The New York based shoe designer just graduated from FIT and is on her way to Boston to work at New Balance. Before her train ride northeast, Off Radar spoke to Blau about her design philosophy, New York fashion, sustainable shopping, and finding inspiration.

Written by Katie Karp

Off Radar: First off, congrats on graduating from FIT. How does it feel to be on the other side?

Anika: I was so ready to be done. I’m moving to Boston at the end of the month. I just signed a one-year contract with New Balance. It’ll be a good chance to test out working in footwear on a bigger scale. It’s what I want to do, but I’m still not sure if I see myself becoming, like, a brick in the wall. 

Off Radar: That’s fair. Do you mean the idea of being a small part in a huge system?

Anika: Exactly. I’m having this weird epiphany lately. We just have so much of everything. I feel this guilt about going into an industry that’s so production-heavy. I want to design with intention. So I’m hoping this year helps me figure out if I can really do that within a company that big.

Off Radar: Was footwear always the plan?

Anika: Not at all. I wanted to be a nutritionist. I applied to, like, ten schools for that. But when I started getting acceptance letters, I didn’t feel excited. My friends were crying and celebrating, and I just felt…off. That’s when I told my parents I needed time. I ended up taking a gap year. And then COVID hit. I had this old pair of white Nike Air Forces I’d worn for five years. They were so busted, but I felt bad throwing them away. So I painted them. And I was like- wait. This combines something I’ve always loved, which is making things with my hands, with something new. It gave me this little spark. That’s when I started seriously thinking about pursuing footwear design.

Off Radar: What’s the footwear scene like in New York right now? 

Anika: Weird. Like, really weird. When I moved here in 2021, everyone was wearing Dunks. Hype culture was everywhere. Now, there’s no clear trend or dominating brand. Even my dad said, “I can’t tell who’s winning right now.”

Off Radar: Any thoughts on why?

Anika: Social media, honestly. It’s made everyone obsessed with aesthetics. Not necessarily fashion, but with curating a vibe. So people aren’t following the same trends but building micro-identities. That’s cool in some ways, but it also leads to this kind of chaos. A lot of people buy things that match a mood, but then don’t keep them long. Which just adds to the waste.

Off Radar: Speaking of which, you’re big into thrifting and upcycling, right?

Anika: Huge. I thrift everything. There’s this spot in Brooklyn called Urban Jungle, it’s technically three thrift stores in one. I believe everything can have a second life. I upcycle clothes, stretch my own canvas, reuse fabric. I try not to buy anything new if I don’t have to. Especially with footwear, the quality of new shoes has dropped. A lot of brands don’t even use real leather anymore. Why would I spend more for something that’s going to fall apart faster?

Off Radar: Do you ever feel torn between sustainability and affordability?

Anika: All the time. I still go for cheap sometimes, and I know that’s not always ethical. But I’m trying to shift into better habits—buying secondhand and sustainably. It’s a process.

Off Radar: Who are some of your biggest creative influences?

Anika: One person I always go back to is Tyler, the Creator. The way he stayed true to himself musically, stylistically. That’s something I want to carry in my work. Like, block out all the Pinterest boards and just do what feels right in my gut. Also, New York City. The graffiti, posters, tags on mailboxes. The grit. I love things that feel like the street, like they’ve lived a life. Even when I paint, I use bright colors and playful images, but they carry a darker meaning. Like this phrase I use, “take it easy.” It sounds chill, but it’s actually about climate change. Like—keep ignoring it and see what happens. It’s sarcastic. That tension is a big part of my style.

Off Radar: That duality is really strong.

Anika: Thanks. One artist who really influenced that is Mark Ryden. His work is dark and whimsical at the same time. That’s how I want my stuff to feel. Even when I’m painting or designing clothes, it should have texture. Depth. Something that sticks with you even if you don’t totally understand it right away.

Off Radar: You’re about to leave New York. How do you think Boston might impact your creativity?

Anika: I’m honestly curious. New York feeds me creatively every day. I don’t know if Boston will have that same energy. But maybe that’ll open up something new, maybe I’ll find inspiration in the quiet. I just hope I don’t lose my hunger.