No strings attached conversations with people we admire, whose work we love and who leave us proud by wearing Wolf & Rita.
We spoke with Ana Dias Ferreira, editor of Observador Lifestyle magazine, about life in the big city with Jorge, her husband, and their two sons, Gui and Miguel.
Tell us a bit about yourself (where you live, what you do), and about your family.
I was born and live in Lisbon, and ever since I was a little girl, I spent my time reading - in the car, sometimes even at the table - and I always said I wanted to be a journalist and tell stories. That's what I do nowadays: I'm the editor of Observador Lifestyle magazine, dedicated to well-made things in Portugal, and I'm fortunate to meet inspiring people and projects, as well as to discover beautiful homes and places from north to south of the country. It's a quarterly magazine which gives me time to involve other creative people and spend time with my family, with Jorge and our two children.
What activities do you enjoy doing together as a family?
We love outdoor activities: going for walks, cycling, taking photos, and exploring nature. We live in a wonderful neighbourhood in Lisbon, but everything feels lighter in the countryside and under the sun. At home, we play a lot on the living room carpet (I think I rarely sit on the sofa), we enjoy drawing with markers and watercolours, and the day doesn't end without a story, currently chosen by Miguel and read aloud by me. We have an incredible collection of illustrated children's books, and it fills me with happiness to realize that I'm not the only one who enjoys paper stories in our house.
What do you appreciate the most about the journey of being a mother?
The constant rediscovery of beauty in the little things. For them, everything is new, and each day is lived in the present, with joy. It's a lesson.
What are the most important lessons you want to pass on to your children?
To be truthful, happy, and empathetic. And to be friends with each other.
What would you recommend doing on a family day in Lisbon? Any favourite places?
Go for a stroll in Jardim da Estrela and take off your shoes at the playground. Have lunch at Memoria in Campo de Ourique, preferably on the back terrace. In the afternoon, go to the sea or rent bicycles by the river.
How do you find inspiration to express your own style? Is it the same with your children?
I think inspiration comes from various sources: the magazines I love collecting, people I enjoy following, pursuing a certain lightness and joy in life, clothing included. I like combining a plain t-shirt with a more playful item, and I usually have at least one colourful detail, even if it's just lipstick. I also love dressing my children. I have two boys, one who's 5 years old and another who's 1, and there's this idea that girls have much cuter clothes, but that's not true at all. They have overalls and jumpsuits, two-piece sets with amazing patterns, and accessories that I love playing with, like socks and hats.
How did you discover Wolf & Rita?
I remember seeing some items that caught my attention in the French magazine Milk, and when I realised that the brand was Portuguese, I did some further research, requested an interview, and ended up writing an article for Observador. It's been eight years now and I've continued to follow the brand's growth.
What do you find most interesting about Wolf & Rita?
I love the patterns and the non-obvious inspirations of the collections, usually with an artistic touch, and I was thrilled when they extended their sizes up to 18 years, because now they also fit us. And the fact that the clothes are designed and produced in Portugal.
What do you value the most when choosing clothes for your children?
I value clothes that give them freedom of movement, so they can play and explore as they please. Quality is also important, so the clothes can be passed on from one child to another, and, preferably, with vibrant and cheerful colours or patterns - just like them.
Images by Jorge Vieira @fireworksbythelake.
