JULIA KHAN ANSELMO IN AMSTERDAM

How has moving from Canada to Europe inspired you creatively?

As an entrepreneur and freelancer, moving so far away from home has meant that I have had to re-establish myself in a completely new place, with no connections. I think as challenging as it was, starting from scratch has truly helped me gain a clearer sense of who I am. Living in Amsterdam has allowed me to travel more extensively in Europe and Africa and expand my sense of taste in all aspects. Colour is something that I have been particularly inspired by since living in Europe. When I lived in Vancouver, I used to wear a lot of neutral tones that speak beautifully to Canada’s great wilderness. In Europe, I feel more experimental with how I dress and what I want to wear. I find endless inspiration in museums, restaurants, markets and nature. To me, meeting new people is like opening windows to the world and living in Amsterdam I have met people from all over the world. I feel so blessed to have the freedom to explore living in a different country by choice.

Tell us about the inspiration behind LAASSO.

LAASSO is a brand inspired by living well, travel and versatility. For the past four years, I have been designing my clothing and having them made and I wanted to add some of these beautiful handmade pieces to my existing LAASSO line of lariats and tassels. I love the process of creating something from scratch. I am looking to make clothing that that suits my lifestyle and that people feel great in. Whether it’s hopping on my bike, heading to the market, going to an art opening or drinking tea at home, the goal is to make high quality clothing from natural fabrics that fit perfectly. So far there are four styles: the Market Dress, Lilac Cloud Dress, Spanish Rose Set and the Twiske Picnic Set. The Twiske Picnic Set can be worn as a summer uniform or easily mix and matched. Next, I am planning to get into sleepwear—linen and cotton nightgowns and two pieces sets with optional personalized monograms.

How is sustainability and mindfulness woven throughout the LAASSO brand?

LAASSO creates accessories, clothing and objects for a slow pace of life. Everything is beautifully handmade to measure. Our goal is to slow down and approach the way we produce and consume thoughtfully. As a stylist, I understand how important well-fitting clothes are to feeling confident in how you look. Everything is made-to-order and made-to-measure which means everybody can wear LAASSO. It isn’t size exclusive. Since everything is made-to-order, we don’t overproduce and create waste. I want to encourage my customers to slow down take the time to consider and invest in a piece of clothing that will become an heirloom in their wardrobes. Restraint and patience are a part of the process of having a custom-made item of clothing and I think this is a healthy change for the environment, to have people slow down and change the way they consume.

YOUR AMSTERDAM ESSENTIALS:

Coffee:

Lot 61, Toki and Café de Pels.

Brunch:

Dignita (the Hoftuin location) and Bambino.

A picnic:

Twiske, or anywhere along one of the many beautiful canals or bridges in the city.

Dinner with friends:

Bambino, Binnen Visser or BAK.

Date night:

Café de Klepel.

Best cocktails:

I love the traditional brown bars in the Jordaan. Ceconni’s has a really beautiful room and it’s fun if you feel like dressing up. The Vault Bar in the Waldorf Astoria is perfect for a classic cocktail.

Hotels / AirBnb’s:

Soho House or Sir Albert Hotel.

Favorite shops—what should we take home with us?

I love shopping for vintage and antiques in Amsterdam. The Haarlemerstraat has a great selection of vintage and second-hand boutiques. There are great antique shops dotted all over the city, keep your eyes open for them. Monday Market at the Noordermarkt (8:00 -13:00) for amazing antiques and vintage. Time & Style for beautifully crafted Japanese furniture and homeware. Tenue de Nime: Amsterdam also has a great denim culture and this is one of their home-grown shops. Love Stories, an Amsterdam-based lingerie and swimwear brand.

Creative inspiration:

I love walking in Amsterdam. There are so many beautiful details in the in the buildings and sweet nooks and crannies to explore. I love peeking into windows, or finding a bench to sit down and people watch.

Playlist / artist / album that best captures the Amsterdam vibe:

My playlist, Tranquillo!

The city’s best kept secret:

Cycling late at night when the streets are quiet and the lights of the canal bridges are on is magical.

Everyday rituals?

I love rituals. To start the day, I play Indian classical music, and drink a few bowls of PuErh tea, meditate and read.  Followed by making a green juice, going running or doing yoga and then follow-up on emails, meetings and visit a local market if there’s one on.

Your perfect Sunday.

Make love and enjoy a slow brunch. Sourdough pancakes or avocado toast with freshly squeezed orange juice and black coffee are my favourite at the moment. If the weather permits, I love to go for a bicycle ride and picnic out of the city. Come home and get into bed early and read.

Describe your daily uniform.

Something classic and effortless that allows me to move freely and most importantly something I can bike in. Usually it’s an oversized white cotton shirt and jeans with my favourite Miista heels and a trench coat. Since it’s summer, I have been wearing the LAASSO Twiske Picnic Set. I love wearing jewelry and wear lipstick for a more dressed up look.

Where are you dreaming of traveling next?

There are so many places I am dreaming of visiting and the more I travel, the more I want to see. In Europe, I am in love with Italy and Sicily is high on my list. Further abroad, I would love do a road trip through Namibia and explore more of West Africa. Off the beaten track travels that truly allow me to feel somewhere completely foreign and unknown are what I am looking for.

How do you travel a little lighter and more consciously?

In Europe, when I can, I travel by train instead of flying. When I travel I try to be a mindful and considerate visitor who leaves a positive impact. I like to travel for longer periods of time and get to know a place rather than just for a weekend. I try to connect with the locals wherever I go; learn about the culture and food and support local business and artisans.

Philosophy to live by.

Know yourself. How you do anything is how you do everything. Be a good person. Perservere through uncertain and difficult times and use the achievements in life to propel you to the next chapter. Be patient, never give up. Great things take time. Create a morning routine for yourself and stick to it. Exercise is medicine. Make yourself sweat. Learn to nourish yourself by cooking food that you love to eat. Heal your family relationships and your childhood traumas. Don’t believe everything you think, read or hear. Be skeptical. Get out of your comfort zone and get comfortable there. Take risks and if your dreams don’t scare you then they aren’t big enough. Be honest with yourself. Challenge the way you think by listening to others especially when you disagree with their perspective. Talk to the locals and eat what the locals eat. Drink beer when it’s hot outside! Make love to yourself. Celebrate yourself when you achieve a goal and celebrate others with the same enthusiasm when they’re achieving theirs. Look at yourself in the mirror and say I love you. Everything in life costs something, nothing is for free. Read as many books as you can.