I just asked Masao to give me 3 words to describe 2008. He chuckled a little and after a few long pauses, breaths, smiles and deep in thought looks he said, "Progress. Discovery. Appreciation." Almost sounds like a campaign slogan. When I quizzed myself about it, I came up with, "Evolution. Revolutions. Handmade."
2008 took on a new path for me as part of the TM team. I sought more uniqueness in the designs, gained greater joy from knowing the full process of the handmade pieces and got to know the people behind the art a little better.
Looking back on the year through the blog has been a fun review. January seems like a life time ago, full of collaborations and color. February was all about funky design. I had my first hoop dance performance at the chief&mischief launch, the Nani Birds came to stay and the partying for 1st birthday began (I don't think it has stopped) March was mammoth, check back and see for yourself - Fragment, Mad Pandas, Mixed Tapes and CHAPTER. Spring was in the air when April came around, I returned from an Aussie adventure and connected with some new designs. May was a month of art and design with Masao and I heading off to support at many interesting art shows and design gatherings. In June we froze, sheltered from the rain and got Fragmented! July brought with it fresh style, Tokyo events and deja vu. The Zoo came to town in August, Nani Birds hit the subways, we hung out with Fashion Hayley, learned a lot about paper art and picked up some souvenirs from New York. In September we rocked the catwalk and the iPhone rocked Tokyo. October felt like a month long rock show, prepping for Fragment and the Tokyo Design Week. Fragment, Design Festa, new designs and good friends made November a month to remember. December has been about holiday bling, festive cheer and sharing experiences.
This past week in Tokyo has been stunning, truly, a perfect time for planning, preparing and organizing for the new year! Looking forward to all that 09 brings and appreciating 2008 for the intense and life filled year that it was.
More than anything our year was filled with gratitude for all the global style lovers (that is you!) who have continued to support Japan based design and creation. Thank you!
Warmest wishes as always from Masao and I xx
