When people ask me where I am from, I find it very hard to answer. I was born and spent a lot of my childhood in Perth, Australia and have also lived in Bali and Singapore. I now live in the United Kingdom, however I do not categorically call it my ‘home’. Because of my transient upbringing, travel has been a fundamental part of my life for as long as I remember. For this reason, the place where I honestly feel most at home is when I am travelling around, visiting the places I grew up in.
Each country I have lived in, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and England, have all been extremely influential in making me the person I am today, providing me with my individual perspective, style and outlook. I have become an extremely open minded person and I believe that one should remain open to ideas, concepts and differences. I believe that the greatest gift one can give someone is the chance to travel and explore the world and provides individuals with a global outlook.
When considering Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and England; They all have very different styles and atmospheres. Australia presents us with an effortless beach chic look. Bali displays a more detailed and at times ceremonial focus. Singapore conveys one with the high-end street style culture, arguably the original ‘hype beasts’. Finally, England demonstrates an old fashioned, presentable ‘posh’ attire with hounds tooth blazers and white crisp shirts. Yes, one may say that I am stereotyping however, this is my condensed outlook on each of these locations collective style.
In relation to fashion, I believe that fashion itself has become increasingly global in its outlook and influence- it is a reflection of our globalised world. As I have mentioned I travelled extensively and I have been fortunate enough to connect with many different cultures.
I deeply appreciate the many ways that humans find to express themselves via what they wear. Spending part of my childhood growing up in Indonesia I discovered a new world, covered in decadence and beauty. The simplest things amazed me, such as how there are so many different types of textiles and weaving techniques. The motifs that they use are filled with meaning, with different types of pattern from different islands. The women’s ceremonial gold dress is one of the most beautiful pieces of clothing I have seen, they are all hand stitched with pure gold thread carefully placed alongside magnificent flowers and patterns. When I was younger, I would look up to these women as if they were some sort of mythological goddesses; they held such a power through their clothing. I believe that this a demonstration that shows you that fashion itself is a type of communication – there can be messages woven in the threads. A way of speaking without words. This is an example of one of the reasons why I truly believe what we wear can hold such power.
Fashion and Travel 