art + illustration + inspiration

Hunny!

by on May 19, 2011 (6) Comments

Meet Hunny–our adorable Heima plush bunny! Here he is sitting atop my bookshelf…

While I love how so plump and full of character he is, I also love that he’s hand-made locally, by the obviously talented folks at Monsterella Plush Art. Reading the info sheet that came with him, I’m delighted to find out he’s made of high-grade wool and felt materials. The stitching is amazing, too!

B and I got him at last weekend’s Heima Collection 3.0 launch, entitled “Life is a Party!” (You can check out the complete set of photos here.) As always, it was difficult not to get drawn into (or lost in) every little nook and corner. This time around, I was especially drawn to all the muted pinks, lilacs and greys in the collection–plus their new and exciting Paper Club, which speaks to me, just because I’m such a huge papyvore (is that even a word? Haha)!

“Dream Sequence”

by on May 13, 2011 (12) Comments

Hello, friends! I’m happy to be finally posting about this! I apologize for the delay… But as I promised, here are the scans of my biggest project to date! (And I mean BIG, because the actual artwork measures around 30″ x 16″!)

A few months ago, the folks at Kérastase (L’Oréal Philippines) commissioned me to design a limited-edition silkscreened tote bag that reflected the essence of the brand. I was given a free hand in interpreting this through a subtle yet feminine illustration. I’m a huge fan of Kérastase hair products, so I instantly knew how to create something that was both subtle yet stylish.

I named this piece “Dream Sequence,” and for me, it expresses what Kérastase is: beauty, luxury and elegance, brought to life in subtle, romantic themes, whimsical shapes and soft, feminine forms. (The focal point, of course, are the strands of flowy, flowy hair–and ribbons!–everywhere!)

Due to time constraints, I had to finish this piece in under a day! I thought it wasn’t possible, and I had to contend with a near-sleepless night… But I was determined to make this work, and I was just too excited for the outcome to give up. Here’s the artwork in its entirety…

…And here is a shot of the bag! The colors turned out more orange and nude-y compared to the artwork, but, no matter. It’s my first official collaborative “designer” item, and I’m so grateful and happy!

Each bag comes free when you avail of a treatment from the salon. I’m not sure which Kérastase salons in Manila are still actively doing this promotion, but be sure to ask your stylist when you drop by yours!

Because all mothers are beautiful

by on May 10, 2011 (1) Comments

Another illustration set for Female Network! A couple days late to be posting this… But just like any other holiday, Mother’s Day should really be an every day affair, don’t you think? (Link to the FN e-cards HERE.)

Thinking about my own mom always brings to mind one of the more memorable stages in her life–as a single young woman in the ’70s, she was stylish (and had the smallest waistline EVER), smart, active, and every way a go-getter. But being a mother didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams, which she shares with us with an immense generosity to this day. I wonder about the time I’ll become a mom myself, and whether I’ll even be half the admirable woman she was. These drawings are all dedicated to her (as well as all the moms and mother-figures I know), whose love for me has endured and blossomed through the years. I love you, Ma!

Perfect pairs (a birthday post)

by on Mar 03, 2011 (0) Comments

I woke up early today feeling more energized than usual. It could be my body realizing that after two days, it could run without coffee… Or, it was just its way of greeting me a happy birthday!

First things first–I finally unboxed my Diptyque Roseros candles! Since being introduced to Diptyque’s first collaboration with design duo Kuntzel+Deygas, my love for this candlemaker/perfumer has grown more and more. I bought this pair for myself during my recent Hong Kong trip, and you can imagine my excitement when the two scents (similarly and yet distinctly rosy), finally unleashed, danced in my room. (Photos of the unboxing here!)

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In the middle of taking photos, I realized I didn’t have to light the candles for the scent to spread (yup, that’s how small my room is). So I left the two on my table for a bit before packing them back into the boxes. I want to use them for extra-special occasions!

A few minutes later, I received the new shoes I ordered from online seller Five By Five! Unwrapping these pairs was such a joy. I literally exclaimed “fabulous!” to myself when I unwrapped the second pair… Bet you can’t argue with that! I’m already imagining all the different outfits that’ll go with them.

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Tonight will be dinner with B and my family, then I’ll be working on a set of looming deadlines till perhaps the wee hours (no exceptions for this girl!). All in all, I couldn’t ask for a better day–it’s been a happy one spent in the comfort of home and loved ones.

Let me leave you with the official video for Diptyque’s Roseros. I dub this my birthday song for the year… And my gift for everyone who remembered and greeted me today! Be inspired and enjoy!

Portrait: Mulligan + Miu Miu

by on Feb 22, 2011 (2) Comments

Portrait: Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan is one of my pixie heroes–those who sport a pixie so well, the thought of getting a haircut consumes me, even if I’ve promised myself (again and again and again) to finally grow my hair long…

She wasn’t wearing this pastel pink dress in a recent Elle UK magazine cover story. But I decided to dress her in such, because of the one thing I’ve been pining for since I got back from my recent Hong Kong trip–a dreamy, sumptuous, ever-so-subtly-pastel pink, Peter Pan collared trench coat, which I saw on the racks in Miu Miu. It was love.

As a kid, I got into the habit of drawing what I loved, and especially what I knew I couldn’t have. You could say that drawing kept me dreaming. So now… Two things: a pixie cut, and that elusive pink coat. I might not be able to afford that coat right now, but I’m afraid it’s going to be “hello, Tinkerbell!” again soon!