preparing for twenty eight.

second week in and most of my boxes are unpacked. scribbles in sketchbooks are accumulating,  sewing machine plugged in, and studio set. we've befriended the locals on our strip and have become regulars at the cafe next door. the inner west has that sense of aspiration in the air that was lacking in the west. but don't get me wrong, i've been missing home like crazy. i am so far from my safety net and i feel people are already awaiting failure. it's this misconception of happiness and succes that baffles me with some people. i've been having alot of impromptu catch ups with friends, and their perceptions of my life and expectations of where i should be in life have been a little more than disheartening. here's the thing about me, i am a simple creature. the images i post don't portray a fancy life, they're my everyday objects in my everyday life. and you should already know that i see things differently. to me, the ugliest things in life have the most potential of being a work of art. take this as a metaphor or take it as it is. people need to analyse their own lives before they let me know how to live mine. i had an old man who i say hello to everyday at work ask me, "how do you keep a smile on your face everyday? you're always so happy."i actually don't know the answer to that question, it seems to be my only facial expression. even i don't know how i feel sometimes. but right now i'm happy daydreaming and getting back into the swing of things with my art and designing. so the moral of the story is, i've got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one. think about it.

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]

this game is very religious.

i've visited zen places in Tokyo, threw coins in the wishing well, and put out my wishes to the universe.  in Paris i stopped by the Sacre Coeur to light a candle and even went into the Notre Dame and left a piece of paper of prayers. i'm not the religious type, but spiritually my heart is there. somewhere. each time i have wished for the same thing. come soon Mr. Wish Sir...