28 January, 2009

Rest In Peace Nanny..... (1945 - Jan.18th.2009)

It has been 11 days now since I have last see you. I miss you Nanny.. the days are different and sometimes long without you. Thankfully. the warmth and the love that has supported us, mothered us, directed us and reassured us did not come from your body. I know that it came from your soul. Because I still feel it. I can still hear it in your voice that comes to me telling me, " Mei, everything is going to be all right," and just as in life, I have to believe you nanny, because you were always right in life.



I would like to tell you little bit about my relationship with my nanny whom I loved more than anyone on this Earth. But first of all, her physical beauty. She was a true lady and carried herself with grace. Her sweet smile and gentle touch is the memory that I have imbedded in my mind. She was always there for me when I needed her. I used to run to her and sleepover at her place when I had a fight with my parents or I'm sad. She was my best listener and I used to call her Mama when I was really young. I still remember dad said that I have to get good grades in order to stay over at Nanny's place during school break. I cried every time I have to leave her house and get back to school even though her house is just 10 minutes away from my house. Is just her voice, her hugs and her smile that I'll miss. I stopped staying at her place so often when I was in Form 5. Can you guys imagine? From full moon till 17 years old.....

There are so many things I can't take back, and I never got a chance to say goodbye. Everything just happened too fast. I didn't call her her as often as I should, visit her as often as I should.... but I hope she knows that I loved her..

People are coming to me and telling me that Nanny was the nicest person and didn't have a mean bone in her body. This is true. As we were setting up for services and looking for her solo pictures, I noticed how odd the solo pictures of her looked. My nanny looked more like herself surrounded by pictures of her family, for this is how she defined her life.

You know they say," A mother holds their child's hand for a short time yet their hearts forever. I love you and will miss you more as times goes on.





Love you always,
Mei...

02 January, 2009

01 January, 2009

Looking Back... 2008

What I have gone through in the last 8 months has been crazy and painful! And I couldn't have made it through it all without the amazing support and love of my friends and colleagues. I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for all of you. You really find out who loves you when you need them the most.

First~ My boss, Dennis Thean! Wow, what can I say about him? He's amazing. He has taught me many things and many of them I have learned through watching him. I have learned determination, dignity and strength. He has shown me that I have to pull myself up by my bootstraps. He has listened to me and given me so much advice. He has taught me how to handle tough situations with grace and dignity.

Steph~ I can't believe that we went through all of this together. What we went through only made us closer and our bond stronger. Thanks for being my friend and one of my protectors. Thanks for making me laugh through all my tears. You've been there when I needed you. You told me the truth and didn't judge me when I made my decision and you still stood by my side. You comforted me when I told you everything. You were a shoulder to cry on. You told me that I was strong. You told me that I deserved better! That means a lot to me...

Joanne, Fiona & Louisa~ Thanks for all the laughs. Thanks for the nights out, thanks for the comfort and the listening. Thanks for telling me that everything was going to be okay. Love the coffee and meringue session with you guys! =)

Uncle Patrick, Kris, Louis~ Thanks for listening to me. Thanks for all the fabulous advice. I can't even being to try and count how many times you have listened to me. Thanks for all the wonderful words and support and love.

Macy~ Thanks for being understanding and thanks for bearing with my tight schedule, my disorganization and clumsiness!
It was the most very painful experience I ever had. Thanks for telling me that we can made lemonade out of the lemon given!
Your supports and trust meant a lot to me...

Dennis L~ Heehee... Well, thanks for cracking stupid jokes... they ease my pain and worries.. at least for that moment!

And thanks to anyone else that I did not name. There have been so many people that have loved and supported me. It's hard to name everyone! I'll never forget how everyone has touched me, my heart and soul with the love & support Everyone is just simply beautiful.

31 December, 2008

First Post!

So...first post. I've never been good at writing a first post or introductory post. This is just a place for my (little) thoughts on things I see and hear and stumble across.

Hello and welcome :)

"[A friend] suggested that I start this blog with some reasons and somehow.... under a sudden pressure at that time, I feel forced to open my own blog talking about my experience as a designer and my point of view of life and fashion revolution. I'm not really very good about this whole blogging thing, as I am so not used of expressing my ideas and feelings in words! But you've got to get started somewhere, so here it goes. :)

I was interviewed by a student from a fashion school in Hong Kong few days ago, wanting me to help them to complete their research. Well, I agreed even though in my heart was like "NO!!!!".. Here are the freakin' questions.. ;)

What are your signature designs?
Above all, I work on real clothes for real people

What's your favourite piece from any of your collections?
I always seem to favour the one that I am currently working on.

How would you describe your work?
Subtle, a balance between trend and wearability. Full of details yet it's clean. What I'm trying to work out is knowing where to stop!

What's your ultimate goal?
Err.. To go on and still find pleasures out of it. If I ever sensed hat I was getting bored of my job, it would just be the end for me.

What inspires you?
Anything and everything. It's not obvious. I love taking things that are poles apart and then putting them together.

Can fashion still have a political ambition?
Any action is political. -_^

Who do you have in mind when you design?
People who want to show their character.

Who has been the greatest influence on your career?
All the people who taught me something in an emotional way.

How have your own experiences affected your work as a designer?
Well, there is an intimacy between the personal and professional. Each feeds from the other. My job is to maintian the equilibrium.

Which is more important in your work; the process or the product?
One can't really exist without the other

Is designing difficult for you and, if so, what drives you to continue?
Yes. The curiosity, the excitement!

Have you ever been influenced or moved by the reaction to your designs?
People jacking your shits drives you to improve upon it. The client's reaction to my designs is the strongest influence.

What's your definition of beauty?
Someone who understands herself

What's your philosophy?
Enjoy your everything you do. It's important to be happy. If tomorrow I became jaded and bore in this job and wanted to work as a barista in Starbucks which I always wanted to try, then I would do that...

What is the most important lesson you've learned?
On paper? You can never start working early enough, be patient with impatience and be very careful what you say about people. Don't listen too much to what other people want.. It's a tie: "Don't do it for money" OR : "Shut Up and make nice. No one really cares what you think."
But honestly, in fashion, it's perfection. And in life, it's generosity. And willpower. You have to have willpower. Otherwise, you're fucked! =P