Renee Frederich
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have always been drawn to clothing, the artisanal, and the way women dressed in the 60's and 70's. Opening the store allowed me to express and create a tale, a dream world. I created the web-store in 2011, and still feel giddy to be doing what I'm doing.
Who is the Anaïse woman?
I imagine the Anaïse woman as a character from a French or Italian film from the 60's or 70's, and generally pick out pieces that would fit her character and life. Our customers come from various walks of life and backgrounds, but they share a love for the well-made and well-considered.
Who/what are your biggest influences in your personal style?
I'm inspired by Italian and French cinema as well as women on the street, especially older women as they tend to have a little more panache.
How does fashion inspire you?
Fashion is my art, my masquerade, my unspoken language. It is at once nothing and everything, a frivolity that uplifts and inspires me.
What are your most treasured fashion pieces?
A linen 'husband' suit by Gabriela Alexandrova, an emerald green silk dress from Future Classics, a pale mint dress by Constanzia Yurashko which I like to wear backwards, a clear quartz ring gifted to me by Kathleen Whitaker which I wear every day, and an onyx beaded necklace by Beatriz Palacios. It has a clear, acrylic hand with tiny red fingernails.
What is your creative process like when curating new pieces for your boutique?
The selection is more intuitive than it is methodical. I buy what I love, and hope this feeling flows through to my clients.
Anaïse has a distinctly cinematic visual character; in particular, the fashion photography is gorgeous! What inspires the photo shoots and art direction?
I always hope for the images to have a cinematic feel. I want to transport the viewer to the past – a time of romance, allure, and mystery. I hope there is a moment, even just very briefly, where the viewer closes her eyes, takes a breath, and revel in it all.
Do you have a daily ritual or mantra that helps get you into a creative mindset?
Come to think if of it, I don't, and conversely, how to approach creative blockages is a great mystery to me. I've come to the realization that a quiet, contemplative mind is just as important as a bustling, active one, so I allow the blockage to wallow and pass. I remind myself that the machinations will flow again at some point.
Although when the flood gates of my mind open, it's at inopportune times - mostly when I'm in the shower.
Perhaps I should take more showers….
Who are some of your favorite designers
Gabriela Alexandrova, Julie Wilkins of DRESS (formerly Future Classics), Constanzia Yurashko, Jasmin Shokrian, and Electric Feathers
If Anaïse had a soundtrack what would its favorite song be?
Un Anno d'Amore by Mina
I'm Still in Love with You by Alton Ellis
