One clean minute with Liseth and Andrea from ENSŌ

Founders of ENSŌ, Liseth and Andrea bring a shared background in fashion and a commitment to circular design to their work. From upcycled tailoring to curated vintage, their approach is rooted in quality, intention and individuality. With shops in Amsterdam and Antwerp, ENSŌ has become a destination for considered dressing. 

We spoke to the founders about their design process, the role of ritual, and what it means to build a slower kind of fashion business.

How did you two meet, and how did ENSŌ come to life?
Liseth: We met during our time in the corporate fashion world. Over the years, we both started feeling disconnected from that system and the pace of fast fashion.
Andrea: At some point, we each stepped away to reset. We reconnected and quickly realised we shared the same desire to do things differently.
Liseth: That’s when ENSŌ started. We both had a long-standing passion for vintage, and we wanted to create something with meaning. We began curating pieces and slowly evolved into designing our own.
Andrea: From the beginning, we wanted to make vintage feel modern. The goal was to create something fresh and wearable, but with the uniqueness and soul of vintage. Each piece should feel like a small discovery.

Was upcycling always part of the idea?
Liseth: Yes, from the very start. I remember Andrea gave me a shirt she had upcycled. It felt so personal and exciting. That moment set the tone for how we work.
Andrea: Upcycling has always made sense to us. It allows us to stay creative while designing responsibly, using what already exists and giving it a new life.

What makes a vintage piece worth keeping?
Liseth: It already has a soul. Some garments carry little pieces of history. Sometimes we find old receipts or love notes tucked into pockets. That adds so much character.
Andrea: It’s the connection. It could be the texture, the fit, or even something you can’t explain. When it clicks, it stays with you.

What makes a piece timeless?
Andrea: Quality and emotional value. If you love it and it’s well made, it stays relevant.
Liseth: And when something feels like an extension of you, not just a trend, that’s when it becomes timeless.

What does the world need more of in fashion right now?
Andrea: Upcycled pieces that are surprising and well-designed. There is already so much clothing out there.
Liseth: We don’t need more of everything. We need better things, made with thought and intention.

How do you approach the upcycling process?
Liseth: We often start with an idea, but the garment usually takes us in a new direction. We try to stay open to that.
Andrea: There’s a lot of testing involved. Each piece is different. Our open-back blazer, for example, keeps the original shape but adds something unexpected. It’s about giving new energy to something existing.

What habits help your clothes last longer?
Liseth: Honestly, folding properly. Especially knitwear. It sounds a bit grandma-core, but it works. And there’s something satisfying about opening your wardrobe and seeing everything neatly stacked, or at least pretending that’s always the case.
Andrea: I agree. That, and not over-washing. Less is more. I treat every piece like it has its own personality. Some fabrics need gentle care, others just want a breather. You kind of get to know what each one needs.

How do you take care of delicate garments?
Liseth: My go-to is a steamy bathroom. I’ll hang a dress while I shower, and it’s like a little spa day for my clothes. Also, fresh air does wonders.
Andrea: Steam is everything. We have industrial steamers in the studio, but even at home, I prefer it over washing. And no dryers, ever. I have one, but honestly, it’s just... there. Like a sculpture.

What’s one small habit that’s made a big difference in your life?
Liseth: Cleaning. I know that sounds very functional, but for me, clearing physical space helps clear mental space. Also, fragrance. I’m quite scent-driven, and the right one can totally reset my mood. It’s like aromatherapy meets therapy-therapy.
Andrea: For me, going back to vintage changed everything. I used to shop without much thought, just to fill space. Now, I build my wardrobe like a collection. It’s slower, but more satisfying. Each piece feels like a decision, not just a purchase.

What do you do to reset when life gets noisy?
Liseth: Cleaning again, I’m consistent, but also lighting a candle, playing a good playlist, and re-sorting my closet. It’s soothing, and somehow organising my clothes organises my brain too.
Andrea: Laundry. Seeing an empty laundry basket is one of life’s rare joys. Also, I have a stainless-steel kitchen. I find something deeply calming about polishing it until it gleams, then making a cup of tea and just... breathing. It’s like therapy, but shinier.

What’s one daily ritual you never skip?
Liseth: Morning stretches and letting the light in. No phone, just a few quiet minutes. It’s my way of setting the tone before the chaos begins. That little pause makes everything feel more intentional.
Andrea: Matcha. Every single morning. I’ve been making it for over twelve years, and it’s sacred now. It takes just long enough to force you to slow down. You can’t rush it, which is kind of the point. It’s not just a drink, it’s a reset button.

Watch Andrea and Liseth talk about their favourite pieces on our Instagram @kinfillcare