson for ModeInt expressed.
Percy Irausquin, as fame came his way, remained the demure, beloved son, brother and friend to all. He expressed more than once as his career was taking off that his sisters were his great sources of inspiration. He mentioned often the colors of the island, Carnaval, the fabrics, feathers and sequins that would be lying around in the house and the love for fashion of the women in his family…
Staff and management of THE NEWS wish Mamai and Percy’s brother and five sisters and their families and friends much strength. May Percy rest in peace.
This story submitted by The News
Top right: Percy receiving the Dutch Fashion Designer of the Year award.
Bottom: Percy with Aruban models, including one of his nieces, at the first presentation of his designs on Aruba.
