In The Land of Muses, Suzie Kondi

Part of my writing and living practice requires my clothing to be unrestrictive. I always have an eye out for that freedom in form, which also must include style, ease, and elegance, along with a dual and durable nature. Freedom is never dainty to me. But it does need to be efficient and beautiful. And that level of style comes most often from committing to simplicity. Which brings me to Suzie Kondi. Her brand of clothing, including the signature romper jumpsuit and tracksuits, is made of a simple elegance that is not only a statement piece for anyone who rocks their favorite color but a garment that supports you while allowing you the freedom to just be.

I was first introduced to Suzie Kondi by my good girlfriend, Toyin Love, a woman who also has a simple elegance to her style. It was on one of my writing retreats in New York when Toyin grabbed me on a much-needed “writing break” to check out the new store opening in my Lower East Side neighborhood. I fell in love instantly with the brand. It’s a classic story of word-of-mouth marketing from someone you trust who understands your taste. Standing in the middle of the store [I even wanted to buy the furnishings], I felt like the main character InTheLandOf Mara.

INT. SUZIE KONDI – NEAR DINNER TIME, EVENING MARA, a refreshing 50-year-old woman who wears bedhead and lash extensions as an editorial choice in her daily life, saunters into the sun-drenched store and sighs with relief to be in a place that reflects her personal aesthetic — a beachy, breezy, stylish girl who covets her own brand of “hang time” in the city— lost to oneself in a sea of people. Since 2018, the New York-based label has taken a mix-and-match approach, creating a versatile sartorial experience that allows the flexibility of sneakers, heels, or both, depending on one’s itinerary that day.

Suzie Kondi, the founder of the eponymous label, has my heart as a woman entrepreneur. I appreciate not just her brand’s aesthetic and location in my neighborhood but how her brand transcends fashion and becomes a part of our everyday lifestyle in an effortless, elegant way. In honor of both of us being female founders who are blessed to live creative lives with full hearts, we have joined forces to create a signature color [Mara Blush] for one of her classic styles to benefit Black writers during this industry-shifting strike. All proceeds will fund residencies at The Writers’ Colony.

A list of Suzie Kondi’s Favorite Things:

Favorite Song: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – Joan Baez
Favorite Flower: Gardenia
Favorite Scent: Vetiver
Favorite Animal: My dogs, Kiki and Digger
Favorite Destination: Patmos, Greece
Favorite Muse: My daughter
Favorite Moment: Every day when I come home, I am greeted by my dogs running up to me!