Feb 2020
As I’m writing this, I’m surrounded by boxes filled with our new upcoming collection. With the new year in full swing, Spring Summer 2020 revolves around the ideas of growth and development, and to be honest, I feel like my own life is going parallel with it.
Since the end of 2019, I’ve been going back to the gym and eating healthier. Not to brag, but I’ve lost quite a few kilos while kickboxing, playing tennis and not consuming dairy products anymore. The idea of growth and development transcends the physical of course, but I strongly believe that the two are connected. A healthy body is a healthy mind, and so far, I’ve been on my way to achieving both.
The last few years weren’t my best: both physically and mentally. As you might know, running a company in fashion can be challenging. The amount of pressure you have to deal with on a daily basis, working with different people, production, stores, distribution, sales—all that can be quite pressuring. Not only did it influence me mentally, but I also felt unenergized, and even uninspired at times. The exercise and changed food pattern have not only helped me to change my physique, but I also feel happier and a lot more balanced as of late.
It works in different ways. When I start my week with intense kickboxing training, I’m not only physically challenging myself but also releasing all my frustrations, clearing my mind, and unleashing energy. Tennis, on the other hand, has been more relaxing for me. I feel like tennis is something I can do all my life. The idea of growth and development works in both sports, I notice the physical growth and mental development simultaneously. Most importantly, I am happy to see my colleagues and family recognize this change as well.
Eating healthy might be a trend, but it’s a good one. I replaced the dairy in my cortado for oat milk. I have been eating vegetarian and sometimes even vegan. I’m exercising at least three times a week and I’ve been trying to relax more outside of work and other obligations. The thing is: once you’ve found the right groove for yourself, it seems like everything goes automatically. The first month of 2020 might be over, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too late for new resolutions. If you feel like something should change, the time is now. Even if it’s a short run around the block. Growth and development is what we’re trying to achieve. And it all starts with yourself.
Olaf.
03 Jan 2023
03 Jan 2023
“I studied industrial and fashion design in Berlin and Paris. Since then I’ve worked for over a decade as designer, design manager and creative director for a variety of European fashion brands. And since a couple of years as creative director for a brand in Berlin."
“After working nonstop in the fashion industry, I was longing to take my creativity out from behind a corporate computer and create something with my own hands which led me to experiment with clay. It initially just started off as some sort of meditational practice and developed over time into my passion and second business."
“As I had only worked for other people's companies, I eventually felt the urge to create a brand that would represent my own aesthetics and values that would help enable me to share what inspired me personally. Therefore, I decided to merge this idea with my passion for crafts and interior and started my own brand 2222STUDIO under which I design, make and sell interior objects. 2222STUDIO was inspired by my lucky number and time 22:22. Since I was a teenager, I have been superstitious about it and believed that catching this time over and over was no coincidence. I always felt compelled to make wishes for a whole minute until this magic alignment of numbers passed. "
“Just do it! I believe that it’s important to start somewhere with a vision and then figure things out along the way. Too much overthinking and doubting upfront will just block you. "
“That it's so versatile, creative, and that I am independent."
“Intuitive, meditative and passionate."
"Okwukwe Na Nchekwube by Celestine Ukwu & his Philosophers"
“Following and building a career for myself that reflects what I am passionate about."
“Taking on an order that exceeded my capacity and really challenged my entire setup."
“Mexico, Japan, Venice."
“Minimal and eclectic."
"All my Jackets and coats."
"I really like the work of Alicja Kwade. But my brain just picks up on everything that I see around me. It could be super and abstract, light, textures, shapes."