Minimalist Dialogue: Anastasija Issaeva
With Minimalist Dialogues, we invite people from our community to share how minimalism shapes their lives — their choices, their spaces, and their wardrobes. Not as a manifesto, but as a dialogue.
Introducing: Anastasija Issaeva
Anastasija, also known as Agnia, is a DJ, radio host, and a familiar name in Helsinki’s electronic music scene.
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Hi Anastasija! We’re so happy to have you as part of our interview series. What does minimalism mean to you in everyday life?
I don’t really consider myself a minimalist, but there is something about minimalism that inspires me. In the way I dress, it shows above all in the fact that I appreciate clarity and clothing that feels like me.
When it comes to dressing, black is a natural choice for me. It’s timeless, easy to combine, and always feels right. When an outfit is simpler, the focus isn’t only on the clothes, but more on the person wearing them. I also feel that it gives space for my own self-expression.
Perhaps the most interesting thing is that my mind is often anything but minimalist – it’s constantly full of thoughts, ideas, and things to do. That’s why a more minimalist way of dressing feels balancing to me. There’s something calming about it, and I like the contrast it creates with my personality.
Although I also enjoy more expressive outfits from time to time, minimalism reminds me that everything doesn’t always have to be as complicated as possible. Sometimes simplicity is exactly what makes the whole look the strongest.
How does your wardrobe reflect your values?
My wardrobe reflects, above all, that I want to build my personal style on my own terms. I enjoy finding pieces at flea markets, and it feels natural to give clothes a new life instead of always buying something new.
I also like the idea that clothes can be transformed. If a garment no longer feels like me as it is, I often see it as an opportunity to turn it into something completely new. Creativity is a big part of the way I approach dressing.
In the end, my wardrobe probably says most about the fact that I value individuality more than trends. I want to wear clothes that genuinely feel like me.
What is the most meaningful piece of clothing in your wardrobe, and why?
It’s difficult to name just one piece, but if I had to choose, I’d say my black baggy jeans. I’ve had them for a long time, and I originally bought them from a friend.
I love them above all because they’re incredibly versatile. I can wear them both to gigs and in everyday life, and they go with almost everything. Whenever I don’t know what to wear, they’re usually my first choice.
Maybe that also reflects the way I think about clothing. I value garments that feel like me, stand the test of time, and adapt to different situations. When a piece of clothing becomes something I reach for again and again, it naturally becomes meaningful over time.