Threads ‘n Needles With DJ A$trid

1. What does an average day look like in your life? 

I begin my day with a vigorous workout in the early morning hours before heading to my studio/office to meet with my production manager to review the current progress of the garments, check orders, and oversee the day’s business operations. 

2. The worlds of music and fashion design coincide from time to time. Is it the tempo or the threads and needles that came first? 

When I was in my sophomore year of high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in fashion design. When I enrolled in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was right. Aside from that, I toyed with the idea of making music my profession for a while. While hustling and bustling through design school, a college friend and I formed an electronic duo called Glasscat. We used to record amateur EPs and distribute them to music festivals all over the world (laughs). We, on the other hand, grew out of it. 

3. The designs you created are, without a doubt, excellent; Who or what served as your sources of inspiration while creating these designs? 

I’ve created scenarios in my head about people in various settings. My designs are influenced by personal experiences, other people, music, and cultural traditions. Rather than following a trend, I create designs that are inspired by a feeling or an experience. 

4. Do you have a passion for something other than fashion and music? 

Recently, I’ve been working on repurposed furniture projects. Crafted from discarded wood, metal, beer crates, and other materials. 

5. How do you maintain a healthy balance between crate digging and conceptualizing an outfit while also fulfilling your other responsibilities and engaging in other interests and activities? 

I believe that if there are things that are second nature to you, it would not be difficult to maintain a sense of balance because everything becomes innately intertwined. 

6. Have you ever been motivated or inspired by other women in your professional life? Tell us about someone who has had an impact on your life in some manner. 

Prior to attending college, I worked at a number of different internships. Both of these would allow me to become immersed in fashion and music. In one of these internships, we worked for a boss who was our age or slightly older, but who was already very high up on the corporate ladder while still remaining humble. We worked together as a production team for one of the largest music festivals in the Philippines, which was held in Manila. I have continued to use the work ethic that I learned from her to this day. I’ve learned that you don’t have to brag about every single accomplishment you’ve achieved. Sometimes a piece of work can simply speak for itself. And that, in my opinion, is what true success looks like. 

7. In the midst of the pandemic, what projects are you currently working on? 

“REBIRTH 001” was the name of the first full collection I designed for Beverly Moon, which was launched a few months ago. Currently, I’m working on a special release as well as a second collection that will be released in mid-2022. 

8. What is your go-to jam when it comes to making a concept for your next catalog of clothing? 

When I’m thinking about a design, I like to listen to something completely different from what I’m doing. When I’m working on a rugged utilitarian collection, I’ll put on Shigeo Sekito’s Special Sound Series to get in the right frame of mind. This is a very earthy, serene, and cool elevator-type of record. The beauty of contrasts serves as an inspiration for me.