art, the life we chose.

i began 2012 with my annual trip back to Manila, where i met a couple of strange looking designers dressed in all black. then and there i knew the year would bring me to different corners of the world where i would keep crossing paths with such creative and interesting creatures. this is just a post to toast those who have played a huge part in my life, personally and creatively. i've always been considered the 'weird' one in my social groups, and now i have grown close to a handful of other dreamers i can be weird with! each of you should know who you are and know the impact you have had on me this past year. so this is my thank you for 2012. 

this year more than any year, i have felt the passing of time and social age gaps. so i’ve decided that the new year will welcome a shift in Maiden Threads. enter: ABSENCE OFCOLOUR: curated by Maiden. this new project is basically a continuation of the Friends of Maiden exhibition we held mid this year. where i collated things of interest to share with like minded individuals, enthusiasts, artists, designers and creative’s. it will be much like a visual diary of progression for the rebirth of a more refined label, not just of clothing but a lifestyle. through Maiden i was able to somewhat educate people about their unseen surroundings regarding the industry and art scene, and through AOC i want to showcase a collection of design elements, techniques and concepts that undermines the traditional way of perceiving objects.

i will still run the Maiden Threads blog, as it will just act as a personal blog. but i am looking to push this concept further than i did with Maiden, as i feel it is critical to go back to the roots of design and craftsmanship to broaden the understanding of art itself.

so Maidens, it is completely your decision whether you follow us into our next chapter with [ABSENCE OF COLOUR]. we will hopefully see you in the new year for exciting projects and events!
m a i e :)xx 

a year in reverse.

i'm finding that my style and vision for this label is becoming more and more irrelevant to today's haunting mass appeal. what i wear or don't wear is an expression of me, not what magazines or fashion bloggers feed me. black is a state of mind, not a fucking trend. the new year will see a shift in direction for Maiden. 

no hipsters allowed.

[photo credits: @timtamberlina @creative_binge @machickomotoi @jrmz]

atypical idea.

 a switch into interior design has been quietly fence sitting on my mind. 

that or, i should find myself a blank canvas to move into.

Wang joins a weird trip.

i woke up to updates yesterday with Alexander Wang's face photoshopped on Balenciaga's Join A Weird Trip print tee. and with that i thought to myself, the kid has made it big time! i wanted to post my initial reaction to this yesterday but thought, i 'm not those fashion bloggers who post themselves sporting the latest collections so who was i to blog about my opinion on this. but after someone who i had became friends with through my design work messaged me last night asking what i thought about this big industry move, i said, fuck it i'm gonna tell you what i think anyway...

i got hooked on the Balenciaga aesthetic ever since it's Fall 2007 collection which saw the popularism of the jodhpurs and sports jacket. and after learning a bit more of the fashion house's history on my visit to the Cristobal Balenciaga exhibition in Paris and watching a documentary on the rise of a star, Alexander Wang on the flight to Europe, i base my opinion on this. 
i love Alexander Wang, his style and work was one of those that got me intrigued about runway fashion. to have had only been in the industry for just over 5 years and now set to be the successor for Balenciaga is a testament to this designers talent. but a part of me feels that he needs a few more years under his belt to be 'running the show'. Cristobal Balenciaga was known for his intricate embroidery and atypical silhouettes by broadening the shoulders and losing the waist, fashion forward beyond his years. as Wang's aesthetic is young and very much sportswear with the 'just rolled out of bed' attitude. in saying that, under the reigns of Nicolas Ghesquirre the design house has acquired a biker edge with its recent collections.

only time will tell the outcome of this massive move. all eyes are definitely on this young designer's every step. and i for one anticipate the trappings of his success.