Red Hot and Dutch: the Designers Who Are Moving Into Former Brothels in Amsterdam

Last month a project called Redlight Fashion Amsterdam offered a group of young Dutch designers the chance to live and work rent-free for a year in the former establishments of prostitutes; their designs will be also be available to buy in a gallery store.

The project sits at the very heart of the Wallen (red-light district) and the result is a radical mix of hip, young Dutch designers and members of the world's oldest profession.

Bathed in the neon glare of the sex shops, the work of these designers vies for space between windows displaying girls dressed in eye-popping underwear.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Dutch authorities and the fashion consultancy HTNK, which supports young designers.

It has come about in part due to rising concern among city councillors about gang culture and crime in the area.

Armed with new laws enabling the closure of establishments believed to be involved in criminal activity, last year the city bought 55 buildings from a former brothel baron; 16 of these are now to be handed over to the designers.