Luna Freddie on Endless Summer

The model and Tree of Saba founder talks summer rituals, rose tinted Amsterdam, personal style and finding inspiration closer to home.

There are people who enjoy summer, and then there are people who seem fundamentally designed for it. Luna Freddie falls firmly into the latter category.

A self proclaimed summer baby, Luna is a model and the founder of Tree of Saba, a sea moss and herbal wellness brand inspired by her Caribbean heritage. Her days move between modelling, studying plant medicine, time spent with friends and, whenever Amsterdam allows it, being outside.

For The Art of an Endless Summer, together with Samsøe Samsøe, we are looking at summer through the people, places, rituals and clothes we return to. The pieces that become part of everyday life rather than belonging to a single moment. Clothes to cycle in, dance in, travel in, live in and eventually attach memories to. It is an approach that feels at home with Samsøe Samsøe’s own philosophy of creating functional, versatile pieces made to transcend seasons and trends.

We caught up with Luna to talk about Donna Summer, rose tinted Amsterdam, questionable Dutch self tan, the women who inspire her and the particular magic of a white tank top with a summer tan.
Because an endless summer might not actually exist, but some things are worth carrying into the next one.

Who are you when the sun comes out?

When the sun comes out, I’m truly in my element. I was born in the summer, so I feel like a real summer baby. Being half Caribbean, I just thrive when the sun is around. I’m the best version of myself. I’m way more energised, I’m in a good mood, I wake up earlier, I’m trying to be outside and I really cherish the day.

Summer has a way of slowing everything down. What’s your favourite ritual this time of year?

My sea moss and herbal iced teas. I like getting my herbs in for the day, but I also love grabbing a coffee in the city and just having a moment outdoors.

What’s been soundtracking your summer lately?

Donna Summer’s Spring Affair. I know the name isn’t exactly summer coded, but a special person put me onto it and I’ve been listening to it every day since. It reminds me of that feeling when you’re getting ready for a summer party, your crush is going to be there and you’re ecstatic.

Summer in Amsterdam feels different. What’s your favourite thing about the city this time of year?

Amsterdam feels romantic this time of year. You see people together on bikes, walking together, sitting outside on terraces, beautiful flowers everywhere. It’s like you’re looking at Amsterdam through rose tinted glasses.

If we had 24 hours in your Amsterdam, where would you take us?

I’d show you a good time.

We’d start strong with a coffee in the Jordaan. There are loads of good spots there. If the Noordermarkt is on, even better, we’ll have a look around. From there, we’d walk towards Zeedijk and go to Platypus to pick up some records.

We’d wander around for a while before making our way towards Nieuwmarkt. There’s an amazing fruit and veg stand there with iconic juices that don’t break the bank. Then we’re going to Athenaeum. I love books and magazines and spend way too much money there.

By then I’m getting hungry, so we’d get a sandwich at Pels. I like their shrimp kroket sandwich. It’s iconic, great for people watching, proper brown café vibes inside.

While we’re around the Negen Straatjes we have to browse the shops. Then we either chill for a bit and get takeaway from Azuma, or, if we want to sit down somewhere, we go to Restaurant An. It has a really authentic Japanese vibe and the food is so good.

Then it’s time to freshen up because the 24 hours are still going strong. We meet again for a glass of wine at Twee Prinsen, a classic Amsterdam spot, and from there we go to Bar San Francisco. The night is still young, so we’re doing some cheeky karaoke at Lime.

After that, the night is ours.

The best wardrobes are built over time. What’s one piece you find yourself reaching for every summer?

A white tank top. I’ve been loving the Alexo tank by Samsøe Samsøe. In summer it just hits differently, especially with a little tan. I won’t say I’ve had the exact same ones for years because they need replacing sometimes, but it always looks fresh.

Also my light wash denim jeans. They work with everything, all year round, not just in summer.

Samsøe Samsøe designs pieces to be worn again and again. What makes a garment something you’ll keep coming back to?

If it makes you feel good and you wear it often enough that it’s not just catching dust.

Quality matters too, but when something makes you feel good, you exude that. Comfort is also really important to me. At the end of the day, I grew up in Amsterdam. I spend a lot of time on a bike and I’m active, so as much as I want to look good, I also want to be comfortable.

When you’re getting dressed for a festival or a long day in the city, what are you looking for?

Layers, especially in Amsterdam because the weather can be moody. I’m a fan of thin layers. You’ll get warm dancing, but it cools off at night, and you can always put things in a locker.

Also good shades and a bag that doesn’t feel too heavy.

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?

Haarlemmerbruin. It’s this self tan you can buy in the Netherlands. I think it’s probably super toxic, but I used it so liberally growing up.

It immediately reminds me of me and my friends in our late teens. And it smells heavenly.

Festivals are often where we discover the unexpected. What’s the best thing you’ve ever stumbled upon at one?

At a festival I went to recently, they had live tattooing. You could actually get a tattoo there. Maybe it’s a common thing, but I thought it was so cool. I kind of loved that.

Where have you been finding inspiration lately?

I was away from Amsterdam for most of the past three years, spending a lot of time in London, and that was very inspiring.

Now that I’m back home for a bit, I’m finding beauty and inspiration in the most mundane things. I walk around the city and feel inspired. I look at my friends and feel so much inspiration because everybody around me is doing amazing things. I’m very grateful for that.

Who’s your everyday herø?

I don’t think I have one hero. I get inspired by so many people.

If I had to choose, it would be the women in my family. They’re all heroes in their own unique sense, and I adore them.

Complete the sentence: This summer, I’m chasing…

Enjoying the here and now. Being present.

For an endless summer

No endless summer is complete without a wardrobe to match. Before we let Luna go, we asked her to pick the Samsøe Samsøe pieces she’ll be reaching for all season long, and hopefully for many summers to come.

Discover Luna’s selection for an endless summer.

Partnership with SAMSØE SAMSØE