Annie Enoka
(she/her)
Inspired by vintage, archival fashion and design. We make season-less, elevated essentials. We make hand made, thoughtful pieces with sustainability as our core focus.
Photography + Styling @ Imogen Wilson
Casting @ Mimicasting
Hi Annie! Tell me a bit about your background and what sparked your interest in fashion.
I’m self taught, but I learned the fundamentals of pattern making and sewing at high school. I didn’t return to fashion design for some years though. I graduated from art school and worked years in retail.
I re-connected to some of my old crafts, like sewing, as a sort of therapy to deal with the impact of the pandemic. I feel many people use the arts as a form of healing. This is where I started to develop Annienoka from.
Your designs are awesome! Where do you find inspiration?
Design and inspiration is a fun and intuitive process for me. simultaneously I’m archiving imagery and developing new construction techniques I want to use. The question is always, “why would this be fun and unique to wear?”
Photography by @phoebeplimmer
MUA by @lara.daly
Hair by @henare.davidson @self_agency_
How would you describe your own personal style?I dress depending on my mood. I love to be comfortable but still look cute! I love sneakers, quality fabrics and accessories! Handbags, belts and jewellery.
Although your brand is still pretty fresh, how would you describe the collections so far?
Effortless, comfortable, the perfect layering piece, sexy without trying too hard. Sporty!
What is the funnest part of being a fashion designer? And, is anything not so fun?
The most fun part about being a fashion designer is being your own boss and of course designing! The hardest part is balancing life with work. Where to make sacrifices and when to stop working.
What goes into creating sustainable fashion?Lots of research and understanding your core values.
We aim to design everything in an eco-conscious way. How we impact our environment is always developing. We try to encourage consumers to be more ethical and to create from this mindset.
Ethical manufacturing: Everything is hand-made and considered with intention. We know every step of production.
We use reclaimed fabrics where we can: Reducing fabric waste that would otherwise go to landfill
Production: We keep our production small- made to order and a small run of pieces reduces waste and excess stock.
Develop Pieces rather than collections
What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own fashion label but is too scared of by the competitive industry?“With every action there is a re-action”
The hardest part is making the first step! Everything else will follow. It’s simple, believe in your vision! If you Believe in your work, you will work hard, and you will improve as you develop!
Go for it!