enSoie

We meet Ananda in Basel. She is carrying the new Academia bag.

enSoie: What are your very first memories of clothes?
Ananda: My mom would get me and my brother dressed up nicely because we were going to the city for a stroll. We always wore our best clothes, and our hair was impeccable. It was a way of showing love and care towards us as kids.

If someone looked at you from afar, what would you want your silhouette to say?
Clean cuts, thought-through, intentional, and playful at the same time.

How would you describe your style in three words?
Changing like the seasons, or: intuition is my guide.

Which item do you reach for most often? Why that one?
Basics like black and white shirts and a nice jacket. I own tons of jackets. And a playful bag to spice up the outfit.

Do you think about colour a lot?
Yes, I do. I love a nice colour combination! However, black is a top runner in my closet.

How much does weather or season shape your style?
A lot. I love summer, but I’m not a fan of the clothing options. I prefer spring or autumn.

What is the oldest item you still wear?
I wear a lot of “old” or vintage items, since I inherited a lot of clothes from my grandmother and my mother. So certain pieces are around 30 years old. And I’m kind of proud of that.

What’s a style era you feel emotionally connected to?
The 70s, because of the colours, the silhouettes, and the energy from that era. It was a time marked by vibrant cultural movements and the birth of disco. Socially, it was also a time when many liberation movements took place for marginalised communities.

However, the mid-80s, when Detroit techno was born, is also a time I feel a strong connection to. Since I’m a huge fan of Black techno, the aesthetics of that time are to die for.

Are you loyal to certain brands/designers?
Loyal, not really, but I do love Diesel.

What detail makes a garment feel “luxury” to you?
High-quality material, clean cuts, and uniqueness.

What’s your relationship to care: washing, repairing, sharing, gifting?
Gifting. Definitely!

Have your values, such as sustainability, politics, or identity, changed the way you buy or wear clothes?
For sure. I try to buy less but more intentionally. Also, expensive doesn’t always mean it’s good ;)

What would you like to explore next in your style?
Honestly, caring less. Just me wearing what I like, and what makes me feel good. Everything else is secondary!

Ananda Jade captured by Linda Gabriel.