In Conversation with Filipino-Australian Fashion Designer & Founder of MADMADE, Maddy Cablao
Photo: Jed Cablao
Please introduce yourself by telling us your name, age and a little bit about yourself.
My name is Mad, I am 31 years old, I’m from Melbourne, I am a proud Filipino Australian, I am a mum, a wife, I love fashion and I am the owner of a small business called MADMADE!
How did you first get into fashion?
Fashion has been in my life ever since I was a little girl. I spent a lot of my childhood under the care of my auntie, who used to sew and design clothes. She’d take me along with her to fabric stores and make my clothes for special events. Everything she’d make me was different - whether that be the fabric she’d use or the detail she’d put on a garment. Your clothes can tell a story, and in my case, the unique clothes my auntie made share memories of the different parts of my childhood, regardless of whether I liked the pieces or not. It has taken me a long time to discover and have confidence in my style, but I can safely say that this is where my interest in fashion began.
How would you describe your style of fashion?
My style favours comfort. I love an oversized silhouette, and I like to mix masculine and feminine pieces. I think it’s very reflective of my love for the 90s and 2000s.
Very generic question, but who or what inspires you?
My upbringing as a Filipino Australian inspires me. I think the most empowering part about being a creative is being able to communicate inspiration through your work. I believe my culture makes me who I am, and I am proud of that.
Have you always had dreams of being a creative? If not, what did your younger self want to be when you grew up?
I grew up in a household that encouraged me to pursue a career that would always remain in demand to maintain financial stability. My Younger self wanted to draw cartoons for a living, but this wasn’t encouraged. I ended up believing I didn’t have a creative bone in my body, and I pursued accounting. I believe my experiences made me who I am today, and I’m glad I was able to figure out on my own that I love to create and be able to use my creative abilities in a professional sense as an adult.
Photo: Jed Cablao
Would you say your family and friends have supported your aspirations in pursuing a creative career?
It wasn’t until I bought my own sewing machine and started making things that I discovered my potential as a creative, it felt like a bit of a full circle moment since I grew up around sewing. Since then my friends have always been supportive. My husband has always supported and encouraged me from the beginning to pursue creativity!
What are your thoughts on the Adelaide creative scene?
I think this city has a lot to offer, there is a lot of hidden talent here. From a fashion perspective, I believe the creative scene has come a long way from what it was, but I still hear a lot of “I can’t dress the way I want because I live in Adelaide”. (I’m guilty of this mentality) Using creativity to express who you are is a strength, and it should be celebrated.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us
What’s your all-time favourite film?
I am a HARRY POTTER nerd- the goblet of fire is my favourite!!
Now this magazine is titled “Homebody” What makes you feel most at home?
Home is where the heart is!! I love people! For me right now home is being around the people I love - my family and friends.
What dish or food reminds you of home?
A classic Filipino breakfast- my personal favourite is tosilog! When my husband and I were in America, we went to Filipino restaurants in NY and the Bay for a good ol’ Filipino breakfast. Even though we were so far away from home, we instantly felt at home from the first spoonful! The best!!!
Do you have any memorable childhood or adolescent memories of something that feels like home to you?
I spent my childhood in the north and east side of Melbourne, so whenever I get a chance to visit these areas, I’m flooded with childhood memories and reminded of the simple yet fulfilling days that make me feel like I’m at home.
What is your wildest dream as a creative?
My wildest dream is a bit basic, but it’s to travel to different countries and spend time/ learn from others in the fashion industry.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career similar to yours?
Master your craft, remember the journey isn’t linear. Tell yourself you are worthy and capable of anything you set your mind to. Keep going and keep growing.
Where does Maddy Cablao hope to be in five years?
I hope to be more skilled at what I do, at the moment I am trying to navigate work life, creativity, a small business and most importantly motherhood. I have a lot of learning and within 5 years I hope to achieve a healthy balance between it all because being a creative is a huge part of who I am.
What can people expect to see from you in the coming months?
More sewing projects! I’ve never needed to create baby clothes until now, there are things I have to think about from a design aspect for a baby, so it’s a whole new world of learning. You can expect to see unique baby clothes from me.
