Behind the Scenes with Anekdot
Born and raised in Sweden, Sofie Andersson, the young woman behind Berlin-based lingerie brand Anekdot, founded her own company in 2015, once she had finished her studies in fashion design in Italy and completed a traineeship in London. Here, in particular, she was able to gain insight into the often wasteful procedures of fashion production as well as to work alongside specialists of sustainability, and soon became resolved to contribute to the industry whilst also attempting to change it. Out of her strong determination, the brand was born – a reflection of Sofie’s love for vintage garments and designs which also embraced her needs, taste, ethics and preferences.
Backed by the education and training she received, Sofie decided to make of Anekdot an upcycle brand which uses discarded fabrics, such as leftovers, end of lines, off-cuts, deadstock or vintage trimmings, and transforms them into beautiful pieces of underwear that are of great quality as well as meaningful and rather special. By using pre-existing fabrics that might have been thrown away because defected, or no longer needed, or unfitting for other brands’ collections, she abides by the conviction that “waste isn’t waste until we waste it,” and manages to create ethical lingerie that preserves natural resources, and tapers water and carbon emissions yielded by fresh new productions. Hence, lingerie that is more sustainable and, without a doubt, seasonless and one of a kind.
“A fusion between exquisite nostalgia and sleek comfort for a modern lifestyle.”
Among the materials preferred for the making of Anekdot, are Econyl, a 100% regenerated nylon, obtained from repurposed oceans and landfills waste, such as fishing nets, carpet fluff and fabric scraps; B.recycled, a soft and breathable recycled polyamide; and an innovative, fully recycled lace called Q-nova. These materials are sourced and then manufactured in Berlin or nearby Poland through artisanal techniques and by the hands of skilful craftsmen. This way, the local production ensures a shorter supply chain, dramatically reduces the brand’s carbon footprint and supports smaller factories and their talent, challenging the standards of mass production and anonymous fast fashion.
Finally, for Sofie and her team it’s also fundamental to play a part in the community that has given life to her passion project, by periodically contributing to charitable organizations; donating their unused fabrics to other Berlin creatives; or repurposing the smallest pieces of materials into the making of several other personal projects, like small accessories, patchworks and pillow filling, demonstrating that being sustainable shall not be a restraint, but rather and incentive to boundless creativity and constant innovation.
