Willem Olsthoorn

Willem Olsthoorn (1938 — 1 July 2020) was a Dutch fashion executive.[1][2] Together with his wife Marieke, he founded in 1963 the children's clothing brand Olly, which was the nickname of Olsthoorn. Due to trademark rights, he later had to change it and became Oilily. The children's clothing was popular due to the colorful design. It grew into a worldwide known brand. It was worn by the British princes William and Harry and it was appreciated by celebrities who gave it their children including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger and the youngest daughter of The Huxtables in The Cosby Show.[2]

In 2016, the company where also the children of Olsthoorn were involved, had a debt of € 4 million and Olsthoorn had to pay that personally. The business led to friction within the family. Olsthoorn fired his daughter Sophie and her husband Gijs de Kogel. [2]

Olsthoorn was several times in the Quote 500, a well known Dutch list of the 500 richest people in the Netherlands, created by Quote. After the bankruptcy of Oilily, he lost his position in the list, but years later he came back in the list. At last report in 2014, his estimated capital was at the time € 42 million. [2]

Olsthoorn died on 1 July 2020, aged 81, due to complications from shingles.[2][1]