BARKADA BABY’S TIANNA MAE REFLECTS ON NOSTALGIA, HEALING AND LIBERATION WITH SECOND COLLECTION: “MULTITUDE IN ME”
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
collection, community, multitude, work, fashion, tote bag, feel, fabric, brand, filipino, kid, constructing, models, art, create, question, terrarium, pieces, child, hobbies
SPEAKERS
Tianna Andresen, Storm Nguyen
12.01.2023
Storm Nguyen :
Hello Tianna! Thank you so much for sitting down and having this conversation about your recent collection "Multitude In Me". As a friend and long-time admirer of your work, I am very honored to have this conversation with you. As an introduction to our readers, can I have you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your work?
Tianna Mae:
Hi! I'm Tianna Mae and I use she/they pronouns. I am the founder and designer of Barkada baby, which is a slow fashion and art design brand that pulls from Queer and Filipinx culture to create things that make people feel empowered. At first Barkada Baby was a space to post art and build community but I decided that I wanted it to be a fashion design brand because of Mesh UW, which is a club that I was one of the founding officers for, that focuses on making the fashion industry more accessible to young creatives. Growing up, I was taught by a lot of Seattle Filipino American educators and activists who have really shaped who I am, and the work I produce today not only as a designer, but also an educator. It is my job to empower marginalized students through ethnic studies as a teacher for the graduation requirement fulfilling Filipinx American US History course at Seattle Public Schools. I also teach social justice and play-based outdoor education to youth in the central district neighborhood. Outside of the education field, I also am invested in community organization and have a content writing position with "Kultivate Labs'' in the Bay Area, a group building up the Filipino economic and arts corridor in San Fransisco’s SOMA Pilipinas.
Barkada Baby
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Barkada Baby 〰️
Storm Nguyen:
Thank you so much for your introduction, Tianna! Sounds like you are extremely involved in your community and put on many different hats. Transitioning into my first question for you, As the founder of "Barkada Baby", if you were to designate four core "pillars" that reflect your brand's mission, what would it be?
Tianna Mae:
Four core pillars that best represent "Barkada Baby: Number one is Sustainability. I wanted to practice slow fashion because I saw the impacts of fast fashion on marginalized communities and climate change around the world. I needed to make sure I'm not replicating harmful practices often used in fast fashion. Number two is: community building whether that be through fashion, vending at markets, or through the art that I make, or different events that I coordinate. Even the name "Barkada Baby" has origins from my own community of friends who supported me and got me to where I am today and so in many ways,I am a product of them. Number three is: empowerment through community building to sustainability, I wanted to make sure that those who are wearing my pieces or even the art that they hang up or put on their laptops makes them feel empowered, because especially for queer folks, how you present yourself really means a lot. I want to support folks in whatever journey they're having and affirm them in whatever way I can with my craft. My last core value is: community made and dedicated. I wouldn't be here without the work of my community and I just hope to pass that forward.
Storm Nguyen:
Wow! Those are some very well though-out core pillars. Barkada Baby sounds like a brand that especially centers the experience of those that resonate with it. As a clarification question, would you be able to clarify to our readers the difference between "community building" and "community made" ?
Tianna Mae:
Yes! I believe community building is viewed as more of an action whereas community made and dedicated should be viewed as more of a value. Sometimes people or brands say that they value community building in their mission statements, but it doesn't truly reflect in their actions. I'm hoping that through my platform, I am conscious about generating this action.
Storm Nguyen:
Thank you for this clarification, Tianna! Transitioning into our next question, you have mentioned, it sounds that you carry many hats outside of being a fashion designer, I am curious to know if you ever find any overlap or influences in your fashion from the other areas of work you're involved in?
Tianna Mae:
Absolutely! I see a lot of cultural influences because I do a lot of work within my Filipino community and so my understanding of things like labor, exploitation in the Philippines, or where my textiles are coming from, how things are made is because of the work I do within my direct cultural space. My path in this industry has been super unconventional, I am not technically trained through fashion school, I don't have access to traditional fabrics from the Philippines for cultural wear which I often incorporate in the clothes I make. It is a Filipino-American perspective in the sense that I am just using what I have garnered over the years to try and reconnect with what I can. I would also say my social justice advocacies and community organizing definitely carries over with how I operate as a brand. I have created a lot of pieces that involve social messaging, either blatantly or subtly. One interesting thing I've noticed when working with kids, they are super creative. I have learned a lot from children about different ways to create things.
Storm Nguyen:
I really appreciate how intersectional and intentional your brand operates! I want to dive deeper into your work with youth. You mentioned that kids have taught you different methods to create art; is there a specific example of this in your work?
Barkada Baby
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Barkada Baby 〰️
Tianna mae:
Yeah! In my recent collection "Multitude In Me", one of the looks worn by Aries, had this sparkly white organza fabric interwoven with this ocean-like glittery silver fabric. That was a method I learned from a kid and my friend who helped me with it also learned the technique as a child. It was extremely cool because I asked my friend "Oh, do you know what this is? A kid taught me how to do this." and she was like, "Yeah, I learned that when I was a kid." It was a really cute bonding experience for both of us.
Storm Nguyen :
That is a very sweet and sentimental moment! I imagine that must've felt very wholesome to you. As we are talking, I can clearly see how "community building" and "community made and dedicated" are really embedded in your brand and identity. I admire how consistent these themes are in everything you do. With that being said, this isn't your first collection as "Barkada baby." As some may know, you presented your first collection "Terrarium Dreams" at the inaugural Mesh UW fashion show back in May 2022. How would you describe growth from your very first collection up until this point?
Tianna mae:
Thank you, I try my best! As for growth, I know that I should backstitch my stuff now. My first collection, it was my first time using sewing machines intensively. Half my collection on the runway was not backstitched, which is funny but I definitely backstitch now. I've learned a lot more techniques and found more of my "brand voice" along the way since my first collection, “Terrarium Dreams”. There's still major themes that are connected between the two. However, I let myself imagine beyond what I thought I could do for this collection. So I branched away from Filipino culture just a bit by diving into some other inspirations although I still have influences of my own heritage in "Multitude in Me", and felt it was important to stay true to my identity in that way. I definitely ramped up on sustainability by sourcing fabrics from thrift or second hand fabric stores and using techniques that maybe aren't conventional. I think with "Terrarium Dreams" I definitely tried really hard to "do it the right way." but this time, I let myself do it the "wrong way" sometimes or mess up and try again. I really just wanted to take my time creating "Multitude in Me." That was the biggest thing however I have definitely pulled all nighters to rush in completing this collection. Overall, I was spending months on "Multitude In Me" rather than the three weeks I spent creating "Terrarium Dreams" for the MESH fashion show. It felt really good to take my time to perfect my vision.
Nail Technician Aries Moschino was very excited to work with Tianna Mae again for the second collection "Multitude In Me". Photo by: Ashley Wang
As a Filipino, the fusion of cultural and modern wear has always been an element of "Barked Baby" as a brand that has resonated with Aries. Photo by: Ashley Wang
Aries Moschino described themselves as comfortable and cozy in this ensemble and appreciated Tianna Mae's thoughtfulness as a designer Photo by: Ashley Wang
The Fur Filipiana in Aries' look is reminiscent of the plushies and stuffed animals they often played with during their childhood.
Storm Nguyen :
Thank you so much for walking us through these differences Tianna! Out of curiosity, what was the entire duration or timeline to create "Multitude In Me"?
Tianna mae:
Well, it's been in conception for almost a year. The vision actually started with tote bags. I wasn't planning on doing "looks" at all. About four months ago, I revisited some old fashion sketches and I saw the look Elizabeth Farmer was wearing and felt like it would go so well with the tote bag I made. I was so tempted to make the look because I just had so much fabric for it so I just went for it because why not?
Storm Nguyen :
Wow! It is so fascinating to see how your mind led you to create something so beautiful. On the topic of your current collection, "Multitude in me", carries messages of childhood nostalgia. What does it mean to tap into your inner child as an adult to you?
Tianna Mae:
At first it was a sentiment of "Oh, let me engage in the things I did as a child." but it definitely gets to a point where it's more about trying to heal your inner wounds, maybe the traumas that you went through as a child in an effort to give yourself grace for the things that you did, or the things you thought, or how you were when you were a kid. I had to really forgive myself for doing what I thought was right as a kid, or forgiving myself for letting go of hobbies that I really enjoyed for the sake of growing up. Though there is also this component of "unlearning", we have such a weird ageist society where we both want to grow up yet we just shame so much of what it actually means to grow up or even stay as a kid. This mindset is definitely systemic so it's hard. To me, celebrating inner-child is also trying to support the children in your life in a way that you wish that you were supported
Storm Nguyen :
That is really beautiful, I can see how personal the inspiration and construction of this collection is to you. Bridging into my next question for you, in conversations with the production members and models working on "Multitude In Me", all have commented that the collection itself and the photo production set has evoked a sense of child-like joy or happiness, and has affirmed a sense of healing for them. Why do you think this collection has resonated with everyone working on this project with you?
Tianna Mae:
Oh! That makes me so happy to hear. Well I went through the initial model casting application with Stylist/Designer Justin Velour and Photographer Ashley Wang who have played very big roles in bringing my vision to life. In the call, I asked a lot of personal questions because I wanted to get to know them prior to selecting, I think that might be why the stories resonate. It is interesting because the stories they shared with me resonated the most with each look that I had put them in and already made. At the same time, during the fitting process, we were talking about the stories and for example, I didn't have much of Athena's look conceptualized but after talking to Athena and hearing their story and why they wanted to be a part of this model call, the look came together on its own. I would also say the theme of "childhood nostalgia" and connecting back with your inner-child is something a lot of people need to hear. we'll be okay. It makes me really happy to hear that they felt that way.
Tianna Mae and Justin Velour prepares "mood music" prior to beginning production session of "Multitude In Me"
Photographer and Creative Director Ashley Wang in between photographing models on set
Elizabeth Farmer pictured in a Sky Blue and White Ensemble. Photo By: Ashley Wang
Freelance Model Elizabeth Farmer is a huge fan of the color blue, so she felt extremely happy and confident in this ensemble. Photo by: Ashley Wang
Elizabeth Farmer use to look at the clouds a lot as a kid and tried to imagine what the shapes resemble. In a lot of ways, this look brings her back to those days. Photo by: Ashley Wang
Model Aries Moschino and Elizabeth Farmer pictured together. Photo by: Ashley Wang
Model Athena pictured in a Filipina-cape fusion. Photo: Ashley Wang
Tattoo and Piercing Artist Athena was ecstatic to work with another Filipina artist and describes Barked Baby as a brand that embraces fluidity. Photo: Ashley Wang
Athena accounts their experiences with Tianna Mae as warm and personal and has expressed feeling really good and comfortable in what they're wearing. Photo: Ashley Wang
Storm Nguyen :
Thank you for elaborating to us on how one of the looks in "Multitude in Me" came to fruition. I especially appreciate how intentional you are in this process and also make an effort to include the feedback of people you work with when it comes to your designs, especially your models! I can see how the pillars of "community building" reflect itself in this way. Since we are talking about your craft as a fashion designer, I am wondering where you feel your design aesthetic aligns and why?
Tianna Mae:
I'd say what I'm trying to embody is more aligned with avant garde streetwear fused with a mix of cultural wear. My style is very expressive with lots of bright colors paired with conceptual imagery and messaging. I tend to use a lot of flowers and incorporate different shades of purple and green into my style.
Storm Nguyen :
Yeah I definitely notice that too! In my eyes, your style is very soft and pulls from an earthy and ocean nature-based imagery.
Tianna Mae:
oh my gosh, I didn't realize that you're so right. I guess that's another way my work encompasses my passions, especially my interests in teaching outdoor education to youth.
Storm Nguyen :
Thank you for expanding that Tianna! I wanted to take our conversation back to the topic of your recent collection. You touched on your growth from "Terrarium Dreams'' to "Multitude In Me". I want to know if there were any other challenges you encountered while conceptualizing and constructing this collection and if so, how did you overcome them?
Tianna Mae:
I was not technically trained through fashion school or anything like that so I had no context or understanding of how I "should" be constructing garments. For example, with "Multitude In Me", I have two pieces that are modal, meaning they change from one thing to another and in this case, I had a backpack that transforms into a filipiana and a tote bag that turns into a bolero. Those were so challenging for me and honestly, I procrastinated working on these pieces because I was so scared how it would turn out. So a part of this challenge for me was overcoming a "mental block", and also insecurities about my skill level. However, my friend Clarissa is a knitter/crocheter and helped me make progress on these pieces. We were talking about boleros, and she says "oh yeah, when I construct a bolero, I do it this way." She starts with the bottom panels and then works on the sleeves but in my head, I was working the other way around. When she mentioned her method, that kind of changed my life honestly. I was able to see it in a different way because of my friend but of course, it was still a lot of trial and error. Other difficulties just simply involved some things I didn't know how to do yet. I had to just figure it out by trying and failing. Eventually, I had gave up the idea of "I must do this a certain way", and thought "Okay, whatever way works for me, I will roll with it." I had to come to terms with being okay from straying away from my original plan of constructing things if it came down to it.
Model Hippolyta Toussaint pictured in look "TPN" Photo: Ashley Wang
Toussaint's look features a puffer bolero/tote hybrid and resembles the joyfulness of a pig Photo: Ashley Wang
Fun Fact: The TPN Look took the longest amount of time for Tianna Mae to create in this collection. Photo: Ashley Wang
Storm Nguyen:
Throughout our conversation, You have mentioned a lot of themes of being very community based and family oriented. Could you explain to us What does that mean in relation to your brands and especially the conception of this collection?
Tianna Mae:
In relation to the collection, there's definitely a lot of communal themes within it. For example, Heidi Grace Acuna's piece is called the "kamayan." Kamayan is a big Filipino feast where everyone sits together over some bamboo leaves that have a bunch of food on top and we eat together with our hands. I loved having Kamayan but it is something I don't get to do a lot. I really only did it when I was a kid and as I've grown up, I partake in it less and less or only when I go back to the Philippines. This is one instance of how family and community has been integrated into my collection. I also think just getting to know my models beforehand was a big part of the "community". I prioritize "story" in my craft and especially in picking my models rather than selecting based off of "looks." I think that strengthens this idea of community building I value so much. Even now, after wrapping up production of the collection, I like to connect with the models on other topics especially as it pertains to their own interests like with one of the models, Ejay, I read their play script they wrote.
Storm Nguyen:
Going into more general questions related to your creativity, I want to ask you; reflecting on your journey thus far, how would you say an artistic outlet or expression has been important to your growth? What would you say to someone that's contemplating on embarking on their own creative journey?
Tianna Mae:
For the second part of the question, the first thing that came to my mind was the phrase "trust your process." I think the reason why it took me so long to get another collection out is because I felt like I was falling behind, I felt like I wasn't as good as my peers. I was clouded with a sense of self doubt. I would tell somebody who's contemplating to just try their craft a little bit every day. It's not going to look the same, you might not get it "right" immediately and that's something I still struggle with. As for my creative outlet, I think the only reason I was able to explore my art so much is because of my support system. Even being surrounded by other artists too has really helped. Which is another thing I would advise people to do, find or build a community of people who are also creative and are heading in the same direction that you're going, you don't have to learn alone.
Storm Nguyen:
Thank you for answering. I think that's very important for the sake of fostering community. In many ways, I consider you apart of my creative community as someone that is also very driven by their support system and whose work is driven by stories as well. So, my next question for you: Creativity is often tied with emotion. Can you describe what kind of feelings you carry while making your art?
Heidi Acuna Grace sports the Kamayan piece Photo: Ashley Wang
Heidi Grace is the designer and founder of Filipinx-based Fashion Brand "Hybrid Honey" who shares a similar mission with Tianna Mae's "Barkada Baby". Photo: Ashley Wang
Heidi Grace pictured lounging in the "kamayan" look Photo: Ashley Wang
Freelance Model and Microbiology Student JJ Seabrook in "Horsin' Around". Photo: Ashley Wang
JJ Seabrook feels Tianna Mae has highlighted his bright childlike energy into the look he is showcasing. Photo: Ashley Wang
"Horsin' Around" is an exploration of self through playful representation. Photo: Ashley Wang
Tote bag featured in the "Horsin' Around" Look. Photo: Ashley Wang
Ejay Amor is a Filipino-American Model and Actor who describes themselves an Introverted yet Edgy personality. Photo: Ashley Wang
Ejay Amor feels a lot of pride working with a Filipina-owned brand. Amor expressed a lot of comfortability immediately walking on to the set and did not feel any pressure to be a certain way. Photo: Ashley Wang
Ejay Amor comments the construction of "Multitude In Me" portrays a childlike-spirit but through a mature perspective. Photo: Ashley Wang
Tianna Mae
A lot of the emotions expressed in my fashion and art are from a sentiment of just wanting to heal. I tend to portray affirmative themes with very bright yet calm color palettes, but also very busy because that's just how I feel sometimes. I want people to feel "homey" when they see my creations, especially since art is often displayed in people's homes, I want to make sure my work feels like something that provides comfort. However at the same time, I can choose to convey the opposite. Actually, a lot of my culturally inspired pieces thus far have been drawn from feelings of rage and frustration because, there's just so much that I am angry about when it comes to how diasporic people of color have been denied access to their own cultures and how we know so little about our own people to the point we're so disconnected from our roots because of white supremacy and imperialism. So I have created art and clothing that can act as a "reclaiming" of what was lost. I definitely viewed it as a spectrum.
Storm Nguyen
That's interesting you point that out! I definitely feel like our emotions are intertwined with the art we create. Art is subjective and interpretative and can be created depending on where we are on this spectrum of emotions at the time we create our art. Sometimes, those emotions even fluctuate while we are in the process of making said art. Artists often feel an emotion and when they want to create, one of the first questions that come to mind is "How do I want to express what I am feeling right now?" Moving on, I have a fun question for you: If you were asked or invited to design and present a collection in any city in the world, which would it be and why?
Tianna Mae
Oh, easy, I would say Ternocon located in the PhilippinesIts a convention that celebrates Filipino traditional wear. I interpret the event as an encouragement to move forward. Our cultural wear is still very tied to our colonization, I think we can acknowledge that in our fashion but also elevate this art to a point where it's our own. I believe Ternocon is an incredible platform pushing that message. There is a mixture of both bigger brands and smaller designers that present there. I have always been invested in elevating my own cultural wear and it would also be cool to bridge perspectives between Filipino Americans and Filipinos in the Philippines. Some years, the convention is presented at Japanese Fashion Weeks too, which is really fun because then you see this kind of cultural mixing where pieces from Ternocon get shown on Japanese runways.
Storm Nguyen
Why do you think there is this "cultural mixing" with Ternocon in Japanese spaces?
Tianna Mae
I think Asia in general has its own fashion scene, Japan is definitely one of the hubs and it is close to the Philippines. Geographically, a lot of textile and fabric factories and sweatshops are located on the continent and many suffer from labor exploitation. I think that is also a reason for "cultural mixing" individuals have the skills and know how to make these intricately designed items and have adapted a heightened sense of creativity and resourcefulness and are exposed to differing perspectives and so I think that might be why they're often in the same spheres.
Storm Nguyen
Can you expand some more on why you're attracted to the fashion industry in the Asian continent specifically?
Tianna MAe
For me, it's just about which kind of designers or creatives I want to learn from. I don't really see myself in Western spaces like London or Australia because their standard or “default” doesn't really align with my personal design aesthetic and practices. The attitude around fashion is different in Asia, specifically Japan and I am super curious to learn techniques from different Asian designers. For example, I watched this Japanese anime called “JoJo's Bizarre Adventure” and I was super drawn to the series because when sketching the "fashions" of each character, the creator pulls styles displayed in Vogue magazines and elevates it. So every character featured in the show has some extremely unique aesthetics.
Storm Nguyen
I am curious to know, Would you say that you appreciate how diverse fashion is portrayed in Japan? I often view Japan as one of the fashion hubs with many different "facets" of styles. There's designers that lean into more of a vibrant and campy aesthetic but also designers that opt for a super minimalist and structural look, not to mention Goth Lolita and Harajuku styles that have such a heavy cultural footprint within the Japanese fashion industry.
Tianna mae
Yeah, l really like that a lot. I think the wide range of fashion styles present in Japan and honestly any other hub in Asia is a huge part of why I want to be there. I feel like dressing to the nines isn't as taboo in these cities. In Seattle, sometimes you'll get looked at or people will ask why you are dressed up. I've always been asked that question and I always say "well, I don't, I don't know, because I want to." But like I noticed when I was in Japan, people were just wearing whatever they wanted most of the time if they weren't at school or work. So the overall attitude towards fashion in addition to the diversity of styles is just different. I also find it super inspiring how it is common to see the fusion of modernism and cultural tradition in the Asian fashion industry.
Storm Nguyen
Yeah, I think you bring up a really good point. I would also even say you can see that fusion of modernism and tradition reflected in architecture and interior design that is very particular to this mindset of "paying it forward" as of respect to culture. I think this idea is kind of absent from the Western and European fashion industries so I see why you are drawn to Japanese fashion industry! My last question for you: As a queer Filipinx American, what is something you want the global audience to understand about creativity and intersectionality?
Tianna mae
Oh that is so hard, there's so many things I could say but I feel like at least with my perspective on life and where I'm coming from, as a Queer Filipinx artist, there's so much power in our creativity as marginalized folks. There's so much power in our ability to imagine when it comes to our creativity and even how this world operates. I think Marginalized folks are always just so innovative and have a sense of what a world that we all truly deserve looks like, we know what liberation can look like, and I think that's just powerful. That's why you see how much political art or you see art that provokes such heavy deep-rooted emotion. The creativity doesn't have to be based in protest, or anything, it literally could just be a sentiment of "this piece of art is telling me that it's okay for me to rest" and it would be extremely profound. So a message to the global audience and especially other queer creatives of color, please remember that you really just hold so much power even if it's the least technical drawing you ever made. There is just so much power in being able to say you've made that and have this imagination within you. I know, people like to say art is not always that deep, but I think it really is that deep, especially coming from marginalized artists. How you present your art to others can totally impact the trajectory of people's lives and that can either be negative or positive.
Storm Nguyen
Thank you for touching that! There is definitely a wide range of commentary and interpretations that can be made from a single production of art with a very specific perspective.
Tianna mae
Yeah, exactly and I feel like people who aren't creative sometimes devalue that sentiment, I know we live in a world where STEM is super valued but I mean we as humans wouldn't be where we are without imagination. On a global scale, we need to value creatives for what they are and they are changemakers. I wish people would pay more attention to these details. So many creative minds went into the making of the clothes that you're wearing on your body and I hope people know that.
Storm Nguyen
Well that reaches the end of our conversation! Thank you so much for taking some time to discuss your collection "Multitude In Me" and touch on your journey in fashion. It is extremely appreciated and I can't wait to see what is next for you!
Tianna Mae
Yes of course! Thank you so much for having me.
Portrait of Tianna Mae Photo: Storm Nguyen
Group Shot of Tianna Mae's "Multitude In Me" collection. Photo: Ashley Wang
Tianna Mae sports a light purple Filipina removable sleeve from their first collection: "Terrarium Dreams". Photo: Ashley Wang