When asked what their biggest goals were, Mamuro Oki, one half of unorthodox maximalist/minimalist duo Ha.Mu, said: “Go more international and be stronger as a brand.” We saw the former happening six months ago when Abraham Guardian and Mamuro Oki took over Paris. Now, it looks like the two fashion designers’ second goal has been actualized as well.
Read more: Leaders of the New Cool: Ha.Mu
According to The Benildean, Ha.Mu, along with fellow rising visual leaders Dex Fernandez, Maco Custodio, and Wika Nadera, has been selected as one of the finalists of this year’s MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila with their “Mama! Mama! I Feel Quaint” collection. This avant-garde body of work tackles “emotions that are on a limbo, of not feeling neither joy or sadness.” Expect distorted mannequins, oversized textiles, and the brand of evocativeness Ha.Mu has been raising up for us free-spirited kids.
MullenLowe NOVA Awards Manila aims to bring together both Filipino visionaries and industry leaders in supporting “emerging talent, creative excellence, and innovation.” Although only six prizes will be given to the shortlisted 10, we’re already glad to see our hardworking artists getting more recognition. It’s what they deserve.
Photograph by Czar Kristoff
Art by Cathy Dizon