Traveling in Style: A Fashion Designer's Boat Adventure

Here I sit aboard our boat Andiamo this evening, watching the setting sun sparkle on the water. On my laptop is a zoom screen of the biannual CFDA* meeting in NYC, which I am joyfully attending from afar. This juxtaposition of urban industry and seafaring adventure is the perfect example of how this boating lifestyle incorporates the two sides of my personality. 

I never thought I'd  be so lucky to live a life that I don't need to escape from, that satisfies my restless curiosity, and allows me to focus on what I love the most--being closer to nature, venturing outside my comfort zone, and stretching my imagination while building a burgeoning business. 

Most of my lengthy career was spent in offices, at conference tables in closed rooms, with spreadsheets and sales goals determining my path. It was a wild ride from zero to multi-millions, but it wore me out. Eventually the time came for the original endeavor to come to a close, and I was left without a purpose. What felt like the end of everything was actually the beginning of a whole new chapter. One that was not yet written and that frankly scared me a little. Who was I if I was no longer the SIGRID OLSEN?

Well, I am happy to say I figured it out--it only took me 70+years! I knew I needed a life and a livelihood that felt integrated. Aligned. This sense of strength and serenity has deepened through my yoga practice and connection to other women who share the same desire for self-knowledge and personal growth. We are all seekers in one way or another.

Three years ago, when we sold our lovely house on Siesta Key, it was heart-wrenching, but something in me knew the loss was necessary to open space for something new. Enter Andiamo, our 48' live aboard trawler that is currently taking us from Florida to New England in aquatic style. We named her to honor my Italian heritage and to embody the theme of our new venture. Andiamo means "Let's go". And so we did.

Every day unfolds like a dream. The soft light of dawn breaks through to hot sun at midday and gently settles onto the horizon with magical colors as the day comes to a close. Usually we are either anchored in a safe nautical nook, or docked in a marina. Today we are at Beaufort Docks in North Carolina, where we are literally right on the boardwalk in town. People walk by and stop to chat. There are bars and restaurants and everything is imbued with maritime vibes. A contrast to the previous night spent in a quiet cove with a cool breeze and half moon above.

The best part though is that I take my work with me. Without it, I would feel incomplete--my creative outlet is an essential part of who I am. The pieces in my collection that I packed for this journey feel right at home. The soft cotton, the sun-washed color and the easygoing feel is just right for life on the water. Every day I get to choose a blouse or sundress to accompany me for the day. There's nothing quite like it. My "beach to bistro" vibe is in its fullest expression.

 I admit, designing aboard a moving vessel can be challenging, with the wind playing havoc with my fabric swatches and waves rocking my steady hand in Photoshop. But every day is an inspiring adventure-- close to the sea, surrounded by sky and spectacular light. It persuades me to be present.

When I am at the wheel, navigating the waterways, it reminds me of the 3 step process I use to show the art of manifestation. 1. Set the intention (decide on your destination) 2. Do the work (follow the navigation channel, constantly adjusting the route as needed) and 3. Have faith (trust  the vessel that carries you and the captain who is at the helm). We follow this process, which takes patience (we travel at 8-9 MPH) and courage (nothing is certain on the sea). Little by little, the trip will evolve and so will my new collections.

*CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)