Get away and recharge “T

RAVELSPIRATION”. I came across this word on Instagram. Apparently, it’s one of the many hashtags millennials use on photo captions these days, so I’m just following the trend.

Talk about feeling young, eh? Anyway, in a few hours, I’ll be boarding my flight back to Malaysia.

I’m going to write as much as I can while waiting because I’m trying to occupy myself with something beneficial instead of fidgeting and scrolling through baby photos on my phone. I cannot wait to have my twins back in my arms!

Gosh, time away from my babies really sucks but thank goodness for FaceTime! How did mothers do it before technology?

So anyway, it’s almost a year since I last visited London, a city that is close to my heart and to Mimpikita.

I was so excited to be back. But I was only in London for a quick work trip to visit our London stockist to settle some documentation, as well as to kickstart a few discussions we had in mind for Mimpikita London in 2018 and simply to be inspired once again!

Since this was my first trip after becoming a mother, it was really refreshing because I met people from all sorts of backgrounds, explored new culture and enjoyed what the world has to offer without worrying about anything but myself.

Also, I took advantage of the trip to find new ideas for Mimpikita. It was like doing a lot of things at once. But the good thing about being in the creative industry is that even though you are travelling for work (which, in my case, includes outsourcing fabrics, meeting clients and buyers), you can still look for inspiration at every corner. Creativity is subjective.

THE HIGHLIGHT

So during our trip, we visited the Christian Dior, Couturier Du Reve exhibition in Paris which became the highlight of the trip.

The entire installation was brilliant. But who am I kidding? It’s Christian Dior. Of course it has to be perfect!

Another highlight was when we visited the Balenciaga Shaping Fashion exhibition.

My utmost respect goes out to the people behind these installations. They are doing such an amazing job at preserving haute couture. A lot of hard work have been put into each piece and I felt honoured to have seen them. Definitely one of the experiences I will treasure forever.

We made sure to include Paris in our itinerary during this short trip because everyone has a favour- Part of the amazing couture pieces exhibit at Christian Dior, Couturier Du Reve exhibition in Paris. My sister (Mira) and I at one of our London stockists, Studio One Twenty at High Street Islington.

ite city in the world, and mine happens to be the City of Love.

Typical, I know. But Paris has a strong fashion vibe that I cannot resist. The city makes me feel I’m ready for new adventures and discoveries. Plus, what’s not to love about Paris? The locals and the tourists are always dressed to the nines while walking along the Champs-Elysees. There are cute shops with fancy window displays, endless art and history all around. Everything in Paris feels like a dream! I am so glad my sister and I decided to make a quick trip here this time around. It was very rejuvenating.

TRAVEL AND SELF-DISCOVER

Everyone who has the opportunity to travel should do so. This does not only apply to designers. Each of us needs a break at some point. One of the best advice I’ve read is: “Taking a break from work to travel is the best gift you can give to yourself”. I definitely do not disagree. Let’s face it, we all know how challenging our jobs can get sometimes. So why don’t we give it a rest and do something fun?

Also, we travel to get inspired. You can go wherever you like in the world and you will get inspired,regardless of your destination. Sometimes travelling sends me a great reminder on why I have decided to become a designer.

Travelling also gives one a new perspective on life. You will discover a lot of new

things. But I guess one valuable lesson you get from travelling is the realisation that growth always comes from experience and self-discovery.

Just like any other year, 2017 has been nothing but hectic. Everything doubles up, especially with the arrival of my twins.

Everyone needs me-time and mothers, especially, need it more than anyone else. They need to recharge at the end of the day so that they can carry out their responsibilities to their families.

Mothers who juggle nine-to-five jobs and families are amazing. To them, I have this to say: Never forget to prioritise yourself too. Well, if you can’t make it to Paris, perhaps a quiet walk at the nearest shopping mall or park will suffice for now.

Time off for yourself is important for your well-being. Get the rest you deserve, ladies!

Anyway, by the time this article is published, you can be assured that I will be safely back in KL, juggling between changing diapers and getting my work done at Mimpikita.

Oh, I miss my boys so much. But like I said, some time off from motherhood in the cities I love most is exactly what I need to recharge. Leaving my boys for a few days at home with my husband doesn’t sound so bad after all (hahaha).

I hope to be back in London and Paris very soon with my boys. For now, this momma is going to go home to meet her babies and start working on a new collection because she’s super-inspired!

London, I’ll be back soon!