only for the diligent.

i recall the time when it was no longer fitting to wear baggy jeans out clubbing. i also remember not giving a fuck about what was ‘socially acceptable’ to wear out in public. the ever growing trend of fashion blogging has somewhat destroyed the illusive world of fashion for me. it used to mean something to get accepted in a recognised fashion school to study the design principles among other enthusiasts and be taught by professionals in the industry. now all you need is a url and hey presto you are a certified style icon. here are my top 5 fashionista woes:

1. having mountains of clothes doesn’t measure how fashionable you are, i can guarantee you that a good amount of that wardrobe would not be accepted at Salvos.
2. designer wear is all the hype. half of you don’t even know why you spend thousands on a designer piece, other than the fact that it was featured on your instagram feed. high end fashion was once known for it’s impeccable detail, quality and exclusivity.
3. enhancing your body and saying it’s to boost your self confidence and then having the sudden urge to post provocative ‘model’ shots on the web AND THEN letting the world know you are unimpressed by the unwanted attention you get is just…confusing really. way to be humble.
4. throwing on all your mismatched clothing doesn’t make you eclectic. it just doesn’t.
5. and lastly, uploading shameless selfie pics (clothed or unclothed) with your iphone in the frame is not attractive. nor is it sexy.

this is not me being cocky, this is my developed thought process and evaluation of how quickly technology and society has advanced, or rather, misinformed the scope of fashionistas out there. dare to start a fashion blog, but please do have something different and informative to talk about.

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 

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