27 March 2012

Modern Day Approved






Vintage shirt, Topshop pants, Zara blazer, Tracyeinny shoes, Forever 21 ring

Probably five years ago, vintage wear had yet to be an on-going trend like it is right now. In the era where technology advances rapidly and avant garde fashion evolving since the millennium, a large part of fashion went back into the past and are now making its comeback. As we accept and welcome their return, they are newly made, hence vintage is something more exclusive than anything else you can find in a high street boutique. Its really honorable to dig out treasures from the past (ask your grandparents if they still kept some of their clothes!), style them to your preference (here I am a little boyish inspired that day) and wear them out without bothering if others comment how "granny" it might be to them. It is a leap of courage for me to wear prints out, I mentioned before on how I do not dare to wear prints but I'm starting to this year. Applause for me! Ps: Thank you Mom for the photographs!

21 March 2012

Rocket's Creator


Some time ago, I mentioned I had to do an interview with someone for a self created magazine I have to write on as part of my editorial module. I was very honoured to be able to meet up and interview renowned Fashion photographer, Ivanho Harlim! He is Indonesian born, Singapore based and has worked with several publications and models such as Cole Mohr and Yuri Pleskun.


He has also created his own zine called Rocket which eschews mainstream. Its where he can express his thoughts through his photography which he can't do with other magazines. The first issue covers Russian model Yuri Pleskun, the spread showcases the personality of Yuri which was what Ivan wanted to communicate through his images. He's a very down-to-earth person and I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to interview him. Here are some of the questions I'd be sharing here.

What’s the something you love about photography?
I’ve always liked the arts, the creative area. Initially when I took up photography, it was a fast turnover for man. If you paint, it takes longer hours but for photography, you do it instantly, you get the results quickly. I can still be creative and also make a living.


You’ve been doing photography for about 11 years now, how did you find out and develop your personal photography style from the start?
I got into it by chance. I did advertising at RMIT instead then made the switch to photography. How it develops was from my fonder for music and the bands’ imagery. When I was younger I always looked at pictures of band members and noticed the way they dress. My style has to do with the preference I have. When I take pictures, maybe not consciously, it tends to be more natural or cool. I started shooting with film cameras and since I wasn’t trained in photography and I didn’t have light, so everything was with natural light and I just experiment along but it started more candid.




You started “Rocket Zine”, what made you decide to start on that magazine?
It’s a vanity project, something I did out of free time. If I have no shoots, and slightly free that month, that zine kept me working and thinking. It was also for me to showcase what I can do which I can’t do with other magazines. Other magazines tend to be a requirement to promote the clothes. Sometimes when I shoot and I think the model is interesting, like the cover model Yuri, I felt he has got this personality, which I want to show so I don’t really need the clothes but just photograph him without clothes.

Lastly, what are some of your future plans or hopes for your career takings?
Moving overseas is always on my mind. Its more glamourous and happening in Europe but to move, it involves a lot of things. It entails a lot of savings to support myself and to get known there so it’s a new beginning. But to be honest, right now I have no idea how I can do that, it’s still a vague plan.


Once again, I'm extremely grateful to Ivan for taking time out and allowing me to interview him. Other than that, I got to hear of some of his thoughts about the industry and through his sharing, I hope that you have a better idea of him and what he do. I would like to work with him one day as I really like his works! You can check out more of his works here.

11 March 2012

In the Bag




The necessities I bring out almost everyday. From top left: Wallet from a random boutique at Macau, Vintage Gianni Versace key pouch, iPod Nano my dad bought since four years ago, trusty iPhone 4, thumbdrive, portable iPhone charger because I use my phone frequently, favourite pen I'm always using since Secondary school, notebook from Topshop and classic Ray Ban wayfarers. Sometimes it can be a hard to bring a small bag out because I have so many daily things to bring, especially my wallet which is too long to fit into small bags. Nothing really fanciful or gorgeous for my daily to-bring-out but I would like to give you guys a little insight of what you can find in my bag. Wearing a leopard shirt from Forever 21 and a sweater from Lucyd Acyd.

06 March 2012

New in

Three vintage pieces I welcome into my wardrobe and I got them at unbelievable prices! 2012 is a year with an intercalary day, which we know as the leap year and this year, I took a leap into prints. If you noticed, my dressing is rather minimalistic except for certain polkadot prints, knits or lace I wear at times, but they're generally basic design. And my colour palette ranges from black, grey, navy, white, burgundy. I've never dared to purchase a printed top or dress because I know I didn't have the courage to wear them out. However, today I've got one with such unique textured prints and it comes with little kaleidoscope looking buttons which I couldn't resist, so kudos to me!

You'd probably not see me in this burgundy coat anytime soon, perhaps at the end of the year if I travel to somewhere cold enough to wear out. The weather now in Singapore is literally like an oversized oven so its impossible for me to wear but the long cream blazer will be just nice. Too happy with my buys! Have a great week everyone!  xo

02 March 2012

Instagram Goodness

#1 Will be working on the photos only after Yue Han's grad & my school break, way too busy now.  #2 Yh's videologue exhibit at my school, Back to Eden.

#3 Love Crabtree & Evelyn cookies.  #4 Fruit salad at Aunt's place.

#5, 6 Celebrating my adorable nephew's 1st birthday. My cousin filled the room will tiger themed balloons!

#7, 8 Outfits on the first few days of school 8 weeks back.

#9 Snapping with garbage bins.  #10 First day of Lunar New Year.

#11, 12 Chanel classics.

#13 Semiotics for cultural & contextual studies.  #14 En route to church on Sunday.

#15 Really awesome salted egg bun.  #16 Kakiage burger from MOS!

#17 Casting models for our fashion spread.  #18 Classmates & I in our $40 outfit.

#19 My dad handmade this for my mom on Valentine's – How sweet!  #20 I miss my Grandfather a lot.

#21 Ginette with Supermodel Me's host, Charmaine Harn sharing with us on working with models.  #22 Astreal playing for +65 Indie Weekend III.

#23 My classmates and my magazines.  #24 Some designs I did on typography x art movements.

#25 Favourite thai cafe!  #26 Extremely cute cups!

#27, 28 Half a day at the Peranakan Museum with Arella, we did hand painting and batik.

#29 Tomyam curry fish head, its heavens! #30 Currently addicted to this especially on such hot weather. But I've to make sure I don't over drink it.

#31, 32 Up at 4am and set off to a 12-hour shoot with my team yesterday. We were baked under the scorching sun and partially soaked from rain.


Follow me on Instagram! – @jojoeylow