We are approaching the final stretches of summer. The light is starting to shift, holidays are slowly becoming stories we tell and the days that seemed to stretch on forever suddenly feel numbered. What remains are the traces of a season spent outside. The songs we listened to on repeat. The people we found ourselves around. The meals that turned into evenings, the evenings that turned into mornings and, somewhere amongst it all, the clothes we wore while doing it.
A little while back, when summer still felt endless, we spent the day with Joy van Geerestein.
A scientist by training, Joy has a background in gut microbiome research and a fascination with food that runs in every direction. The biological, the cultural and the way a meal can bring people together. That curiosity led her and her sisters to start Tabili, a food anthropology project centred around the table. British, Nigerian and Dutch, Joy grew up in the countryside with parents who were both scientists and entrepreneurs, moving naturally between cultures and disciplines. Alongside modelling for the past decade, she works at a tech startup and continues to explore the place where the science of food meets the pleasure of eating it.
Perhaps an endless summer was never really about making the season last forever. Maybe it is about holding onto what made it feel so good in the first place. The rituals, the memories and the things we wore through all of it, carried with us into whatever comes next.
Together with Samsøe Samsøe, we asked Joy about the summer she is leaving behind and the pieces she plans on taking with her.
Who are you when the sun comes out?
Joy: I’m most myself when the sun comes out! I feel more energised, I’m more out and about, I get my colour and tan back. I love waking up with the sun already out, or staying up on a summer night, somehow both at once. Also, my wardrobe is so much better in summer. Finally we can show some skin and wear open heels!
Summer has a way of slowing everything down. What’s your favourite ritual this time of year?
Joy: I make a smoothie or an açaí bowl almost every morning in summer. It’s the perfect way to get a cooling, high fibre breakfast before the day starts, and I’ve perfected mine by now, if I say so myself. My boyfriend loves them as well. Jack asks me to make one every day!
It’s frozen fruit, protein powder, almond milk and then lots of different nuts and seeds thrown on top. The trick is variety. As many different plants in one bowl as you can manage.
What’s been soundtracking your summer lately?
Joy: My younger sister Gloria is releasing her first track, “Off the Ground”, this summer. I’ve had the courtesy of early access, and it’s such a tune!! The world is not ready!
Summer in Amsterdam feels different. What’s your favourite thing about the city this time of year?
Joy: We are outside! I love that the whole city steps out at once. It feels like an annual get together. You see the city’s people again, whether it’s at a bar or a festival, all the ones you’re friendly with but never quite manage to see the rest of the year.
Everyone comes out of hibernation at the same time, and I get my once a year catch up with them. There’s something nice about that rhythm.
If we had 24 hours in your Amsterdam, where would you take us?
Joy: Morning hot yoga or Pilates at Movements Studio, coffee at Wakuli, then a boat trip with friends on the canals. We’d stop at Marineterrein, have lunch at De Sering because it’s healthy and affordable, and go for a swim there.
Then a shopping spree at one of my favourites, Nho Girl, with a pit stop at Samsøe Samsøe to stock up on the perfect basics to pair with said vintage finds. Dinner at Van Beeren or Bon Burger Bar. I’m obsessed with their burgers, omg. Then we’d party at Garage Noord.
The best wardrobes are built over time. What’s one piece you’ve owned for years that you still find yourself reaching for every summer?
Joy: I have this beige midi skirt, and she’s just… perfect. Also, my Maryam Nassir Zadeh heel wedges are timeless.
Samsøe Samsøe designs pieces to be worn again and again. What makes a garment something you’ll keep coming back to?
Joy: Something that seems basic on its own, but can be worn with lots of different things. A good longsleeve, for example. Worn with jeans during the day, or with capris or a skirt in the evening. Versatility.
When you’re getting dressed for a festival or a long day in the city, what are you looking for?
Joy: You should see the woman first and then the dress 😉 Something that complements my body and look, and makes me feel sexy and confident!
This collection draws inspiration from memories made outdoors and the little mementos we collect along the way. Is there an object you’ve held onto that always brings you back to a particular summer?
Joy: Our Espace Renault, haha. The ideal road trip car. We’ve made multiple trips in it and it’s so nice and spacious and has a good drive to it. It makes me think of the South of France in 2020, or trips to festivals like Lowlands. This is the car we always go for.
Festivals are often where we discover the unexpected. What’s the best thing you’ve ever stumbled upon at one?
Joy: Love! <3
Where have you been finding inspiration lately?
Joy: A lot in research papers, actually. I’ve been going deep on the food and fibre side of the gut microbiome. I love reading up on the latest science and, since not too long ago, I’ve been posting my takes and bits and pieces on @iheoma.lab.
Who’s your everyday herø?
Joy: Mama & Papa!
Complete the sentence: This summer, I’m chasing…
Joy: Something I cannot share yet, but it involves the creation of something new and big!
For an Endless Summer
No endless summer is complete without a wardrobe to match. Before we let Joy go, we asked her to pick the Samsøe Samsøe pieces she’ll be carrying into the final days of the season, and reaching for long after summer has come and gone.
Discover Joy’s gems below.
Partnership with SAMSØE SAMSØE
