BAYBAYIN ME!

Sooo excited to start making my ring for my project tomorrow night at jewellery class. It's Sterling Silver set with Turquoise on both sides and etched with the ancient Filipino writing Baybayin (also known as Alibata to some). I will have it etched with three words that I feel speak truth to my being. PEACE,LOVE,JOY. Looking forward to the final product! <3 :)

Here are some words as an example of the ancient Filipino writing system....

The Baybayin has found itself popular over the last decade, more and more young people with Filipino heritage are all quick to don a tattoo with the ancient writing. The fascination seems to be with the alphabet seeming almost hieroglyphic like and therefore suitable for tattoo's also in which can have a deeper meaning and sense of pride for the country of the Philippines. (eg myself) :)


Baybayin is a pre-Spanish Philippine writing system. It is a member of the Brahmic family and is recorded as being in use in the 16th century. It continued to be used during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines up until the late 19th Century.


The term Baybay literally means "to spell" in Tagalog (the current national language of the Philippines). Baybayin was extensively documented by the Spanish and is also known by the name "Alibata" but this is incorrect.


Baybayin is one many individual writing systems used in South East Asia, nearly all of which are abugidas where any consonant is pronounced with the inherent vowel a following it— diacritical marks being used to express other vowels (this vowel occurs with greatest frequency in Sanskrit, and also probably in all Philippine languages). Modern scripts in the Philippines, descended from Baybayin, are Hanunó'o, Buhid, Tagbanwa and Kapampangan script.

Breaking the Illusion of Limitation

Just thought I'd share this video with you all....

"You only limit that which you label and ascribe terms to. The truth can not be so easily forced into a box."

Man Up

Preview of one of my recent shoots...


I love this look as seen on the runway by such big designers as Michael Kors (one of my favourite designers!)

Styling, Makeup & Hair - Caitlin Kenny @ CK Styling, Photography - Red Eclipse Studios

Healthy Image

I love modeling but I especially love it more when I get to do jobs that are focused around my passion for wellbeing. In the media today sadly the standard image portrayed onto young women still, is to look like 'stick insects' or 'lollipops' but I love when magazine's show a different type of image a more realistic/healthy image of what is beautiful. Images of women a more healthier dress size, or a picture of a woman smiling, having fun or simply just relaxing in the joyfulness and beauty of what it is to be a woman. I simply don't care that this picture may not seem high fashion or cool enough compared to other standard fashion blogs posting out there, cool to me is being comfortable in your own skin accepting your unique beauty in and out and my goal with this blog is to show that in many forms within the fashion industry. 

I'm really happy to be published in such a magazine as this that promotes health and wellness...

Nature & Health Magazine Australia - August/September 2011

Perfection

I took this pic while holidaying on one of the beaches on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. It was simply beautiful!

Whatever I see in myself, whatever I see in you, whatever I see in the outer world, is a perfect reflection of my mind in the moment. The quality of my world is determined by the quality of my thoughts and perceptions. Whenever there is pure awareness, no thoughts, whenever we are fully present, then we glimpse the world in it's full radiant perfection.
-Quote taken from Happiness.org

Left and Right Of Brain

Fashion with purpose

This post is to follow up on one of my previous posts 'Conscious Fashion' outlining the ways you can make a difference with your fashion purchases. Now, If your familiar with 'Eco Fashion' then you'll have some idea about Fair Trade, Sustainable and other Eco brands making a difference in the fashion industry but what about the other company's who are doing their part in transforming the way we see fashion, what it means to us and the impact it has on us as a people and our environment? What are some other company's out there doing to make a difference?

It's quite simple really, based on the one for one principle, I would like to introduce you to a company called Smile Clothing, what they do and what they stand for is outstanding.

It's just amazing how this young group of guys can take time away from their careers and everyday lives to give to children in need supplying t-shirts and school uniforms in various locations from Sri Lanka to Indonesia to Cambodia and many more around the globe. Their aim is to continue growing so that they can also provide to other parts of the world in desperate need of basic essentials like clothing in which we can sometimes take for granted, in the hopes that every child will have access to these basic needs.

Smile is on a mission!

This excerpt is taken from the official smile website. www.smileclothing.co

Why ONE for ONE?

Our business model operates on a charitable notion, with our one for one model being our best way to sustainably provide for children less fortunate than ourselves. In doing so, this gives the customer something of benefit and at the very same time helps children that do not have the privileges we so often take for granted. At the same time as aiming to give back, we also look forward to giving plenty of clothing to lovely folk around the World through our saleable items, and in doing so we can create a very healthy system of giving.

To give you a better understanding of what this company does, I suggest you check out their website here at:

www.smileclothing.co 

Do you really want to make a difference? Here's how...

On their website, they have an online shop so you can easily purchase your items, just a few clicks away and your set to receive a very fashionable piece of clothing whilst at the same time giving back to a child in need!

Please join Smile's Facebook group and show your support

https://www.facebook.com/groups/smileclothing/

Because there is nothing more rewarding than the gift of giving, by purchasing a Smile item/s you are making that difference. No matter how small it may seem, together we can progress towards becoming a more conscious people...

Here is a video of Smile's recent clothing drops in Sri Lanka

Smile Clothing Sri Lanka from Smile Clothing on Vimeo.

PowerShift 2011

In King George Square in Brisbane, Qld, Australia. All pictures copyright of AYCC. 

Do you like having that long hot shower in the morning? Driving to work alone in your big ass 4WD or V8? Switching on all the lights in your home when just a couple would suffice? Using a laptop, mobile phone, wireless internet and many other electronic devices simultaneously? It seems just too easy these days that we do all these things automatically without even thinking or considering the impact using these very things have on our climate. Now I'm not saying doing all these things are bad, clearly we have evolved into a generation where a global communication network has become a necessity and therefore we need access to utilities on a greater scale but what I'm trying to point out here is trying to see the bigger picture.


I believe that the condition of our world today is the result of the collective consciousness of all human beings and that we all have the power to effect change. As a youth, I believe I am the future into creating a more conscious world, where all people are aware not just of themselves but the links between ourselves as humans and our environment. I wanted to know more about how I can do my part and how I can work with others to combat climate change. I found a way to gain more awareness and The Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Power Shift 2011 is a step towards that. Power Shift creates moments when our generation comes together, and starts the transformation we need to become a nation powered by renewable energy. Power Shift is held all over the country and on the 15-17th October, hundreds of young people came together for an incredible Summit at St Laurence's College in Brisbane, powered by The Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Together they engaged with the solutions, made our voice heard and The Australian Youth Climate Coalition are working to build a generation wide movement to solve the climate crisis before it’s too late and they do this by educating, inspiring and mobilising young people across the country. The AYCC is entirely youth-run representing more than 30 of Australia’s largest youth organisations and over 64,000 individual members. 


I have been a member of a couple of environmental organisations over the years but I find this movement may just be what we really need. I've always been interested in learning more about my carbon footprint and how my very actions are affecting the world around us and what better role I can take. I think getting involved in Powershift and or the Australian Youth Climate Coalition is an amazing opportunity to utilise the skills and tools gained from these experiences and working with others to make a difference, to grow and learn whilst being well equipped to take action not just on an individual level but progressively to a global scale. Whilst sharing this knowledge, we can learn to teach others to do the same and educate them about their impact on our environment and ways they can also make a difference and effect change.  


Change is the challenge and opportunity of our generation – it’s not about politics, its about ensuring a safe future for young people across Australia. "It is young Australians who will face the consequences of decisions made today. That’s why we have the vision that will deliver the short-term political impact and long-term cultural change needed for a safe climate future". (Taken from the official Powershift website)

If you'd like to know more please visit http://www.powershift.org.au/ and http://www.aycc.org.au/ for more information.

Ethical Source Expo

Eco Fashion is making big leaps this year, introducing The Ethical Fashion Source Expo for 2011 this month on the 17-18th October in London. It is 'The' go to for Ethical Sourcing Trade show for the Fashion industry. This expo has everything from sustainable and fair trade manufacturers and suppliers of materials and goods to eco conscious businesses and designers. The expo will cover innovation in sustainable design including one featured exhibitor The NUD.


The NUD will be part of the Designer Pavilion at the SOURCE Expo 2011, which will once again bring together some of the most innovative designers pioneering in sustainable sourcing alongside outstanding design.

SOURCE Expo 2011 Exhibitor Spotlight: The NUD
The NUD - A Fair Fashion Bazaar - is a unique online platform and social movement, for clothing with both aesthetics and ethics in mind.  Each designer they represent is committed to defending 'H.E.D. values', as well as having a passion for design:

1. Human Rights and Fair Trade: Fair working conditions, women's empowerment, the fight against human trafficking and exploitation
2. Ecological Clothing: Fabrics and materials sensitive to the environment
3. Development of Pioneer Designers: Promoting new talent

H.E.D. is the company's vision for the future of fashion - which they are helping to build today.
Each designer is unique and different as part of the The NUD's 'feel completely free spirit', which fosters creativity and individuality.  The NUD's designers include Reloaded, Georgia Nash, Laura Barry, The IOU Project, NV London-Calcutta, Eco-Oiko and Sira Ryf.

Style De Vacances

Outfit- Lace Top- Vintage (no label) worn with cream b'tube underneath, Shorts- Vintage (no label) Thailand, Belt - Bershka, Sunglasses - Roberto Cavalli
Photography by Gino Sanidad

Style Post

(Outfit: Vest and Dress both- Topshop, Bag- Christian Dior, Sunglasses- Rayban, Shoes-Wittner, Ring- Diva, Necklace- EmilyKate www.emilykate.com.au - to buy email contact@emilykate.com.au) Online shop coming soon! (Photography by Gino Sanidad)

Estethica

Okay so you may ask what is really going on in the ethical fashion industry what progress is it really making? Well I'm delighted to tell you that conscious fashion is making incredible progress with the likes of Estethica.


Five years on from its launch at London Fashion Week in 2006, Estethica has evolved into a ground-breaking concept supporting the rise of sustainable fashion and showcasing the best of eco design. Estethica Spring/Summer 2012 saw many talented but eco conscious designers doing their part in setting the benchmarks for ethical and sustainable fashion.


This year saw Estethica celebrate its 5th anniversary (10 seasons) and is hailed as one of the best leading ethical showcases, forming the hub of London’s ethical fashion industry, and being highly regarded both in the UK and internationally. 

Estethica welcomed 19 cutting edge designers for spring/summer 2012, chosen for their design excellence and commitment to working in a sustainable way. All designers must adhere to at least one of the key Estethica principles of fair trade and ethical practice in the production process; the inclusion of organic fibres and the use of up-cycled and recycled materials and fabrics. To qualify, whilst adhering to one or more sustainable-fashion principles, whether it’s fair or ethical trade, recycling/repurposing, or man-made/eco-friendly fabrics. Exhibitors have to have a minimum of two stockists, and be both business-focused and design-led. Over the past 5 years Estethica has supported over 100 designers, and in addition to showcasing during London Fashion Week, the initiative hosts a dedicated seasonal press day and opportunities in our showrooms abroad.

This year five new designers showed their collections in the Estethica area of The Exhibition this season.  Returning to show are up-cycling designer Lost Property of London, who are known for their fashionable and functional bags produced from abandoned fabrics. Eva Zingoni will bring ‘sustainable couture’ to The Exhibition this season, with her collection based on recycled luxury fabrics, cut from surplus materials from Parisian fashion houses. For the first time, the Soil Association will be exhibiting organic products. Brands on the Soil Association stand, co-designed by Tamsin Blanchard, Style Director of Telegraph Magazine, will include Monkee Jeans, People Tree and Continental Clothing. Ethical lingerie brand Charini; Aiste Nesterovaite’s scarf collection and raincoats by Rajkumar Dyeing & Printing Works are also new for spring/summer 12. 


Featured designers


Ada Zanditon, Aiste Nesterovaite, Charini, Dr Noki’s NHS, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Emesha, Eva Zingoni, From Somewhere, Goodone, Henrietta Ludgate, Joanna Cave, Junky Styling, Lost Property of London, Michelle Loewe-Holder, Monsoon, Pachacuti, Partimi, Rajkumar Dyeing & Printing Works, Soil Association Certification.


Here are two of my favorite designers who showcased at Esthetica London Fashion Week from their S/S12 Collections

EVA ZINGONI

PARTIMI