Name

Ansolet Rossouw

Agency

The Society

Birthplace

South Africa

Astrological Sign

Scorpio

What are you wearing today?

Chanel!

If you had to pick a favorite meal what would it be?

Lamb chops

What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?

I’m such an open book. What you see is what you get. It’s hard, but I don’t like the city.

How did the onset of this year’s public health crisis change your outlook on life and/or work?

I once again realized that the most important thing to do to achieve happiness and peace from within is to take care of your body, mind (fulness), and soul. Having a job is a blessing. It’s a privilege. We should control the energy that we put into it so that one still have sufficient energy for taking care of those 3 things.

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Dumbledore

The public health climate has shaped many peoples’ reading/viewing habits—what are some reading or viewing material you’ve sought out at this time?

A wide variety, indeed. I like reading books and poetry in Afrikaans. Deon Meyer is my favorite. He is a South African novelist. The poems I like to read are on my favorite South African bands, Spoegwolf, website–dierivier.com. They feature poems from people all over South Africa. Furthermore, I have read and studied a few magazines on food: The Power of Superfoods, Mantra Wellness Magazine, The Mindfulness Journal. Widow Basquiat by Jennifer Clement was passed on to me by a good friend. Must read. Educated by Tara Westover, restores hope. I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson, will pull your heartstrings.I enjoy looking through Keith Haring Journals. Right now, I’m reading The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin. I love reads that I find on the stoops in Brooklyn. I have a few lined up after The Songlines witch is also a stoop find.

What have you learned (or what do you think people can learn) while in solitude / practicing social distancing?

It brought back appreciating everyday life to a whole other level. It made time for thoughts to run wild, some good, some bad—all necessary. Air to breathe. It made me think of all the good memories I have, had time to write them down. Think about people that needed thinking about.  Learned to love more, to tell more that you do love. I have learned that it is so important to invest knowledge in yourself.  Your mind is unlimited. Time is valuable.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do after coming out of quarantine?

Probably go to the airport for a job somewhere. Can’t wait.

What’re you looking forward to the most this fashion season?

Just the whole thing about fashion week and everything that goes with it excites me. Castings, fittings, and everything. It’s just magical. I fucking love it.

What are your goals for 2020?

Personal growth. After moving here [New York] from South Africa, settling myself in the United States has been weird. This year is all about personal growth. Learning, reading, investing in myself.