Young generations changing the fashion industry
Twin sisters Susanna and Joanna Olasoji 19 years old (pictured above)
Young entrepreneurs rising in the fashion world- at the same time helping to raise awareness. Everything right that the Olasoji sisters are doing to create a unique fashion brand.
What is Anna Seven?
Anna seven is a London-based fashion and clothing brand
How is Anna Seven different to other types of fashion labels?
Well, usually fashion designers focus their next collections on colour, trends or shapes that are relevant at that moment, but with us; we kinda do things our way and go with what we like or what we want to bring to life; instead of listening to what's going to sell out big! We work better this way; which makes things more easy-going. And we also base our brand around ethics and morality, so we support campaigns by giving a percentage to our chosen charity.So we give a fair amount to ethical fashion.
Who inspired you to begin creating this fashion label?
It's crazy, because a band actually inspired us to start, it sounds way off but it's true! To us, They filled in the gap of being well-established ethical-based musicians; and someone needed to do that in the fashion industry, fast; so fashion can be seen differently in the public eye, not just for being superficial and self-centered! And we also wanted to do what we could to give to the A21 campaign; which touched us when we found out what it was all about, so we wasted no time and just began.
How did both of your interests in fashion suddenly turn into a fashion label?
The interests of fashion and having a label occurred at quite a very close time. So as soon our attention was drawn towards it, we knew that a fashion label would be the end result, so if you know what you're aspiration is, why wait? There's no time like the present!
How do you both define fashion?
As fashion is in everything we do, fashion is who you are. Think about it! What someone is wearing can say a million words about them without them even opening their mouth. Fashion defines who you are. It's about having your own individual style. Fashion nowadays is seen to be like a set of rules; we have to follow these trends, we have to buy those shoes, but really and truly fashion is what you like and an expression. It should also not be taken too seriously; materialistic things never last; for example £800 louboutin. It's about what you love to wear and what you feel the most comfortable, that's all that matters.
What are both of your favourite items of clothing right now?
Susanna: I'm not going to lie I'm absolutely obsessed with my black Nike Benassi slippers for £16 from JD sports. They are the most comfortable things ever! It's so bad I literally wear them everywhere I go- to fashion shoots, to college and I even wore them to fashion week which was kind of a dumb idea. We looked like outcasts but loads of people started taking picture of us so I guessed they looked alright. Sometimes I wear them with socks which is like being at home but I do get a lot of looks from it, but I laugh it off considering that I am wearing black slippers with white socks, I don't make it easier for myself but I love it so I don't care what others think, it's what I like that matters.
Joanna: Definitely my Cashmere jacket. It's a real blue and green Cashmere jacket that I got for £1 from the charity shop round my area...I Know Right! It's my favorite buy ever! You can almost wear it with anything! And also my white scully platforms, they are a dream! They hurt like crazy when you wear them too long, but they are so worth it!
Both of your styles are unique and a new range of a fashion you have both created. Where do you get your inspirations from?
Susanna: Well, I get my inspiration from different places, to be honest. I read a lot of magazines like vogue, company and I love the ASOS magazines so I get inspiration from there. I also adore tumblr which I feel gives me the most inspiration, but my style varies from time to time. I love going old school/ vintage/retro most of the time, because that's what I feel most comfortable in,it suits me best and also looks great on me. I love shopping in charity shops because it's affordable, fun and you won't see anyone else wearing the exact same thing as you, so its practically one of a kind. Funny enough I've never clashed with anyone which I feel is an achievement.
Yay me!
Joanna: Well I think I subconsciously take little snippets of peoples outfits and put it on myself haha! I kind of mix clothes and accessories up and just go for it, people notice things more when it looks odd. I would like to say I'm a chameleon so I can rock urban, chic, vintage at different times and not look like I'm trying so much; You need to rock the whole head-to-toe look to pull this off.
I also experiment with things a lot, like if I see an accessory that has potential, I work with it, you need to be open with things and try it out, not thinking too much about it. Also not caring about what others think about it, but also you have to be comfortable at the same time. But also going on Tumblr and Pinterest on my iPhone while I'm on my way somewhere is such an advantage, I get a most of my inspiration from there.
