Stay Home Snaps: Patta
The Amsterdam, London and Milan staff share their work from home routines.
Stay Home Snaps: Patta
The Amsterdam, London and Milan staff share their work from home routines.
Spread across the headquarters in Amsterdam and stores in Milan and Paris, Patta‘s staff has experienced wholly different coronavirus-related lockdowns over the last few weeks. Wherever the teams are based, they’ve all been maintaining creative outlets, while the brand continues to roll out new projects, including its recent ripstop bag collection and a collaboration with Dreamcast.
We caught up with members of the extended Patta family from Amsterdam, London and Milan to consider their new routines and the methods they’re taking to stay focused while working from home.
Andrea “Dre” Amponsah, content creator and sales associate (Amsterdam)
What’s your daily routine?
I don’t really have a regular routine per se, but I usually get woken up around 9 a.m. by the sun in the bedroom, get something cozy, maybe pour myself a glass of juice. On the way to the couch I grab my iPad and I’m already working. I feel blessed that my work consists of things that I like and feel connected to, so time flies and I don’t really mind.
Where in your home do you like to work? What’s the set up?
As I mentioned earlier already, my couch is the place to be. What can I say, I’m a cozy guy. Set up for me consists of the bare necessities: iPad, my MacBook, phone, camera and AirPods. [AirPods] especially because without music I can’t properly start the day.
What do you wear while working from home?
Always been fond of oversized fits: it has to breathe, but still keep you warm. Patta sweats are my go to.
What are you eating now?
I always forget to eat because I get caught up in my work, but I’m just having some Czech egg spread with bread that my girlfriend made earlier.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
Everyone’s mind is bound to drift away at times, especially when staying in one place a lot. But as well as being a photographer, I’m also a musician, so writing and singing really became my therapy over the years and still are now.
What are you listening to and watching?
We’re big Netflix addicts, so at the moment I am binging Lucifer and whatever new comes on; latest was The Last Dance about Michael Jordan. Right now I don’t listen to a lot of music other than my own, but Partynextdoor and Kaytranada have been on repeat for the past week.
Bobby Vonk, buyer (Amsterdam)
What’s your daily routine?
When I wake up at 9 a.m., the first thing I do is play some good music to start the day correct. Afterwards I’ll make a smoothie with fresh fruit and vegetables. When this is done, I’ll start making a good cup of coffee — espresso, preferably — and drink it on my balcony enjoying the morning sun. At the end of this all I start my workday behind my desk. In the evenings I go out for a run or make sure I’ve got something good for dinner.
Where in your home do you like to work?
I love working from my bedroom; there’s a lot of sunlight in this room and I can open up the doors from the balcony to get some fresh air in the room. I don’t want anybody to disturb me so I can focus on the job. Sometimes I move the chair to the balcony to get some fresh energy.
What do you wear while working from home?
Well… It’s cozy season anyway. Most of the times I wear different Polartec tracksuits from Patta, you should check that out. But all jokes aside, I love wearing joggers, hoodies and some Suicoke sandals or my UGGs. In the picture, I’m wearing a Stüssy fleece from a couple seasons ago, together with a Patta x C.P. Company pants and some Suicoke sandals. And of course, some headwear because my hair is a worldwide mess since my barber is closed.
How do you stay in a good headspace in isolation?
I think acceptance is very important. It is what it is anyway, so I’m just trying to make the best out of it. In my opinion it’s important to stay aware of the result we are trying to achieve. In the end we are doing this for each other and to keep our family and loves ones safe, which is the most important thing for me.
Besides that, I’m doing what I can to keep educating myself. I started cooking some new recipes, trying to install a new floor on the hallway, listening to podcasts and reading books. We should also see the benefits of this whole experience, we have time to educate ourselves, save money, have enough sleep, eat healthy and control our minds.
I also love to see that the team is putting so much effort in the company, to lead everything in the right direction, this is something that keeps me motivated. Even though we are in social distancing everybody is working as hard as possible to create new opportunities and try to do what we can to keep our community close and safe.
What are you listening to and doing for fun?
This social distancing situation gives me time for myself to appreciate the smaller things in life and to relax a bit. Normally I’m always on the go, working all day, going out for dinner, meeting up with people. I do have to admit that I’m really missing my friends and family but on the other side it allows me to take some time to rest. Also I started playing FIFA again, which is actually giving me more stress then everything.
Music-wise, I love to listen to Nujabes. Nujabes always brings me positivity and into a better mood, I love to sit on the balcony waking up with the morning sun and enjoying this peaceful energy. Also Patta Soundsystem is giving us a lot to listen to and watch. Besides this I also listen to several podcasts and it’s perfect timing to watch The Sopranos again… I love that sh*t.
Dario Schenkers, store manager (Amsterdam)
What’s your daily routine?
My basic morning routine hasn’t changed a lot. My body clock is set at 6:45 a.m. So I get up, wash my mouth, shower myself, make and eat a tiny breakfast and call some of my closest to see how they’re holding up. After this I check my personal schedule to see if i am on track and what i need to do to keep it that way.
Where in your home do you like to work?
Anywhere near the fridge. I’m always thinking about food or what to eat, even when I’m already eating. Good food allows me to stay focused.
What’s the set up?
Depends on what I’m eating — nah, joke. I just make sure my phone, laptop, food and documents are in my reach. When I’m not on a call or video chat I also like to sit near a speaker so I can get absorbed by the music I’m into at that certain moment.
What do you wear while working from home?
Definitely a hoodie, shorts and tube socks during the day and I switch shorts for basic joggers in the evening and some headwear.
What are you eating now?
This is my favorite question. I’m eating some tofu Thai curry leftovers, later on I’m gonna have my mother’s Surinamese roti.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
This may sound a bit creepy but I don’t feel isolated at all. My advice is: talk to yourself inside your head with a Bob Ross voice and you gon’ be alright.
What are you listening to and watching?
Mostly listening to Sade and D’Angelo at the moment but it depends on a mood, last week it was Santan Dave, La Rouge and Marc Broussard. I’ve been watching all my favorite Quentin Tarantino movies on repeat, makes me realize anything can happen and everything is possible, a suitable message especially during quarantine in my opinion.
Ellis Gilbert, sales assistant (London)
What’s your daily routine?
My daily routine is getting up and having breakfast with my mama. Then walking the dog and checking emails. In the afternoon I normally go for a run. Reading before bed helps me sleep better.
Where in your home do you like to work?
I work on the table in the kitchen (close to the snack drawer).
What’s the set up?
Set up is my iMac and my two-liter water bottle.
What do you wear while working from home?
I mostly wear my Patta basic tracksuit or Ralph Lauren pajama bottoms.
What are you eating now?
Lots of ramen.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
I speak to my friends on the phone a lot and play games with my little brothers.
What are you listening to and watching?
I’m listening to Snoh Aalegra and watching The Wire.
Olivia Jankowska, store photographer (London)
What’s your daily routine?
I’ve been trying to be an early bird during isolation but my sleeping pattern is all over the place. So whenever I wake up, I try to do a home workout with my housemate or a run in the park before breakfast. Once I eat, I try to get on with a couple of productive tasks that I’ve been meaning to do, I’m trying to space out those tasks for individual days so I don’t run out of things to do at this point. My main focus at the moment is archiving my work and sorting out my box of negatives so everything is in the correct order.
If it’s sunny outside, I sit in my garden and read a book for a couple of hours during lunch or I listen to podcasts. I keep my evenings fairly flexible, depending on what I feel like doing. [Later,] FaceTime catch-up with friends or movie night with my housemates.
Where in your home do you like to work? What’s the set up?
My bedroom is my favorite place to work in the house. All the things I need are scattered around my room and it’s just easier to navigate. I move from the mattress to the floor, and then to my convertible mid-century book shelf which has a hidden desk.
60 percent of my magazines and books are my room and the rest is in the lounge so whenever I feel like changing my scenery, I do my research and referencing there. The set-up is pretty straight forward, it normally consists of my MacBook, Epson scanner, negatives folders, notebook, pens, speaker and a cup of mint tea.
What do you wear while working from home?
Honestly, I’ve been wearing all of my Patta joggers, hoodies, sweatshirts and tees as it’s the comfiest clothes I own. Sometimes I switch up to some basics from UNIQLO too. Or if I’m feeling lazy, my pajamas makes an appearance for the whole duration of my day too.
What are you eating now?
I’ve been eating a lot of Cini Minis cereal for breakfast, sometimes I try to switch it up to healthier options though. I’ve been craving snacks and foods that reminds me of my childhood and family gatherings, so I’ve been stocking up on Polish foods and pierogi.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
Exercising, yoga or running is definitely helping me to remain a good headspace. Also, talking to friends and even making new friends on social media too. It’s nice to bond with new people during a time like this, specially if they are located on the other side of the world.
I’ve been listening to a lot of music, old and new. Exploring into artists or music I’m not that familiar with. I’ve been intrigued by playlists curated by individuals during the pandemic too. If things get a bit overwhelming, I try to cut down on screen time and convert to reading instead as it clears my head and makes me focus on taking in new information.
What are you listening to and watching?
There’s a lot of exciting music coming out during isolation. I feel blessed to wake up to new music every Friday. I’ve been listening to a lot of Jhené Aiko, PartyNextDoor, The Weeknd, Tory Lanez, Kid Cudi, SahBabii, dvsn, Crystal Murray, blAck pARty and Megan Thee Stallion. Oh and A$AP Nast‘s “Designer Boi” featuring D33J has been playing on repeat since it dropped.
I’ve just finished binge-watching Ozark and Tiger King. I’ve watched all three seasons in over a week. I’m also quite intrigued by the new series Little Fires Everywhere too, I’m enjoying seeing Kerry Washington back on my screen after having Scandal withdrawals. Watching the Margiela: In His Own Words documentary has changed my perspective and it gave me a kick of motivation and inspiration so I’ve immediately purchased one of his books. I’ve also combined a list of old classics and new movies to watch and I’m ticking them off gradually.
Vaibi Vanvani, social media manager (Amsterdam)
What’s your daily routine?
I used to not really have the time for this pre-quarantine, but in the past month I’ve been doing a 30-minute morning stretching session before I do anything else. Gets the organs working. I also want to be able to do a yoga headstand at the end of quarantine so I do a daily attempt every morning.
Where in your home do you like to work? What’s the setup?
I mostly work at my dinner table, on the floor or outside on the balcony since the sun has been blessing us lately.
What do you wear while working from home?
I mostly spend the day in my work-out clothes after a run in the morning, otherwise to remind myself that I still need to get to it. For cozy night time attires, I stay in my Patta sweats.
What are you eating now?
I might come out as a chef after isolation. The meals have been creative, soulful and healthy for the most part. Also trying to get my legumes game up so I’ve been stocking up on those. Name any bean or lentil – I’ve got it.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
SUN! And movement (dancing in the living room works, too).
What are you listening to and watching?
The Luffie Duffie Mix by DJ Edzon, a lot of Son Cubano. I watched Tiger King and got dragged into the tiger world cult of Joe Exotic, now I can’t un-hear his voice.
Vincenzo Berlen, store manager (Milan)
What’s your daily routine?
I usually wake up around 9:30 a.m., make a coffee or a fresh orange juice and I get in my emails while listening to some music or watching news on TV. Every Monday morning, I go to the supermarket. After a quick lunch I spend my afternoons calling some friends, cleaning, working out and cooking for dinner (that’s the moment I prefer). After dinner is film or Netflix time.
Where in your home do you like to work?
I have a big terrace where I really like to work If the weather is nice. Otherwise the couch is comfortable.
What do you wear while working from home?
Comfy clothing for sure, usually Patta jogging pants and a t-shirt or hoodie with slides all day long. When I go outside, if necessary, I’ll put my Carhartt x Patta vest on and a mask for protection, of course.
What are you eating now?
I’m trying to do low carb and more vegetables and vitamins than ever. I really like to cook so I am always in training with new vegan dishes.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
I think the best way to do is eat healthy, workout, relax and stay positive. This is the worst period to have stress.
What are you listening to and watching?
I really like fantasy so I spent most of the nights to rewatch some of the most iconic movie series like Star Wars, Avengers and, of course, Harry Potter. About music I don’t really focus on anything specific, everyday is a random selection between hip-hop, R&B, reggae and electronic.
Virgil Chocolaad, retail manager (Amsterdam)
What’s your daily routine?
I wake up in the morning around 9:30 a.m. and do some push ups, take a shower and prepare some breakfast. After that I open the laptop and go through our mail and tasks which need to be done. While doing that I make sure I have some good music on in the back for a chill vibe. Every other day I try and run five kilometers during my lunch break.
After that I grab a shower and put on some clothes and see whats going on at our store. When all that has been checked, I get some groceries or a nice dish from a takeaway spot and eat dinner at home. When the belly is full, we go and watch a good movie or play some Call of Duty on the PS4.
Where in your home you like to work?
I love to work in the corner of my couch with my small bluetooth speaker next to me for the music and my laptop on my lap.
What do you wear while working from home?
Most of the time its sweatpants and a hoodie or some shorts and long-sleeved tees depending on the mood.
What are you eating now?
I just finished some mashed potatoes with veggies and an Angus beef steak.
How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?
Running every other day really helps me to be able to relieve some stress or energy. Also, having good conversations with close friends and being happy to have a job with great people which we encounter on a daily.
What are you listening to and watching?
I’m now watching #blackAF, which is super funny. I’ve been listening to the new album of Dababy and the Rap Caviar playlist on Spotify.