Sara Baker is a public relations executive in New York City where she runs a mid-size communications firm. She is a fierce advocate for female leadership, breast cancer research, body confidence and sustainable fashion. A sometimes emcee, community theater actress and bagel connoisseur - Sara is the embodiment of a lifelong New Yorker. She believes deeply in the power of community and focuses on building connections wherever she goes. A polymath who speaks fluent French and proficient Italian, she spends any free time she has mentoring the next generation of professionals, spending time with her loved ones and planning her next trip abroad.
We met at Sutton Park in Manhattan, a beautiful park on the east river.
Why did you choose the park where we did this shoot?
I am from Sutton place and I actually played as a toddler in this very park! My grandpa used to take me here every day when my mom was at work. This neighborhood holds a lot of meaning for me as some of my earliest memories are from here. I moved back to this neighborhood in 2020 and it’s really nostalgic to return to my community space from so many moons ago.
What drew you to Namai the first time, and do you remember how you discovered it?
My dear friend - Shannon. We often swap recommendations on great brands that are sustainable, effortless and female-founded and I remember her sharing her love for Namai during my birthday weekend over some delicious diner fries and milkshakes (on our way for a trip upstate). I was immediately drawn to the story behind Namai, it’s one- of-a-kind pieces, the female founder (Bianca is the best!) and the bright and joyful colors used in every product.
Has your relationship with fashion or getting dressed changed since wearing Namai?
Namai really does allow you to feel elevated while not putting in too much effort. I am constantly on the move so being able to put on a gorgeous coat/jacket really makes me feel confident and elevated with very little work! I also feel more confident in wearing looser pieces since getting into Namai.
Do you have a favorite Namai piece? What memories or moments are tied to it?
I do! And it started my love for the brand. I was on a trip upstate for my birthday (favorite place with my favorite people) this past March and we wandered into a great store - Casa Ziki - in Woodstock that was selling Namai. Just 24 hours before, one of my best friends was telling me about “this new brand she had fallen in love with” (Namai) and we walked into the store and there was a slew of Namai products! I love coats and so I chose a longer style and modeled it for the group. Then other patrons in the store joined in with their opinions and support for buying my “birthday coat!” It felt like the whole store was part of this purchase - both my community and new friends - and I remember this moment feeling very special.
How does sustainability factor into the way you shop or the brands you support?
I believe deeply in the power of upcycling and that is definitely a priority for curating my closet. I love pieces that have stories - whether vintage, upcycled, one-of-a-kind - I think fashion rooted in purpose is beautiful. And dressing with intention is so important! I particularly love the Namai story behind the original quilts being repurposed and finding a new home as incredible fashion pieces!
How do you typically approach color when getting dressed—do you follow your mood, seasons, or something else?
I am a big fan of color - which is ironic given I am a New Yorker and also love black (surprise!). I don’t really subscribe to any color theory (though my sister has been telling me I am a “cool winter” for all the color analysis enthusiasts out there). I am drawn to bright bold colors - mainly jewel tones - and I do think my outfits follow my mood and the seasons. I also dress to help elevate my mood on days I feel down and I always dress for confidence (and comfort). Comfort is confidence to me. And a red lip.
Where do you find inspiration for how you style your clothes?
My mom, Ellen, has always been a style inspiration for me. She always was dressed to perfection (I vividly remember the sound her heels made when she would walk the halls to pick me up at school). No matter what she was wearing - she looked like she stepped out of a magazine. She really helped shape my belief that one’s personal style is defined by confidence. It’s about wearing whatever you want, however you want and being confident in your skin.
