The Brave

I barely remember when it started. I have a somewhat clearer recollection of how it began. All I know now is that I'm in the middle of the whirlwind that is starting a new clothing company. 

We are The Brave Clothing Company, Inc. "We" consists of myself (duh), and Stefan Paul Dehod, a very good friend of mine and kindred crazy person. Stefan's dislike for sleeves and love of fun and fashion is what sparked this company. We specialize in men's tank tops. Really rad ones. Ones like you've never seen. Better than the average tank. The best, perhaps. I mean, it's all subjective, really, but we are kind of very stoked on our designs.  What's even more exciting is that we only intend to get crazier, more fun, more badass, more creative and in general have more fun with it all!

And although we are focused on men's tanks, Tala Kamea will be collaborating with The Brave to produce a select few women's tank styles. Think matching his and hers for all the cute couples that make you feel bad about your own relationship, or lack thereof. We're talking hot tops. Perfect for summer loving. So get with it and get one. And one for your friend.

We'll be kicking off the line with a preview on April 18 at Pretty Freedom in Toronto, ON, where the goods will be available for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Soon after we hope to be set up online, and if you're in Edmonton on May 3, 4 or 5 visit us at the 14th Annual Royal Bison Craft and Art Fair. Stefan will be there slinging tanks in a tank, built like a tank, but probably not tanked. You should take him for a beer afterwards, however, and see what happens.

See you in the sun!

Pretty Freedom!

On Sunday, Leigh and I spent a long day of shopping for plywood and screws and everything else necessary to construct a table for my studio. After that, I popped over to visit Jodee and Helena at their Pretty Freedom boutique at 167 Augusta Avenue. Located 1 block west of the heart of Toronto's vintage clothing shopping area, they've already begun to set themselves apart - and they're not even open yet!

It was a beautiful day, so they were set-up outside stuffing rows of cute vintage shoes, finishing signs, and just enjoying the fine weather. It's always a real pleasure being around these two who are so full of creativity and energy. Oh, and they're oh so fashionable too. Taking a peek at their shop and stock is proof of their good taste. 

The shop is decorated with some wonderfully unique furniture pieces, including a display table crafted from a discarded door, an old donated painter's ladder, antique mirrors, a charming chandelier-lit change room, and bamboo clothing racks - the latter being an honest creation from Jodee's Filipino self. 

What stock is already out is a charming selection of summer's must-have rompers, art-chic dresses, denim jackets, glamorous vintage party dresses, and jean shorts for both ladies and gents. Sure, every second-hand and vintage store may have the aforementioned items, but Pretty Freedom has done a really great job of cutting out the clutter you will find elsewhere. Here, you will find only items hand-picked for their quality and overall fashion aesthetic. That means that with everything looking so damn good, you'll have a hard time deciding which cute dresses to actually take home with you! Well, it's not all cute dresses. Some of the stuff in there is pretty bad ass, I must say, and so completely fun to wear. There are items for men and women, and the clothes have been steamed to perfection with essential oils to remove any of those unpleasant odours that sometimes keep people away from great vintage clothes.

The first pair of "mum bums" I pulled off their rack were a perfect fit - needless to say I now have them at home to wear on my bum. I had a fun time breaking in their change room - I think I tried on half the store. After a helpful consultation with Jodee I left with a number of fab outfits for my summertime fun-times. I did a little photoshoot at home with my goodies, please forgive my silly wannabe model poses and rather, get stoked about the clothes! They're officially opening next week (fingers crossed), so check them out soon - I'm certain you'll love Pretty Freedom!

The sweetest thing: Floral romper with lace collar

Saturday night fever: 70s disco dress with flounce neckline

Art bitch: 80s butterfly sleeve dress

Sunglasses at night: The little black dress with a twist - you can't see the great fringe trim at the neckline, or the cutout back.

La vie en rose: 70s pink pleated disco dress

The girl from Ipanema: Mum Bum shorts

MUM BUM

Can you tell I love the mum bum? You won't find quality Levis for a better price.

A Barong, Born Again

I've been super fortunate to have found such wonderful support from the Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture. It's been the wonderful team there that has kept me moving on numerous projects, including the Lady Maganda terno I made last November. Most recently I created a piece for the Vinta Gallery and re-launch of the Kapisanan website in April. I'm a little slow on this post, as the gallery has now been cleared out to make way for the Pretty Freedom pop up shop, opening very soon. Get excited! 


So, since you almost definitely missed the exhibit, here are some photos of my creation. My piece, titled Pagbalik Pasalubong focused on the changing nature of relationships when distance is involved, and was an exercise in reclaiming items that once meant something, giving them new life and new meaning. If you think this sounds like a load of poo, then try reading my full artist statement! 


I deconstructed a Barong Tagalog, which is a traditional men's shirt in the Philippines, and created a contemporary summer dress, great for layering over a bikini top or tank. Barongs come in all sorts of colours and cuts and feature different embroideries. I purchased this one in the Philippines in 2006. Many of them, including this one, are made of piña (fibres taken from pineapple leaves). It's a really great fabric that is sustainable, breathable on the body, and has an elegant look similar to linen. Piña is usually white or ivory in colour, but this shirt had been dyed with a gradient which gave it very contemporary look. I enjoyed creating this piece, I think it's quite a cute lil' number. It looks a little big on the judy, as I draped it on a size 8/10 judy, and this one is about a size 2/4. Oh well. The puff sleeve is detachable, and I do intend to make detachable butterfly sleeves to go with this dress. Stay tuned for those. In the meantime, if anyone is interested in purchasing this dress, it is for sale. Make me an offer.