the happiness machine.

i think i saw this written somewhere and archived it,

i'm pretty sure i didn't come up with it myself.

"i want to fall through the cracks of the earth so i can see it in all it's beauty, fall right in and be a witness to the truth."

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 

day before yesterday.

thirty-two days roaming, five pit stops, one big earth. twelve familiar faces, a handful of new homies, two comedy acts, one game of buffalo. seven galleries, thousands of masterpieces, a big appreciation for art and design. hundreds of bloggers, one Sartorialist. three Aussie artists, one iconic venue. miles traveled, memories captured, Mona Lisa sited, much more to discover. a full memory card of inspiration, endless possibilities, a string of thoughts to sort through, but one very happy Maie who said she could...

i left a trace of black around the world, my way of saying thanks for having me, and i'll be back one day!

my black satchel in the streets of Hamadayama, Tokyo (next to a vending machine) | my ten year old Docs along the curbs of Brixton, London | a sketch for the lovely Frenchie who welcomed us into her home at the Latin Quarter, Paris | my bandana on a bench at Bryant Park, New York | and my art attack blazer on the balcony of Adelaide Hostel, San Francisco.

as amazing as this world is, after seeing all the different cultures, fashion and sites it has to offer, i'm more than happy to come back home to beautiful Sydney. so many people wish they could do what we just did. and there's no reason why they can't. living and working here, we have so much freedom compared to the rest of the world. the inspiration tour doesn't end here. i've caught the travel bug now :)

bringing up crazy.

(weird) is an adjective i am associated with more often than not. and though it can be disheartening at times, in most situations i’m thinking the same thing about you. girls question me, boys think i’m strange, and the elders like to shake their heads in disapproval. each to their own.

this design pilgrimage is going to take me to the most fashionable, obscure and inspiring corners of the world. and so i will be posting a day-to-day outfit diary with no restrictions and complete access to my weird and wonderful head space.

neckpiece: Sportsgirl, nail polish: O.P.I, t-shirt: RVCA, coat: Zara, pant: Zara, shoes: Mango

i heard art was a waste of time.

...and i will continue wasting my time :)

where you want to be.

i want to make things look awesome, for the rest of my life. that is all :)

friends of maiden: OS Accessories.

OS, a street accessory brand by multidisciplinary creatives AJ Omandac and Paul Jatayna in Manila, Philippines, revolves around the versatility of polyurethane bone reproduction as accessories. Raw and edgy, OS produces painstakingly handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, harnesses, and caps that are completely wearable -- giving your personal style some teeth.

not quite sure how i came across this label, but i'm crazy grateful that i did. not only do i own some bone pieces in my family of suicide wristwear, but i got the chance to meet and dine with the kids behind the wicked label back in February on my visit to the homeland.

what was meant to be a quick trade turned into an unexpectedly fun night over sushi and endless conversation! naturally, i cliqued with these two guys straight away. i honestly, for the first time in my life felt like i belonged and didn't feel self conscious. we all got to know each other pretty well in a course of a few hours. they've only been at it for a year or so, and they're already spreading their osseous matter crazily over in Japan! i adore these two for their humbleness, off-centred nature, their love of black and daringness to dream big! here's how they came about...

insert title here | OS designer (& founder)    

age | 22, 26

how did the both of you come together to create OS?

[AJ & Paul]: A trip to Baguio. We were walking along Session Road when we saw a snake spine - real one. We tried to wear it & wrap it around a regular Topman metal chain necklace & surprisingly it looked so good.

what were your inspirations behind this bone collection?

[AJ & Paul]: Initially we wanted to combine metal & bones. Now we want to experiment with combining bones with leather, or acid, or whatever that looks good with it.

what have been your biggest achievements to date?

[Paul]: I finally created my own fashion brand!

[AJ]: Creating something that moves (sells!) haha. A brand that we (I) totally believe in and could represent Philippine creativity.

describe your "style".[Paul]: I get inspired with anything 90's. I love the music, the fashion, the culture...[AJ]: I don't think I have a personal fashion style. Maybe in design or art I like natural, organic & something macabre.

were you outcasts in school?

[Paul]: Very much but I always hung out with other "outcasts" so I don't feel alone.

[AJ]: Yes! I was the fattest kid in school haha! And back then I was in the closet, so that probably outcasted me more.

FASHION is...[Paul]: more fun now because kids like me are into trying to create something new.[AJ]: a lifestyle, not just clothes & fashion accessories.

plug your label here:                                www.os-accessories.com

save us.

killing time is a dangerous game. i always seem to spend, more than i save nowadays. i was walking around aimlessly last Thursday in Westfield when a halogen light framed fixture stopped me in my tracks. the first piece that caught my eye was a red felt skater skirt. i proceeded to go through the racks not really looking for anything in particular, when i found the perfect black mesh top i wanted to pair with my black velvet knicker shorts i ordered online! 

i went back to the skirt and asked the kind stall keeper if it came in black, i then asked her where the designer was based. lo and behold, the lady in the cute collared shift dress was the designer of the label sa/eus. i was so impressed by the workmanship from each piece, they were so beautifully sewn and well tailored. make sure to drop in and check out the "Everything, Nothing" AW12 collection when your next in town!

Maison Martin Margiela.

 the book arrived from England last Friday. seventy dollheads well spent. enough to make you want to cry.

hunting leather.

  finishing work early means a trip down to Surry Hills for some therapeutic fabric shopping. the trip down to the Fabric Store takes me back to the good ole' TAFE days of scabbing free samples. i came back home with a bag of black goodies. leather on leather. my room is starting to look like a wildlife park with leather, fur and feathers hanging everywhere. i anticipate this collection to be my favourite! most definitely. 

white on black.

my little brother found out i've been taking photos in his room, haha! who ratted me out? such good lighting tho. here's an original Norman Noriega piece paired with my creepers. the cool season is heading my way, and i cannot get enough of it!

i want to make you mine.

 Rick Owens book by Rick Owens | Proudrace sheer oversized jumper | Maison Martin Margiela book by Martin Margiela

girls will be boys.

 it's true, i have a swagger of a boy.