Antonia: Interview with a blouse
It's not so easy to get an interview appointment with the Antonia blouse. She's constantly on the go. The SoSUE bestseller is in high demand, but our SoSUE man Knuth is like chewing gum on a flokati and didn't give up. His persistence paid off; this month it finally worked out, our Antonia blouse finally had a little time for a conversation.
The boxes are piling up. Here in the SoSUE warehouse, it's crowded. The new goods have arrived. I sit down on a Euro pallet and wait for our Antonia. Alex, our logistics manager, comes in. Over her arm, she carries a brand-new white Antonia. Before we start the conversation, Antonia asks for a little patience because she still wants to hang straight for a bit. I can well understand her wish, because no woman likes wrinkles.
Knuth: Hello Antonia, thank you for your time. How are you?
Antonia: Thanks, I'm doing well. I'm a little excited because I have to move on today. I'll be picked up at 12:00. All SoSUE orders will go out then. A customer took me into her wardrobe this morning. I'm going to Rosenheim. We're done by 12:00, right?
Sure, we'll manage. Sorry for the stress. Hardly here and you already have to move on.
Sem Problemas! As you know, I'm Portuguese and usually very calm. It's not the onward journey, but I'm totally excited and curious about how her other pieces are. Most of the time we all get along right away. I'm not so buttoned-up about it, but very open when it comes to new styles. Every style has something to offer. I can't wait for it to start.
Maybe you're not the only Antonia in the closet.
Oh, that would be great. A dress told me once that it overheard that there are customers who own more than ten different Antonias. Practically one for every day. I think that's cool.
You just arrived from Portugal, how do you like it here with the other pieces from the collection?
I'm really enjoying my stopover. It's so nice because I met my sisters and cousins from all over Europe here. All Antonias in one place, that's something special for me too. The satin Antonias are very funny. I immediately noticed that my younger and shiny sisters are real going-out blouses. They don't miss out on anything fun. No thread stays dry. Very funny. But today I will say goodbye. It goes on. Finally!
Do you know where your other sisters have already traveled to?
Almost everywhere. One Antonia sister even made it to Japan. The idea that she is now strolling through Tokyo's shopping district Ginza is pretty crazy to me. And others have emigrated to the USA. They enjoy the sun in Santa Monica or spend the day in an office in New York. We travel a lot, but most of us are on the move in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
How it all began: In 2018, Sue showed the Antonia blouse for the first time
Do you know if any of your sisters have ever randomly met another Antonia?
Oh yes, from what I've heard, that does happen sometimes. There are random encounters on the street or in a boutique where other Antonias hang out. It's always a big hello when two sisters meet again. You find especially many of us at SoSUE events. They're real family celebrations. Then all my sisters are there: the colorful ones, the thin ones, and the thick ones.
The big ones?
Hahaha.... The big ones, that's what I call my sisters made of flannel, they are a bit sturdier than I am. Among us Antonias, they are the autumn crocuses: beautiful, elegant, and warm-hearted. They prefer to stay in the box during summer. A few extra grams of wool quickly become noticeable in warm temperatures. They just like it cooler. Although with this changeable weather, some flannels have already been in demand again. But no matter if sun or rain, there is a suitable Antonia for every weather and mood.
In recent seasons, new Antonias have been added again and again. Do you have a favorite sister?
No, I don't have a favorite sister. I like them all: striped, linen, satin, floral pattern, olive, pink, or denim. We are a really colorful family. We are especially proud of our newest sister, the striped Antonia with a white collar and cuffs. Maybe I can introduce her to you sometime. Unfortunately, I can't see her right now. Well, she's still a bit shy, hiding here in the warehouse, but she will have to get used to the attention. Like all Antonias, she is an influencer.
I can only agree with you. Who would have thought in 2018, when you were first introduced, that you would later inspire so many women.
I wouldn't have thought so either. Isn't that great! By now, there are almost 30,000 sisters of mine in different colors and fabrics. I can't believe it myself, especially when I consider that there were even reservations against me back then. "Who wants to wear a one-size-oversized blouse?" my creator Sue was repeatedly asked. Thank God she is an Aries, and her stubbornness paid off in the end.
How do you explain your success?
It's Sue's idea. She wanted to create a blouse that looks equally good on all women. No matter if they are young, old, curvy, slim, short, or tall, and that you couldn't buy anywhere. She dug out all her favorite blouses and took the best from each. Like a DJ mixing a new track. Here a beat from Paris, there a loop from New York. In my design, you find the sounds Sue picked up in showrooms, shops, on Instagram, and on the street. It's her feeling for fashion.
30,000 fans can't be wrong: RTL presenter Frauke Ludowig in a blue Antonia blouse
To stick with the DJ image, you are a hit and a longplayer too. How would you describe yourself in one word?
When I was just new on the market, I had a few editorial appointments in Munich to introduce myself. I liked what a fashion editor said about me back then, that I am "effortless." She meant that everything about me seems effortless. When fashion professionals say that about you, it's a nice compliment. By the way, many women appreciate dressing effortlessly.
Can you explain that a little more?
By effortless I mean that I'm not demanding. As I already mentioned, I adapt to my wearer. I go along with a lot and give her the opportunity to experiment with me. Styling-wise, I'm very flexible: whether tied in front with a mini or open with leggings. Always cool. Or another example, you can wear me during the day at work and in the evening at a beach party over a bikini. All no problem. Which blouse can claim that?
Speaking of effortless: What do you prefer, spin cycle or ironing?
I'm not so sure about that. The spin cycle is fun, but I think I prefer hot irons. That's my match. The warmth just feels good to me. Every fiber in me relaxes again. We cotton sisters like it smooth.
Oh, I just see we don't have much time left. Alex is already waiting. One last question. What are you proud of?
I'm proud of two things. First, that I have so many satisfied fans, and second, that I have so many cousins in the collection where a piece of me can be found. For example, there is me as a sweatshirt, jumpsuit, or currently as a cardigan. Antonia elements are everywhere. I am Sue's muse, constantly inspiring Sue to new variations – that's where her DJ spirit comes through again. And I claim that I am like a lemon that still has a lot of juice; my sisters and cousins will surprise people with one style or another. But before we say goodbye, may I ask you something, Knuth?
Sure. Fire away.
Why am I called Antonia?
Ah, I see. You want to know how you got your name. It's basically quite simple. When I wrote the text for our first lookbook back then, I chose names that Sue, Vanessa, and I have a special connection to, so we named blouses after Sue's and Vanessa's daughters. And Antonia is the name of my niece in Frankfurt. I thought it suited you well, plus it's an ancient name. In ancient Greece, it means "the Invaluable" and I think it describes you well. It's a blessing that you exist. We and your fans would hardly want to do without you.
Thanks! The Invaluable?! How cool! I'll remember that and tell my sisters and cousins right away.
I just see Alex waving. You have to go. Thank you for your time and safe travels!
Actually, the time has come. The courier is coming soon. I want to arrive in Rosenheim on time. Thanks for the interview. Goodbye Knuth!
Goodbye Antonia! Have a good trip!
Fancy an Antonia blouse? Here you'll find all her sisters.
Photo: Ana Daki