DESIGNER MUSINGS: 2020 REFLECTIONS
Saying goodbye to the year that was
Words by Bridget Barnett
In order to embrace the new, we must first accept the old—every life-changing, mind-altering part of it. From conscious creation to acceptance and gratitude, our designers share what they’ve learned over the past 12 months, and what their outlooks are for the year ahead.
“When I look back at where I was this time last year, it was a totally different world. It seems like decades ago, not a mere 11 months. What did I learn this year? That I can be really satisfied with less, but it’s important that everything has meaning. I have learned to let go and let people I really trust and admire do their thing. By doing that, we will always get the best results, even if they are not exactly how I originally envisioned. I have learned to put myself out there, especially on Instagram, and to be free thinking about where it will take me and our brand. I have developed real clarity on who it is I want surrounding me to make the company and our respective lives a better place. I have learned that life is too short for bad style and that I will never again create anything that is not directly from the heart. I have learned that the company you keep speaks volumes about who you are, much more than what you say yourself. We are not all as articulate as we would love to be. So yes, your actions and your results should and do speak the loudest.”
– Amy Smilovic, Tibi
“I don’t always agree that entering a new year is the best and only time to take stock of your life and change. I’m not big on resolutions as I prefer to do things, set goals and make changes on an ongoing basis. However, this is certainly a strange year to reflect on and I believe in making peace with the things we cannot change, being patient with the things we can, and being grateful for the things that make us smile. I have found having a child to be incredibly inspirational for wanting to do better and work harder—I know she’s watching.”
– Mary Alice Malone, Malone Souliers
“Before this year, there was rigidity in creative output. As an industry, the structure was linear: brands designed collections, travelled overseas, showed at fashion week, and fell into only one way. Through having to stay home, we have learned to innovate. This year has taught us that there is always more than one way. We are no longer restricted by calendars but can work on our own schedule, allowing us to build at a pace that suits us. Exploring digital communication has allowed us to grow deeper connections with family, friends and our online audience. We are no longer rushed or distracted, and we can now stop and take our time, inquiring as to how people really are and always checking in. Travelling used to be so tiring for us; we will not take it for granted anymore. We are excited about the possibility of being overseas again, and connecting with those we haven’t seen for so long.”
– Melvin Tanaya, Song for the Mute
“What a year 2020 has been! While it has been punctuated by some serious challenges, it has also been a unique opportunity for growth. The global pandemic has been real, but we have also seen the very necessary rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. Personally, I have learned more this year about what is most important, both for myself and for my brand. 2020 has been the impetus to continue coming back to those values and making sure that my choices are always aligned. We have taken the time to slow down and focus on a seasonless approach in our jewellery collections, which is in line with the sustainable ethos that has always been at the core of the brand. 2020 has also given us time to fully realise our hopes and dreams as a brand, officially launching our new Holly Ryan HQ in Sydney, expanding into men’s jewellery and bespoke bridal services, as well as laying the foundations for some really exciting new collaborations next year. In 2021 and beyond, we plan on staying true to exactly who we are and what we stand for.”
– Holly Ryan, Holly Ryan
“We have been facing COVID-19 for more than ten months. While it has been possible for us to keep ourselves physically safe by staying isolated, in reality an isolated life contributes to other stresses. For this reason, 2021 is an opportunity to review and learn about our lives. What can we learn? This situation has seen the human race confront a common enemy: the virus. Instead of wars of interest or thoughts, we have to cooperate as one allied force. Going forward, I intend to accept this and find something for our businesses to cooperate on, even if this is with our rivals. One ocean, all lands.”
– Eiichiro Homma, Nanamica